Test for Success Criterion 4.1.2

Checked Elements: input[@type='radio'], input[@type='checkbox'], input[@type='file'], input[@type='text'], input[@type='password'], select or textarea elements

This test checks, if a name for the form control is provided by an associated label or its title attribute.

The name of an input element of type radio, checkbox, file, text or password, a select element or a textarea is provided by its associated label element or its title attribute. This text provides a name for the form control so users are able to understand its purpose and can decide what to insert or select.

Add a label element and associate it with the form control by referencing the id of the control as the value of the for attribute of the label.

The text of the label should describe the purpose of the contol unambiguously. For radio buttons and checkboxes place the label after the form control, for all others place the label before the form control.

Further information: Accessible HTML/XHTML Forms: Intermediate Level

Note: It is also possible to name form controls with their title attribute, but this practice is not recommended and should only be applied if there is no room for a label element in the layout.

Principle 3: Understandable

Information and the operation of user interface must be understandable.
WCAG 2.0: Principle 3

Guideline 3.3: Input Assistance

Help users avoid and correct mistakes. Understanding Guideline 3.3

Success Criterion 3.3.2: Labels or Instructions (Level A)

Labels or instructions are provided when content requires user input (Level A).
Understanding: Success Criterion 3.3.2

Techniques

• H65 - Using the title attribute to identify form controls when the label element cannot be used