EN 301 549 is the European standard for ICT accessibility used in public procurement. It incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA and adds requirements for hardware and software. VPAT 2.x includes an EN 301 549 chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Every VPAT Question Answered.

Q: What does VPAT stand for?

VPAT stands for Voluntary Product Accessibility Template, created by the ITI as a standardized format for vendors to document accessibility conformance.

Q: What is a WCAG conformance level?

WCAG has three conformance levels: Level A (minimum), Level AA (regulatory standard for Section 508), and Level AAA (highest). VPATs address Level A and AA.

Q: Can a vendor submit a false VPAT?

VPATs are self-declared. Vendors can claim conformance they have not tested. Rigorous VPAT evaluation is essential rather than accepting claims at face value.

Q: What is the ITI VPAT template?

The ITI publishes the official VPAT template. The current version is VPAT 2.x, covering WCAG 2.1 and the 2017 Section 508 refresh.

Q: What is the difference between WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2?

WCAG 2.2 adds nine new success criteria to WCAG 2.1, focused on mobile, cognitive accessibility, and focus indicators. Most regulatory requirements currently reference WCAG 2.1 AA. WCAG 2.2 is backward compatible with 2.1.

Q: What file formats does VPAT Score accept?

VPAT Score accepts PDF and Word (.docx) files. Both are parsed automatically — no conversion needed before uploading.

Q: How is the accessibility grade calculated?

Each WCAG criterion carries an impact multiplier based on real-world user impact. The final score produces a letter grade (A through F) and a separate weighted risk rating (Low, Moderate, High, or Critical).

Q: How many free reviews do I get?

Every account includes 5 free reviews per month. No credit card is required to register.

Q: Is VPAT Score suitable for government procurement?

Yes. VPAT Score evaluates conformance against Section 508 criteria and produces consistent, repeatable assessments that support defensible procurement decisions.

VPATs, ACRs, WCAG, Section 508, conformance levels, hedge language, risk ratings. We've gathered the questions procurement teams, accessibility coordinators, and IT leaders ask most — and answered them all here.

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Quick Answers

The Questions We Hear Most

Before you scroll to the full FAQ, here are the six things people want to know first.

What is a VPAT?

A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template. A vendor's self-declaration of how their software conforms to WCAG and Section 508 accessibility standards.

VPAT vs ACR?

A VPAT is the blank template. An ACR (Accessibility Conformance Report) is the completed document. Both terms refer to the same thing in practice.

What is a good VPAT score?

A VPAT with full "Supports" across high-impact criteria — especially keyboard (2.1.1), contrast (1.4.3), and name/role/value (4.1.2) — scores in the A range.

What is hedge language?

Phrases like "with exceptions" or "workaround available" that appear in VPAT remarks — signaling that the vendor's conformance is incomplete or untested.

Do I need a VPAT for Section 508?

Federal agencies must ensure procured technology is accessible under Section 508. VPATs are the standard mechanism vendors use to document conformance.

How old is too old?

A VPAT more than two years old is generally considered outdated, especially if the product has major updates. Always request a VPAT for the specific version you are procuring.

Why VPAT Score

Objective Grades. Instant Answers.

Seconds, Not Hours

Upload any VPAT or ACR and receive a full weighted analysis in under a minute. No spreadsheets. No manual cross-referencing.

Weighted Risk Scoring

Not all criteria carry equal weight. Our model applies impact multipliers so you see the real accessibility risk at a glance.

Built for Procurement Teams

Designed for IT accessibility evaluators, procurement officers, and compliance teams who need defensible, repeatable results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Full VPAT FAQ

What does VPAT stand for?

What is a WCAG conformance level?

Can a vendor submit a false VPAT?

What is the ITI VPAT template?

What is the difference between WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2?

What is EN 301 549?

What file formats does VPAT Score accept?

How is the accessibility grade calculated?

Does VPAT Score store my uploaded files?

How many free reviews do I get?

Is VPAT Score suitable for government procurement?

Can I evaluate VPATs for multiple vendors?

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