What Is a VPAT — Voluntary Product Accessibility Template Explained

In this tutorial, you will learn about What Is a VPAT. We cover key concepts, practical examples, and best practices to help you master this topic.

A VPAT is a standardized document published by ITIC that evaluates a product's conformance against Accessibility standards including Section 508, EN 301 549, and WCAG, using four conformance ratings: Supports, Partially Supports, Does Not Support, and Not Applicable.

What You'll Learn

You will learn the structure of a VPAT, the four conformance ratings, and how to interpret a VPAT as a buyer or fill one out as a vendor.

Why It Matters

VPATs are the primary tool for communicating accessibility conformance to buyers. Understanding their structure helps you create credible, useful VPATs.

Real-World Use

DodaTech's VPAT for Durga Antivirus Pro is included in every enterprise sales proposal. It uses clear language, honest ratings, and specific remarks backed by testing.

flowchart TD
  A[VPAT Structure] --> B[Product Overview]
  A --> C[WCAG Table]
  A --> D[Section 508 Table]
  A --> E[EN 301 549 Table]
  A --> F[Hardware Table]
  B --> G[Product name, version, date]
  C --> H[All WCAG criteria with ratings]
  D --> I[Section 508 paragraphs]
  E --> J[European standards]
  F --> K[If applicable]

VPAT 2.4 Structure

The VPAT 2.4 template contains four main tables: WCAG criteria (mandatory), Section 508 paragraphs (for US), EN 301 549 criteria (for EU), and hardware (if applicable).

Conformance Ratings

Supports

The criterion is fully met. No known issues.

Partially Supports

The criterion is mostly met but has known exceptions. Each exception must be documented with specific remarks.

Does Not Support

The criterion is not met. Most features fail this requirement.

Not Applicable

The criterion does not apply to the product. For example, time-based media criteria do not apply to a static documentation site.

function getConformanceMeaning(rating) {
  const meanings = {
    'Supports': 'Fully meets the criterion. No known issues.',
    'Partially Supports': 'Mostly meets but has documented exceptions.',
    'Does Not Support': 'Does not meet the criterion. Core functionality fails.',
    'Not Applicable': 'Criterion does not apply to this product.'
  };
  return meanings[rating] || 'Unknown rating';
}

console.log(getConformanceMeaning('Partially Supports'));

Expected output:

'Mostly meets but has documented exceptions.'

VPAT vs ACR

The VPAT is the blank template. The ACR (Accessibility Conformance Report) is the completed document. In practice, the terms are used interchangeably.

Who Creates VPATs

The product vendor typically creates the VPAT based on internal testing. Third-party accessibility consultants can create independent VPATs for greater credibility.

Common Mistakes

1. Using Wrong Conformance Rating

Conflating Partially Supports with Supports. If any exception exists, it is Partially Supports, not Supports.

2. Leaving Remarks Blank

Every entry needs remarks. Blank remarks tell buyers you did not test.

3. Rating Everything as Not Applicable

Criteria that obviously apply (like keyboard access for software) must not be marked Not Applicable.

4. Using VPAT 2.3 Instead of 2.4

VPAT 2.4 includes updated criteria. Older versions may be rejected.

5. Not Including the Product Version

A VPAT without a product version is not a valid procurement document.

6. Making the VPAT Too Long

VPATs should be comprehensive but concise. Long-winded remarks are not helpful.

7. Not Including Testing Methodology

Describe how you tested. Automated tools, manual testing, and screen reader testing all add credibility.

Practice Questions

1. What are the four VPAT conformance ratings?

Supports, Partially Supports, Does Not Support, and Not Applicable.

2. What is the difference between VPAT and ACR?

VPAT is the template. ACR is the completed report.

3. When should a criterion be rated Partially Supports?

When most of the criterion is met but there are known exceptions that are documented.

4. What information must be in the product overview section?

Product name, version number, evaluation date, and standards covered.

5. Challenge: Review a product you use. Pick 5 WCAG criteria and estimate what VPAT rating you would assign for each.

FAQ

Mini Project

Create a conformance rating key for your team. Write a one-sentence definition for each of the four ratings and provide an example.

What's Next

Learn about the VPAT History and its connection to Section 508. Then explore the ACR Template Structure in detail.