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Understandable · Input Assistance

WCAG 3.3.3 Error Suggestion

When an input error is detected, and a suggestion for fixing it is known, the suggestion must be provided, unless doing so would compromise security or the purpose of the content.

3.3.3 Level AA Added in WCAG 2.0 Needs manual review

Anton StewartAuthor
Reviewed against the W3C Understanding document
Illustration: a form icon, with WCAG 3.3.3 and Error Suggestion
Table of contents

What WCAG 3.3.3 Requires

When an input error is detected, and a suggestion for fixing it is known, the suggestion must be provided, unless doing so would compromise security or the purpose of the content.

How to Test It by Hand

Trigger a common input error (a malformed email, a mismatched password) and check whether the message suggests how to fix it.

Common Failures

  • An "Invalid email" error gives no example of a correctly formatted email address.

Testing WCAG 3.3.3 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does WCAG 3.3.3 require?

When an input error is detected, and a suggestion for fixing it is known, the suggestion must be provided, unless doing so would compromise security or the purpose of the content.

Can AccessBell test WCAG 3.3.3 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 3.3.3?

Level AA, added in WCAG 2.0. Level AA is 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.

About the Author

Anton StewartAuthor

Contributor, AccessBell

Anton Stewart writes and reviews accessibility guides for the AccessBell blog, checked against the W3C standards and other primary sources.

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