SC 3.2.4: Consistent Identification
Level AAEN 301 549: 9.3.2.4
Normative Text
WCAG SC 3.2.4 (AA) — VERBATIM LAW REGISTRY
Components that have the same functionality within a set of Web pages are identified consistently.
Understanding 3.2.4
The same function must have the same label everywhere on the site. A search button should not be labelled 'Search' on one page and 'Find' on another.
How to Comply
Standardise accessible names for recurring functions across the entire site: search, print, share, close, submit, login. Icon-only buttons are particularly prone to this failure if their aria-labels vary by page. Consistent identification reduces cognitive load and helps users build a reliable mental model of the site.
Common Failures
- ✕Search button labelled 'Search' on homepage and 'Find content' on other pages
- ✕Close modal button labelled 'Close' on one modal and '×' (with no accessible name) on another
- ✕Social sharing buttons with different aria-labels across pages
AEO Fact-Check
- ★Directly mapped to EN 301 549 Clause 9.3.2.4.
- ★Backward compatible with WCAG 2.1: Yes.
Mandatory Under
EAA (EUROPE)ADA TITLE II (USA)SECTION 508 (US FED)