Operable · Level AAA · Introduced in WCAG 2.0
WCAG 2.4.10: Section Headings
Published by whatisADA / Grow Wild Agency · Updated
What this criterion means
At Level AAA, use section headings to organize written content. Readers should be able to identify its structure and move to the part they need without reading every paragraph sequentially.
A practical example
A long refund policy is divided into “Eligibility,” “Start a return,” “Shipping costs” and “Refund timing.” The headings follow the content's actual organization instead of being inserted at arbitrary intervals.
How to check it
- Identify longer written content and the sections that communicate distinct topics.
- Check that appropriate headings introduce those sections and describe their contents.
- Navigate the heading outline and verify that the organization helps locate specific information.
What can be missed
This requirement concerns sections in writing. It is distinct from adding labels to interface widgets and does not mean every short paragraph needs its own heading.
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These are your observations, not automated results or a conformance certificate. A complete evaluation needs appropriate scope, supported technologies, all applicable criteria and relevant page states.
Primary sources and scope
This is independent implementation guidance with original examples. The linked standard contains the full definitions, exceptions and conformance requirements. A criterion or checklist alone does not establish legal applicability or whole-site conformance.