WCAG Guideline 3.2.6: Consistent Help Explained
Estimated read time: 5–6 minutes
Guideline 3: Understandable
The Understandable principle ensures that users can easily interact with and understand web content, including how to get help when needed.
Guideline 3.2: Predictable
Guideline 3.2 focuses on making web pages behave in ways users expect, including the location and availability of help features.
What Is Guideline 3.2.6 Consistent Help?
"If a web page contains any mechanisms for help, they occur in the same relative order on each page where they are repeated."
Guideline 3.2.6 requires that help features (like contact info, chat, or FAQs) are consistently located and presented across your site.
- Helps users find help quickly and easily
- Essential for users with cognitive or learning disabilities
- Applies to all repeated help mechanisms
For more, see BOIA: Consistent Help – Tips for Meeting WCAG Success Criterion 3.2.6 .
Why Does It Matter?
- All Users: Benefit from predictable help locations
- Screen Reader Users: Rely on consistent navigation
- Accessibility: Reduces confusion and increases confidence
For more, see W3C’s guidance on Consistent Help .
What Needs Consistent Help?
- Contact information
- Live chat or support buttons
- Help links or FAQs
- Any repeated help mechanism
How to Meet Guideline 3.2.6
- Place help features in the same location and order on every page
- Use templates or components for help mechanisms
- Test for consistency across your site
For more, see the W3C's Consistent Help Techniques .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Moving help features between pages
- Inconsistent labeling or presentation of help
- Not using templates for repeated help mechanisms
Differences Between A, AA, and AAA for Guideline 3.2.6 in WCAG 2.2
- Level AAA: Requires consistent help mechanisms across pages.
- Level AA: Not applicable (3.2.6 is a Level AAA requirement).
- Level A: Not applicable (3.2.6 is a Level AAA requirement).
For more, see the W3C’s official documentation for 3.2.6 Consistent Help .
Quick Checklist
- Help features are in the same place on every page
- Consistent labeling and presentation
- Templates or components used for help mechanisms
- Tested for consistency with assistive technology
Summary
Guideline 3.2.6 ensures that users can always find help in the same place, making your site more accessible and user-friendly.
Consistency builds trust—make help easy to find for everyone!