WCAG 3.2.4 Consistent Identification
Components that do the same thing across the site (a search field, a "log in" button) must be labeled and identified consistently, not use different names in different places.
Table of contents
What WCAG 3.2.4 Requires
Components that do the same thing across the site (a search field, a "log in" button) must be labeled and identified consistently, not use different names in different places.
How to Test It by Hand
Compare repeated components across pages and confirm they use consistent labels and icons.
Common Failures
- One page calls a component "Search" and another calls the identical component "Find".
Testing WCAG 3.2.4 With AccessBell
This criterion depends on meaning or context, so it needs a person to judge. AccessBell's report lists it for manual review rather than marking it pass or fail automatically, so it is not missed.
Run a free scan to spot issues on your own pages.
Related Criteria in Predictable
- 3.2.1 On Focus (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
- 3.2.2 On Input (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
- 3.2.3 Consistent Navigation (Level AA, WCAG 2.0)
- 3.2.5 Change on Request (Level AAA, WCAG 2.0)
- 3.2.6 Consistent Help (Level A, WCAG 2.2)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does WCAG 3.2.4 require?
Components that do the same thing across the site (a search field, a "log in" button) must be labeled and identified consistently, not use different names in different places.
Can AccessBell test WCAG 3.2.4 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 3.2.4?
Level AA, added in WCAG 2.0. Level AA is the level referenced by the ADA, Section 508 and most accessibility laws.
Sources
- W3C: Understanding 3.2.4 Consistent Identification (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.