Testing & Validation Tools for Web Standards

Comprehensive Testing Strategy

Multi-Layer Testing Approach

Effective web standards compliance requires automated testing, manual evaluation, and user testing across accessibility, performance, security, and technical standards.

Automated Testing

Fast, consistent, repeatable testing that catches 20-30% of accessibility issues and technical violations.

Manual Testing

Human evaluation for complex interactions, cognitive load, and nuanced accessibility requirements.

User Testing

Real-world validation with users including people with disabilities using assistive technologies.

Automated Testing Tools

Browser Extensions & DevTools

axe DevTools

Best for: Accessibility testing

  • WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 testing
  • Section 508 compliance
  • Intelligent guided testing
  • Chrome, Firefox, Edge support
  • Detailed remediation guidance
Install Extension
WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluator

Best for: Visual accessibility review

  • Visual feedback on page elements
  • Error and warning identification
  • Structure and markup analysis
  • Contrast ratio checking
  • Free browser extension
Install Extension
Lighthouse

Best for: Performance & overall audit

  • Built into Chrome DevTools
  • Performance auditing
  • Accessibility scoring
  • SEO recommendations
  • Best practices validation
HTML5 Validator

Best for: HTML markup validation

  • W3C HTML validation
  • Syntax error detection
  • Semantic markup verification
  • Document structure validation
  • Batch validation support
Use Online Tool
Command Line Tools
Node.js Tools
# Install axe-core CLI
npm install -g @axe-core/cli

# Test a webpage
axe https://example.com

# Pa11y for automated testing
npm install -g pa11y
pa11y https://example.com

# Lighthouse CI
npm install -g @lhci/cli
lhci autorun
GitHub Actions
# .github/workflows/a11y.yml
name: Accessibility Tests
on: [push, pull_request]
jobs:
  accessibility:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v2
      - name: Run Pa11y
        uses: benc-uk/workflow-dispatch@v1

Manual Testing Methods

Keyboard Navigation Testing
Testing Procedure
  1. Tab Navigation: Use Tab key to navigate through all interactive elements
  2. Focus Visibility: Ensure each focused element has a clear visual indicator
  3. Logical Order: Verify Tab order follows visual layout
  4. Skip Links: Test "Skip to main content" functionality
  5. Modal Dialogs: Ensure focus is trapped within modals
  6. Escape Key: Test Escape key closes overlays
Key Combinations to Test
  • Tab: Move to next focusable element
  • Shift + Tab: Move to previous element
  • Enter/Space: Activate buttons and links
  • Arrow Keys: Navigate within components
  • Escape: Close dialogs/menus
Screen Reader Testing
Popular Screen Readers
  • NVDA (Windows): Free, widely used
  • JAWS (Windows): Professional standard
  • VoiceOver (Mac/iOS): Built-in Apple solution
  • TalkBack (Android): Google's screen reader
  • Orca (Linux): Open-source option
Testing Checklist

Specialized Testing Tools

Color & Contrast
  • WebAIM Contrast Checker: Online color contrast analyzer
  • Colour Contrast Analyser: Desktop application for detailed testing
  • Stark: Figma/Sketch plugin for designers
  • Colorblinding: Chrome extension for colorblind simulation
Learn More
Mobile Testing
  • Accessibility Scanner (Android): Google's mobile accessibility tester
  • axe DevTools Mobile: Mobile-specific testing
  • BrowserStack: Cross-device testing platform
  • TestFlight: iOS app testing with accessibility features
Mobile Guide
Security Testing
  • OWASP ZAP: Web application security scanner
  • Burp Suite: Professional security testing
  • Mozilla Observatory: Website security analyzer
  • SSL Labs: SSL/TLS configuration testing
Security Guide

Recommended Testing Workflow

Comprehensive Testing Process
Phase 1: Automated Testing
  1. HTML Validation: W3C Validator
  2. CSS Validation: CSS Validator
  3. Accessibility Scan: axe DevTools
  4. Performance Audit: Lighthouse
  5. Security Scan: Observatory
Phase 2: Manual Review
  1. Keyboard Navigation: Tab through all content
  2. Focus Management: Verify focus indicators
  3. Color Contrast: Manual verification
  4. Content Structure: Heading hierarchy
  5. Form Testing: Labels and error messages
Phase 3: Assistive Technology
  1. Screen Reader: NVDA/VoiceOver testing
  2. Voice Control: Dragon/Voice Control
  3. Switch Control: Alternative input testing
  4. Zoom Testing: 200% zoom functionality
  5. High Contrast: OS high contrast modes
Phase 4: User Testing
  1. Recruit Users: Include disability community
  2. Task-Based Testing: Real-world scenarios
  3. Feedback Collection: Structured interviews
  4. Iteration: Implement improvements
  5. Re-testing: Validate changes
Testing Schedule
Development Phase
  • Daily: Automated accessibility tests
  • Weekly: Manual keyboard testing
  • Sprint End: Comprehensive review
Pre-Launch
  • Full Audit: All automated tools
  • Manual Testing: Complete workflow testing
  • User Testing: External validation
Post-Launch
  • Monthly: Automated monitoring
  • Quarterly: Full accessibility audit
  • Annually: User testing refresh

Continuous Integration & Automated Testing

GitHub Actions Example
name: Web Standards Testing
on: [push, pull_request]

jobs:
  accessibility-test:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v3
      
      - name: Setup Node.js
        uses: actions/setup-node@v3
        with:
          node-version: '18'
          
      - name: Install dependencies
        run: |
          npm install -g @axe-core/cli
          npm install -g pa11y
          npm install -g lighthouse
          
      - name: Start test server
        run: npm start &
        
      - name: Wait for server
        run: npx wait-on http://localhost:3000
        
      - name: Run accessibility tests
        run: |
          axe http://localhost:3000 --exit
          pa11y http://localhost:3000
          
      - name: Run Lighthouse
        run: lighthouse http://localhost:3000 --chrome-flags="--headless"
        
      - name: Upload results
        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v3
        with:
          name: test-results
          path: lighthouse-results.html
Jest Testing Integration
// accessibility.test.js
import { axe, toHaveNoViolations } from 'jest-axe';
import { render } from '@testing-library/react';
import HomePage from '../components/HomePage';

expect.extend(toHaveNoViolations);

describe('Accessibility Tests', () => {
  test('HomePage should not have accessibility violations', async () => {
    const { container } = render(<HomePage />);
    const results = await axe(container);
    expect(results).toHaveNoViolations();
  });
  
  test('Focus management in modal', async () => {
    const { getByRole, getByText } = render(<HomePage />);
    
    // Open modal
    fireEvent.click(getByText('Open Modal'));
    
    // Focus should be trapped in modal
    const modal = getByRole('dialog');
    expect(document.activeElement).toBeInTheDocument();
    
    // Test escape key
    fireEvent.keyDown(modal, { key: 'Escape' });
    expect(modal).not.toBeInTheDocument();
  });
});

Testing Documentation & Reporting

Accessibility Testing Report Template
Executive Summary
  • Overall compliance level (WCAG 2.2 AA)
  • Number of issues found (by severity)
  • Key recommendations
  • Timeline for remediation
Detailed Findings
  • Issue descriptions with WCAG references
  • Screenshots and code examples
  • Impact assessment (low/medium/high)
  • Specific remediation steps
  • Testing methods used
Testing Methodology
  • Tools and versions used
  • Pages and features tested
  • Assistive technologies tested
  • User scenarios evaluated
Remediation Tracking
Issue Severity Status Assigned
Missing alt text High Fixed Dev Team
Low contrast text Medium In Progress Designer
Focus indicators Medium Open Frontend
Track progress and maintain accountability with clear ownership and deadlines for each accessibility issue.

Start Testing Your Website

Report testing findings and access comprehensive validation resources.

Report Test Results Testing Resources Compliance Guide