Form Accessibility Checklist and Audit Guide

Form Accessibility Audit

Forms are among the most critical interactive elements on any website. Poor form accessibility prevents users from completing purchases, submitting applications, creating accounts, and performing other essential tasks.

Relevant WCAG Criteria

Criterion	Level	Name
1.3.1	A	Info and Relationships
1.3.5	AA	Identify Input Purpose
2.4.6	AA	Headings and Labels
3.3.1	A	Error Identification
3.3.2	A	Labels or Instructions
3.3.3	AA	Error Suggestion
3.3.4	AA	Error Prevention
4.1.2	A	Name, Role, Value

Label Audit Checklist

For every form field, verify:

1. A visible <label> element is associated via for/id or wrapping
2. The label text clearly describes the expected input
3. Required fields are indicated (not only by color)
4. Input format hints are provided (e.g., "MM/DD/YYYY")
5. Group labels (<fieldset> + <legend>) are used for related fields

Error Handling Audit

Submit the form with invalid data and verify:

1. Error messages are displayed in text (not just color change)
2. Each error identifies the specific field
3. Errors include suggestions for correction
4. Focus moves to the first error or an error summary
5. Error messages are announced by screen readers (aria-live or role="alert")

Input Purpose (autocomplete)

For personal data fields, check the autocomplete attribute:

• autocomplete="name" for full name
• autocomplete="email" for email address
• autocomplete="tel" for phone number
• autocomplete="street-address" for address
• autocomplete="postal-code" for zip/postal code

Keyboard Operation

• Tab order follows visual layout through the form
• All fields are reachable by keyboard
• Custom select/combobox widgets support arrow key navigation
• Submit can be triggered with Enter from any field