● The short answer
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is the W3C's international standard for making websites usable by people with disabilities. It has three levels: A, AA and AAA. For most organizations, Level AA is the practical target. W3C recommends the latest version, WCAG 2.2, while the DOJ's rule for US state and local governments specifies WCAG 2.1 AA.
Key takeaways
- WCAG is the W3C's international web accessibility standard, with levels A, AA and AAA.
- Level AA is the practical target for most organizations and the level most laws reference.
- W3C recommends the latest version, WCAG 2.2; the DOJ Title II rule specifies WCAG 2.1 AA.
WCAG in plain terms
WCAG is published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the body that sets core web standards. It is organized around four principles: content must be perceivable, operable, understandable and robust. Under those sit testable success criteria, such as "images have text alternatives" or "everything works with a keyboard," each assigned a level of A, AA or AAA.
As of late 2026, per the W3C:
- WCAG 2.0 was published in 2008, WCAG 2.1 in 2018 and WCAG 2.2 on October 5, 2023, with later minor updates.
- W3C says it "encourages you to use the latest version of WCAG." Content that meets 2.2 also meets 2.1 and 2.0.
- WCAG 2.2 is also an approved ISO standard, ISO/IEC 40500:2025.
- WCAG 3 is still a working draft; W3C published an updated draft for review in September 2026. It is not yet a standard you can conform to.
The how is where we come in.
What we walk through with you, for your business:
- The three levels
- Which version and level should you pick?
Every business is different, so the plan is too. Tell us where you want to show up and we will show you what it takes.
Talk to usMore questions
What is the difference between WCAG 2.1 and 2.2?
WCAG 2.2 keeps nearly all of 2.1 and adds nine success criteria, covering things like focus not being hidden, minimum target sizes for buttons, accessible authentication and avoiding redundant data entry. One older criterion about parsing was removed as obsolete. Meeting 2.2 also satisfies 2.1.
Is WCAG a law?
No, WCAG itself is a technical standard, not a law. Laws and regulations adopt it by reference, such as the DOJ's Title II rule for state and local governments, which requires WCAG 2.1 AA. For private businesses, courts and settlements often use WCAG AA as the benchmark under the ADA.
Sources
- W3C WAI: WCAG 2 Overview
- W3C WAI: For Review: WCAG 3 Working Draft (September 2026)
- ADA.gov: Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments
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