Understandable · Level AA · Introduced in WCAG 2.0
WCAG 3.2.3: Consistent Navigation
Published by whatisADA / Grow Wild Agency · Updated
What this criterion means
Navigation repeated across a set of pages must keep the same relative order unless the user initiates a change. Predictability helps users find familiar destinations without relearning the layout.
A practical example
A help center reverses the positions of Contact and Documentation on different article templates. Use a shared navigation source so those links remain in the same relative order across the page set.
How to check it
- Select pages using different templates within the same site section.
- Compare the repeated navigation items in reading and focus order.
- Test the same responsive variation across pages and document any ordering change that the user intentionally requests.
What can be missed
This does not prohibit adding a context-specific link or responsive layouts. The relevant test is the relative order of repeated mechanisms under comparable conditions.
Record your test
Use this worksheet to record what you actually checked. Notes stay on this device when you choose Save; they are not sent to us. Avoid personal or confidential information on shared devices.
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.