3.3.7 Accessible Authentication (Level AA)

Table of contents

What you need to know

A cognitive function test to log in can only be required under limited circumstances.

What you need to know

According to W3C, a cognitive function test is a task that “requires the user to remember, manipulate, or transcribe information.” This could take the form of a username and password, doing calculations, or solving a puzzle.
These authentication methods require the ability to remember accurately or perform potentially complex mental tasks that may present barriers for people with certain intellectual or learning disabilities.
The authentication process may have more than one step (two-factor authentication). For example, after a user inputs their username and password, they may receive a random code by text to input. Both authentication steps need to be accessible.

Make sure there’s an alternate way to authenticate and log in to your website that doesn’t require a cognitive test.
For each step in an authentication process that depends on a cognitive function test, at least one other authentication method needs to be available that doesn’t, or a mechanism that helps the user complete the cognitive function test must be available.
The ability to show a password while typing it may improve the chance of success for people with cognitive and other disabilities, as well as for many other people.
The ability to copy and paste login credentials from an outside source eliminates the need to transcribe (potentially with errors) the same information. You shouldn’t prevent a user from pasting their login and password into authentication fields.