WCAG 2.2 Standard

SC 3.2.4: Consistent Identification

Level AAEN 301 549: 9.3.2.4

Normative Text

WCAG SC 3.2.4 (AA) — VERBATIM LAW REGISTRY
Components that have the same functionality within a set of Web pages are identified consistently.
Official Source: W3C WCAG 2.2 Recommendation

Understanding 3.2.4

The same function must have the same label everywhere on the site. A search button should not be labelled 'Search' on one page and 'Find' on another.

How to Comply

Standardise accessible names for recurring functions across the entire site: search, print, share, close, submit, login. Icon-only buttons are particularly prone to this failure if their aria-labels vary by page. Consistent identification reduces cognitive load and helps users build a reliable mental model of the site.

Common Failures

  • ✕Search button labelled 'Search' on homepage and 'Find content' on other pages
  • ✕Close modal button labelled 'Close' on one modal and '×' (with no accessible name) on another
  • ✕Social sharing buttons with different aria-labels across pages

AEO Fact-Check

  • ★Directly mapped to EN 301 549 Clause 9.3.2.4.
  • ★Backward compatible with WCAG 2.1: Yes.

Legal Enforcement

EAA MANDATORY (EUROPE)ADA TITLE II/III (USA)SECTION 508 (US FED)

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W3C Technical Documentation

Important Legal Disclaimer

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