Developer Playground

20+ Free Tools · Privacy First

Success Criterion · WCAG 3.3.8

Accessible Authentication (Minimum)

A cognitive function test (such as remembering a password or solving a puzzle) is not required for any step in an authentication process unless that step provides at least one of the following: an alternative authentication method that does not rely on a cognitive function test, a mechanism to assist the user in completing the cognitive function test, or an object recognition test where the object is personally chosen by the user.

Level AAWCAG 2.2Understandable3.3 · Input Assistance

Success criterion

What WCAG 3.3.8 requires

Summarized directly from the official Understanding document so teams can quote the requirement accurately.

All non-text content that is presented to users must expose an equivalent text-based alternative unless a documented exception applies.

View Understanding 3.3.8 Open QuickRef techniques

Overview

Use this space to describe how your product interprets this success criterion, list ownership, and capture implementation decisions for future audits.

Reference: All summaries and highlights originate from Understanding WCAG 3.3.8 and the W3C quick reference.

Read the Understanding doc View sufficient techniques

Fast facts

Conformance level: Level AA
WCAG version introduced: WCAG 2.2
Principle: Understandable
Guideline: 3.3 · Input Assistance

Implementation checklist

Capture progress and blockers

Document how this criterion impacts your product and note any exceptions.
Describe the user experience goal in plain language for designers and engineers.
List the components, templates, or workflows that must meet this requirement.
Capture manual and automated testing steps for future audits.

Testing ideas

Prove conformance with evidence

Pair automated linting with human review to verify visual, auditory, or temporal aspects.
Use assistive technology walkthroughs (screen reader, keyboard, switch, voice) to validate behavior.
Capture screenshots or recordings that demonstrate pass/fail conditions.

Related success criteria

More from Input Assistance (3.3)

View all criteria

WCAG 3.3.1Error IdentificationLevel A WCAG 3.3.2Labels or InstructionsLevel A WCAG 3.3.3Error SuggestionLevel AA WCAG 3.3.4Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data)Level AA WCAG 3.3.5HelpLevel AAA WCAG 3.3.6Error Prevention (All)Level AAA WCAG 3.3.7Redundant EntryLevel A WCAG 3.3.9Accessible Authentication (Enhanced)Level AAA

Back to WCAG Explorer