VPAT vs ACR: What's the Difference?

The Short Answer

A VPAT is the blank template. An ACR is the completed document. In practice, both terms are used interchangeably to refer to the same thing: a vendor's self-declaration of how their product conforms to accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1 and Section 508.

The Long Answer

The VPAT template was created by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI). When a vendor fills out the VPAT template and publishes it, the result is technically an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). The ITI itself uses both terms in its documentation.

In federal procurement, agencies often ask vendors to "provide a VPAT" when they really mean "provide a completed ACR." Most vendors label the document they submit as a "VPAT" even though it is technically an ACR. This has led to the terms being used interchangeably across the industry.

Why Does the Distinction Matter?

Practically speaking, it usually doesn't — both refer to the same type of document. But understanding the difference helps you:

• Recognize when a vendor uses imprecise language about their accessibility documentation
• Ask for the right document: "Please provide your current ACR for product version X in VPAT 2.x format"
• Identify outdated documentation: a VPAT 1.x format predates the 2017 Section 508 refresh and may not cover current requirements

Which Term Should I Use in Procurement?

"ACR" is technically more precise when referring to the completed document. However, "VPAT" is far more commonly recognized — especially among vendors and in general procurement conversations. Either is acceptable. The key is to specify that you need a document in the current VPAT 2.x format covering WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA criteria.

Can VPAT Score Evaluate Both?

Yes. VPAT Score parses documents regardless of whether the vendor labels them a VPAT or an ACR. As long as the document follows the VPAT 2.x conformance table structure, VPAT Score can extract the data and produce an objective grade and risk rating.