WCAG 2.1 – Criterion 3.3.3 – Error Suggestion (Level AA)

We all like to know when we’ve made a mistake, right? Well, maybe not all of us… Ideally, it’s best not to make them, but since they happen, it’s nice to know how to correct them.

WCAG 3.3.3 Error Suggestion

This is where the WCAG 3.3.3 Error Suggestion criterion (level AA) helps us. It applies to forms and error messages, which should be sufficient enough so that our User knows what needs to be corrected or what issues were missed.

What should we NOT do?

• Write very general error messages – “This field is required.” Great, but what now?
• Describe what will happen after completing the form field – “You will receive a verification code on this phone number.” We have other tools, like labels and instructions (WCAG 3.3.2).

What are sufficient error correction suggestions?

Here are a few examples:

• “The email address is invalid. Example of a valid format: example@email.com”;
• “The password is too short, use at least 8 characters”;
• “The postal code should contain 5 digits and be in the format XX-XXX.”

Remember that the error message should be appropriately linked to the specific form field so that users using assistive technology know where the error occurred and can conveniently navigate to it. There are a few techniques in this area. If you’d like to read more, we invite you to check out the article that expands on the topic of WCAG 3.3.3 Error Suggestion.