3.1.5 Reading Level
Level AAA · added in WCAG 2.0
When text needs reading ability beyond the lower secondary education level, provide a simpler version or supplemental content. Lower secondary means about seven to nine years of school. This is a level AAA criterion.
Who it helps
People with reading disabilities like dyslexia, people with cognitive disabilities and people reading in a second language can understand content that is written simply. Deaf people whose first language is a sign language benefit too.
How to meet it
- Write in plain language: short sentences, common words and active voice.
- Add a short summary in plain language at the top of complex pages.
- Use readability tools as a guide, and leave out proper names and titles when you measure, as the criterion allows.
- Support hard text with illustrations, diagrams, audio or video that explain the same ideas.
- If you can't simplify the main text, such as a legal contract, link to an easy-read version.
- Level AAA isn't required by most laws or policies, which point to AA. It's still worth meeting, because plain language helps nearly every reader.
Examples
<p>Remuneration adjustments shall be effectuated contingent upon
the satisfactory completion of the probationary evaluation period,
notwithstanding any prior representations to the contrary.</p><section aria-labelledby="summary">
<h2 id="summary">In short</h2>
<p>Your pay goes up after you pass your trial period.
This is true even if you were told something else before.</p>
</section>
<p>Remuneration adjustments shall be effectuated contingent upon ...</p>Can a scanner detect this?
No
axe-core has no rule for reading level. Readability formulas give an estimate, but they can't judge whether a summary is accurate or the content is clear. A person needs to read the text and any simpler version.
No automated rule tests this criterion. Check it by hand.
Common mistakes
- Trusting a readability score alone while the text still uses unexplained jargon.
- Writing a summary that leaves out key facts, such as deadlines or costs.
- Hiding the easy-read version where few people will find it.
- Assuming legal or medical text is exempt; it still needs a simpler supplement.
Related criteria
Check your own page
See which automated WCAG checks your page fails, with the failing elements and how to fix them.
Reviewed November 2, 2026