WCAG Explained: A, AA and AAA Levels
WCAG stands for the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, the internationally recognised standard for accessible websites. It is the benchmark most organisations and regulators point to when they ask whether a site is accessible.
WCAG groups its requirements into three conformance levels — A, AA and AAA — so you can target a sensible, achievable standard rather than an all-or-nothing one.
What the Levels Mean
Each level builds on the one before it. Level A is the minimum, AA is the practical target for most sites, and AAA is the most demanding.
| Level | Meaning | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| A | Essential basics; without these the site is unusable for some | Absolute minimum |
| AA | Removes the most common, significant barriers | The standard most organisations aim for |
| AAA | The highest level; not always achievable site-wide | Targeted areas or specialist services |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which level should we aim for?
AA is the widely accepted target and the level most laws and procurement rules reference. We recommend it for almost all projects.
Do we have to meet every AAA rule?
No. WCAG itself notes that AAA conformance is not realistic for all content, so we apply AAA criteria selectively where they add value.
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.