A VPAT contains product information, applicable standards, evaluation methods, and a detailed table documenting conformance against each WCAG success criterion. The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template is a structured document, and each section serves a purpose for procurement teams reviewing the completed Accessibility Conformance Report.
The opening sections cover product name, version, contact information, evaluation date, and the standards being reported against. The edition selected (WCAG, Section 508, EN 301 549, or INT) determines which standards appear. Below that, the evaluation methods section describes how conformance was assessed, including screen reader testing, keyboard testing, and code inspection conducted during the supporting audit.
The core of the document is the conformance table. Each success criterion is listed with a conformance level: Supports, Partially Supports, Does Not Support, or Not Applicable. Remarks accompany each entry to explain the rating, identify issues, and note any workarounds.
Vague remarks weaken the document. Specific, evidence-based remarks reflect a real evaluation behind the report.
A credible ACR is grounded in an accessibility audit. Without that foundation, the conformance ratings are guesses, and procurement teams reviewing the document can usually tell.