How to Be Accessibility Tester - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 9, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Causes of accessibility testing include the need to ensure that websites, applications, products, and other digital interfaces are usable by everyone, regardless of device, age, language, or disability. Effectively testing for accessibility can help create a better user experience for all users, as well as help to eliminate potential legal issues that might arise from non-compliance with accessibility standards. Common methods of accessibility testing include manual testing, automated testing, and assistive technology testing.

Manual testing involves a tester evaluating the interface for potential issues, while automated testing involves using a tool to scan for known accessibility issues. Assistive technology testing involves using software or hardware tools designed to emulate the experience of a person with a disability, such as screen readers or magnifiers. Proper accessibility testing can help ensure that all users have equal access to digital interfaces.

Steps How to Become

Develop a strong understanding of web accessibility standards and guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Familiarize yourself with the different levels and criteria of these standards and be prepared to explain them to others.
Learn how to use accessibility testing tools, such as automated accessibility scanners, screen readers, and browser extensions, to identify accessibility issues.
Gain experience with various web technologies, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, to understand how web pages are structured and how they interact with assistive technologies.
Become familiar with different types of assistive technologies, such as screen readers, magnifiers, and voice recognition software.
Develop an understanding of the different disabilities and how they affect the user experience.
Learn how to write technical documentation, such as test plans, reports, and bug tickets.
Join an accessibility community or attend conferences and workshops to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in accessibility.
Consider earning a certification in accessibility testing or web development.
Network with other accessibility professionals and build relationships with potential employers.
Start applying for accessible testing positions at companies that specialize in web development or digital marketing.

Continuous learning is key to staying ahead and efficient as an accessibility tester. By staying up to date with the latest industry trends and best practices, testers can ensure they are using the most effective testing strategies and tools to detect and resolve accessibility issues. investing in additional training, such as web accessibility tutorials, will provide a deeper understanding of accessibility standards and how to best implement them.

Furthermore, implementing automation tools can help to reduce manual testing time and allow testers to focus on more complex tasks. Finally, building relationships with other accessibility professionals can help testers stay abreast of new developments, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions. With these practices in place, accessibility testers can remain ahead of the curve and maximize efficiency.

You may want to check Automation Tester, User Interface Tester, and Web Tester for alternative.

Job Description

Manual Accessibility Tester: Responsible for manually testing websites and applications for compliance with accessibility standards.
Automation Accessibility Tester: Responsible for creating automated tests to evaluate the accessibility of websites and applications.
Accessibility Specialist: Responsible for providing guidance and expertise on accessibility standards, regulations and best practices.
Accessibility Consultant: Responsible for providing advice and recommendations to organizations on how to make their websites and applications accessible to all users.
Accessibility Auditor: Responsible for auditing websites and applications to ensure that they meet accessibility standards.
Accessibility Trainer: Responsible for training teams on accessibility principles and techniques.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of accessibility standards, guidelines, and best practices, such as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Section 508.
Familiarity with assistive technologies, such as screen readers and magnifiers.
Ability to perform manual and automated accessibility tests.
Ability to use browser debugging tools to identify accessibility issues.
Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and the ability to troubleshoot issues related to these technologies.
Ability to create test plans and document findings.
Ability to develop and maintain accessibility policies and standards.
Knowledge of usability principles and user-centered design.
Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders about accessibility issues and solutions.
Understanding of emerging accessibility technologies, such as ARIA and VoiceOver.

Accessibility testing is an essential skill for any software tester. It involves assessing a product to determine if it meets the needs of users with disabilities. Accessibility testing helps ensure that products are designed and built in such a way that people with disabilities can use them without difficulty.

To be an effective accessibility tester, one must possess a range of skills, including an understanding of accessibility regulations, an understanding of different disabilities, knowledge of assistive technologies, and the ability to communicate effectively with product designers and developers. an accessibility tester should have the ability to objectively evaluate a products usability and how it can be improved. With the right skills and knowledge, accessibility testers can help create a more inclusive world where people with disabilities can access and use the same products and services as everyone else.

Performance Tester, Regression Tester, and Acceptance Tester are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have testing for accessibility?
How do you ensure the accessibility of a website or application?
What methods do you use to evaluate the usability and accessibility of a website or application?
What accessibility standards do you use when performing tests?
How do you test for compatibility with assistive technologies?
How do you ensure that the user experience is accessible to all users?
How do you analyze user feedback to identify areas of improvement for accessibility?
How do you communicate the results of accessibility tests to developers?
What techniques do you use to identify potential areas of difficulty for users with disabilities?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest accessibility guidelines and regulations?

Common Tools in Industry

Screen Reader. A software program that reads aloud the text displayed on a computer screen, allowing people with visual impairments to use a computer. (e. g. Window Eyes, JAWS)
Accessibility Inspector. A tool used to test the accessibility of websites and web applications by providing information such as keyboard access, color contrast, and text size. (e. g. WAVE, Chrome Accessibility DevTools)
Automated Accessibility Testing Tools. Software tools that can scan websites and web applications for accessibility issues. (e. g. Axe, Tenon)
Manual Accessibility Testing. The process of manually testing a website or web application for accessibility issues. (e. g. Keyboard navigation, Screen reader navigation)
Emulation Tools. Tools that allow a user to simulate various disabilities, such as low vision or color blindness, in order to test the accessibility of a website or web application. (e. g. Color Oracle, WebAIM Contrast Checker)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP)
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
National Association of ADA Coordinators (NAADAC)
International Association of Digital Accessibility Professionals (IADAP)
Accessibility & Usability Professional Association (A11yPA)
International Association of Accessibility Professionals Europe (IAAP-EU)
Accessibility Testing and Quality Assurance (ATQA)
Accessibility Professionals Network (APNet)
National Organization on Disability (NOD)

We also have Compatibility Tester, Database Tester, and Integration Tester jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Accessibility Testing. A process of testing a website or application to ensure that it is accessible for people with disabilities. This includes ensuring that the user interface is usable and navigable, content is perceivable, and the product is compatible with assistive technologies.
Usability Testing. The practice of evaluating how easy it is for users to use a website or application. Usability testing can involve testing the interface, navigation, and overall user experience of a website or application.
Automated Accessibility Testing. A process of automatically testing web applications for accessibility issues using specialized software. Automated accessibility testing can identify potential issues in the code and can help ensure that the application meets certain accessibility standards.
Manual Accessibility Testing. A process of manually testing web applications for accessibility issues using manual methods, such as using a keyboard to navigate the application and using assistive technologies to assess the user experience.
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). A set of guidelines created by the World Wide Web Consortium to help make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. The WCAG standards are often used as the basis for accessibility testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Accessibility Tester?

Accessibility Tester is a tool used to test the accessibility of webpages and applications for users with disabilities. It can help identify potential issues and provide recommendations for making a website or application more accessible.

What types of disabilities does Accessibility Tester support?

Accessibility Tester supports users with visual, hearing, cognitive, and motor impairments. It can also identify potential usability issues for users of assistive technologies.

What standards does Accessibility Tester adhere to?

Accessibility Tester follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 and Section 508 standards. It also has the ability to detect violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other regional laws.

How do I get started with Accessibility Tester?

To get started with Accessibility Tester, you can download the software from the official website and install it on your computer. You can then enter the URL of the website or application you want to test and start running tests.

What types of reports does Accessibility Tester generate?

Accessibility Tester generates detailed reports that include violations of accessibility standards, recommended fixes, and overall ratings for accessibility. The reports can be exported in a variety of formats for further analysis.

Web Resources

Test for Accessibility | Accessible U - University of Minnesota accessibility.umn.edu
accessibility tester | Cornell Engineering www.engineering.cornell.edu
Accessibility Testing Tools | accessibility.umich.edu accessibility.umich.edu