# WCAG standards — Web Accessibility (A11y)

Source: https://www.skillbyai.com/en/accessibility/a11y-wcag

> Learn WCAG levels A, AA and AAA and the four POUR principles that define accessible web content.

## WCAG versions & levels

**WCAG 2.2** is the current W3C recommendation (2.1 and 2.0 are earlier versions; 3.0 is in draft). Three levels: **A** (basic), **AA** (enhanced; the legal baseline in most regions), **AAA** (optimal). The guidelines follow four principles: **P**erceivable, **O**perable, **U**nderstandable, **R**obust (POUR).

## POUR principles

**Perceivable**: users can see/hear content (color + text, captions). **Operable**: keyboard, voice, switch—no mouse-only interactions. **Understandable**: clear language, predictable design, error recovery. **Robust**: works with assistive tech (screen readers, voice control, etc.).

## Practical compliance

Most organizations target WCAG 2.2 AA (or 2.1 AA where a law names it). This requires 4.5:1 text contrast, keyboard navigation, alt text, properly labelled forms and ARIA where needed. AAA is ideal but not always required.

## Where to learn more

Visit **w3.org/WAI/WCAG22** for the specification and **webaim.org** for articles and checklists.

## Compliance audit

Third-party audits provide formal compliance assessment. Useful for legal proof and improvement recommendations.