WCAG 2.1 Help Blog
Keyboard accessibility testing workflow for QA teams
If someone cannot use a mouse, your site still has to work. This workflow helps QA catch issues early.
Step 1: Test the full navigation loop
Use only the keyboard (Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, Space, Arrow keys). Make sure users can reach all interactive controls and return to where they started.
- Visible focus on every interactive element
- Logical order that matches the visual flow
- No keyboard traps in menus or modals
Step 2: Validate forms end-to-end
Keyboard users must be able to complete forms without switching input modes. Ensure errors are announced and focus moves to the right place.
Step 3: Check complex UI components
Menus, tabs, carousels, and dialogs need documented keyboard behaviors. Test with a reference checklist so the team uses the same expectations every time.