Our Audit Methodology
What separates a real audit from a quick scan
Every audit follows WCAG-EM, the W3C’s official evaluation methodology. Structured, repeatable, and defensible, so you get findings you can act on with confidence.
What Is WCAG-EM?
WCAG-EM (Website Accessibility Conformance Evaluation Methodology) is the W3C’s official framework for evaluating whether a website meets WCAG requirements.
It was developed because running an automated scanner on a single page, or even doing ad hoc manual checks, doesn’t give you a reliable or defensible picture of your site’s accessibility. You need a structured, documented process.
Every AMTAA audit follows this methodology precisely. That means your findings reflect how your real site performs across real user journeys, not just what a scanner picks up on a single page.
“WCAG-EM is intended for experienced evaluators. It does not change existing WCAG requirements, it provides the best-practice methodology for verifying them rigorously.”
An audit conducted to WCAG-EM standards carries weight with regulators, grant funders, public sector procurement teams, and legal advisors. It demonstrates you didn’t just run a free checker, you followed a documented, professional process.
The 5 Steps Of WCAG-EM
A documented, repeatable process applied to every audit we deliver.
1
Define Scope
We agree the boundaries of the evaluation, including which parts of your site, which user journeys, target WCAG level, and whether mobile or desktop is in scope. No surprises at the report stage.
2
Explore the Website
We map your site’s functionality, technology stack, design patterns, and interactive components before testing begins, so nothing gets missed and our sample accurately represents the whole.
3
Select a Representative Sample
We choose a structured set of pages covering all key templates, journeys, and functionality. Auditing every page isn’t efficient or necessary. Auditing the right pages is. This step is where inexperienced auditors cut corners.
4
Audit the Sample
We manually test each selected page against WCAG 2.2 AA success criteria using screen readers, keyboard navigation, colour contrast tools, and automated scanners. Combined, not siloed. This is where the real expertise lies.
5
Report Findings
You receive a clear, prioritised report documenting methodology, sample pages, every issue found, its severity, and exactly how to fix it, in plain English your team can act on immediately.
Tools We Use And Why
Professional-grade assistive technologies and scanning tools. None of these replace expert judgement. They support it.
NVDA
Windows screen reader
WAVE
Web accessibility evaluation
Axe DevTools
Automated rule-based scanning
Accessibility Insights
Microsoft browser extension
Stark
Contrast & design checks
BrowserStack
Cross-device & browser testing
Why Methodology Matters Commercially
A WCAG-EM audit isn’t just more thorough. It opens doors a free tool scan never could.
Legal & Regulatory Defensibility
If your accessibility is challenged by a regulator, under the Equality Act 2010 or the EAA, or through litigation, a documented WCAG-EM audit demonstrates genuine due diligence. An automated scan does not.
Public Sector Procurement
Public sector buyers routinely require evidence of WCAG 2.2 AA conformance as part of tender requirements. A structured, documented audit is what procurement panels expect to see.
Grant Funding & Investment
Many grant funders and public investment bodies require accessibility compliance evidence. A WCAG-EM audit provides the documented proof that satisfies this requirement.
Ready To Commission A WCAG-EM Audit?
Get in touch and we’ll talk through your site, your timelines, and the right next step for you.