Understandable · Predictable

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.

Level AA Added in WCAG 2.0 Needs manual review

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.

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

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".

WCAG 3.2.4 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 required to meet WCAG AA, the level referenced by the ADA, Section 508 and most accessibility laws.

Sources

This page explains a technical standard and is not legal advice. See our disclaimer.

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