What WCAG 2.4.6 Requires
Headings and form labels must describe their topic or purpose clearly, so visitors scanning the page (visually or with a screen reader) can understand the structure.
Can AccessBell Test This Automatically?
Not fully. Like most WCAG criteria that depend on meaning or context, this one needs a person to judge. AccessBell's report lists it for manual review rather than marking it pass or fail automatically, so it never gets missed.
How to Test It by Hand
Read only the headings and form labels on the page, out of context, and confirm each one is descriptive rather than generic.
Common Failures
- Multiple sections are all headed "Learn More" with no distinguishing detail.
- A form field is labeled just "Input" instead of what it collects.
Related Criteria in Navigable
WCAG 2.4.6 Questions
What does WCAG 2.4.6 require?
Headings and form labels must describe their topic or purpose clearly, so visitors scanning the page (visually or with a screen reader) can understand the structure.
Can AccessBell test WCAG 2.4.6 automatically?
Not fully. This criterion needs a person to judge, so AccessBell's report lists it for manual review rather than marking it pass or fail on its own.
What level is WCAG 2.4.6?
Level AA, added in WCAG 2.0. Level AA is required to meet WCAG AA, the level referenced by the ADA, Section 508 and most accessibility laws.
Sources
- W3C: Understanding 2.4.6 Headings and Labels (opens in a new tab)
- W3C: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 (opens in a new tab)
This page explains a technical standard and is not legal advice. See our disclaimer.