Definition for WCAG 2.0 success criterion 3.3.2
3.3.2 Labels or Instructions: Labels or instructions are provided when content requires user input.
The intent of this success criterion is to have content authors place instructions or labels that identify the controls in a form so that users know what input data is expected. Instructions or labels may also specify data formats for fields especially if they are out of the customary formats or if there are specific rules for correct input. Content authors may also choose to make such instructions available to users only when the individual control has focus especially when instructions are long and verbose.
The intent of this Success Criterion is not to clutter the page with unnecessary information but to provide important cues and instructions that will benefit people with disabilities. Too much information or instruction can be just as much of a hindrance as too little. The goal is to make certain that enough information is provided for the user to accomplish the task without undue confusion or navigation.
Note: this success criterion is concerned with the presence (or absence) of appropriate labels or instructions, to avoid the problem encountered by users when form controls / inputs completely lack a label (which would affect all users), or forms controls / inputs that have some form of restriction (such as requiring a particular format for data entry) that is not made obvious. The success criterion is not concerned with whether or not these labels and instructions are marked up with the correct semantic elements and programmatically associated with the form controls or inputs they refer to (e.g. if <label> element with a correct for="..." attribute is used, or whether or not an instruction is tied to the control it refers to using aria-describedby or similar) - this aspect is covered in 1.3.1 Info and relationships (level A).
Note: although a strict reading of this success criterion would suggest that to pass, labels or instructions simply need to be present (regardless of how good/accurate they are), in general testers should use their subjective judgment to also evaluate whether or not the labels/instructions are accurate. If in doubt, testers should consult with authors and/or product owners. If labels or instructions are present, but incorrect, this criterion is marked as a fail. In the case of labels, there is an overlap between this success criterion and 2.4.6 Headings and labels (level AA) - issues relating to inaccurate labels should be reported (and cross-referenced) both in 2.4.6 Headings and Labels and 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions.
Note: if the page does not contain content that requires user input, this criterion is marked as not applicable.
Testing success criterion 3.3.2
Input into spreadsheet
- Fail
- Input elements lack an appropriate label. Record the nature of the failure:
- Not all content that requires user input has an appropriate label.
- Content that requires user input in a particular format, or with any other restrictions/requirements, lacks an appropriate instruction for the user.
- Pass
- All content that requires user input has an appropriate label; instructions are provided where necessary.
- N/A
- The sample does not contain any components that require specific user input.
How to test
- Evaluate the page for the presence of content that requires user input.
- Determine if each of these has an appropriate label and, for inputs that have additional restrictions/requirements (such as requiring a specific format, or a specific piece of information/input that is not obvious from its label alone) that some form of instruction is present to inform the user of these specific restrictions/requirements.