WCAG Guideline 3.3.5: 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, especially when completing complex tasks.
Guideline 3.3: Input Assistance
Guideline 3.3 focuses on helping users avoid and correct mistakes when entering information, especially in complex or unfamiliar situations.
What Is Guideline 3.3.5 Help?
"Context-sensitive help is available."
Guideline 3.3.5 requires that help is available for users when completing forms or complex tasks, especially when the information required is not obvious.
- Helps users complete forms and tasks successfully
- Essential for users with cognitive, visual, or learning disabilities
- Applies to all forms and complex user interactions
For more, see W3C: Understanding Help (WCAG 2.1) .
Why Does It Matter?
- All Users: May need assistance to complete unfamiliar or complex forms
- Screen Reader Users: Benefit from accessible help content
- Accessibility: Reduces errors and increases user confidence
For more, see W3C’s guidance on Help .
What Needs Help?
- All forms, especially those with complex or non-obvious requirements
- Provide help via tooltips, instructions, FAQs, or support links
- Help must be accessible to all users
How to Meet Guideline 3.3.5
- Add help icons or links next to complex fields
- Provide clear instructions or examples
- Offer contact or support options for further help
- Test help features with screen readers and accessibility tools
For more, see the W3C's Help Techniques .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not providing help for complex or unfamiliar forms
- Using inaccessible help features (e.g., tooltips not readable by screen readers)
- Failing to update help content as forms change
Differences Between A, AA, and AAA for Guideline 3.3.5 in WCAG 2.2
- Level AAA: Requires context-sensitive help for forms and complex tasks.
- Level AA: Not applicable (3.3.5 is a Level AAA requirement).
- Level A: Not applicable (3.3.5 is a Level AAA requirement).
For more, see the W3C’s official documentation for 3.3.5 Help .
Quick Checklist
- Help is available for all complex or unfamiliar forms
- Help features are accessible to screen readers
- Instructions and examples are clear and up to date
- Support options are provided for further assistance
Summary
Guideline 3.3.5 ensures that users can get the help they need to complete forms and complex tasks. Accessible help features reduce errors and improve user confidence.
Accessible help empowers users—make sure support is always within reach!