Labels or Instructions - Success Criterion 3.3.2 (Level A)

Question

Do input fields in your site or application have sufficient labels and instructions describing the information that is required?

Why is this important?

Labels and instructions for form controls and adding content to input fields enable users to enter information correctly.

Whom does it benefit?

Example 1

As a screen reader user,
I want clear labels for text fields in my exam
so that I can enter required information in the right place, using the correct format.

Example 2

As a person with dyslexia who has trouble inputting dates correctly,
I want an example of how to format my birthdate
so that I can correctly enter the information and complete an application.

What should you do?

Provide labels for all user input controls and form fields such as text boxes, radio buttons, and drop-down menus.
Include instructions on how to use controls and enter information.

How do you do it?

Labels:

Input control and form field labels should be clear and concise. One or two words should be sufficient in most cases.
If both required and optional form fields are present, label them accordingly.

Instructions:

Form fields that require entries to be formatted, such as dates, should include an example of the required format.
Instructions should be clear and concise.