{ "test_case_id": "A11Y-PDFUA-003", "title": "PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions", "category": "pdfua_conformance", "procedure_version": "2026.08.27-rc.9", "rule_type": "external_protocol", "wcag_criteria": [ "1.1.1", "1.3.1", "1.3.2", "2.1.1", "4.1.2" ], "level": "AA", "risk": "medium", "risk_basis": "Checks PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions on the checksum-identified final PDF. People most likely affected: people who depend on reliable PDF semantics, navigation, input, reflow, speech or braille output. A checker or mismatched protocol may produce an unsupported PDF/UA claim while material barriers remain. In the recorded document-pdf environment, use the version-matched PDF/UA protocol on the immutable file and pair machine checks with every required interpretive and functional check; a clean checker result cannot prove reading order, alternatives or interaction.", "review_status": "draft", "reviewed_at": "", "review_note": "Template content is subject to a hash-bound internal consistency review. Formal assessment claims require competent execution, current evidence and the applicable legal, participant and organisational authority.", "method_label": "PDF/UA protocol review", "tester_level": "PDF/UA specialist", "estimated_duration": "Typically 180–261 minutes for the stated single-target assumptions; use the component breakdown when estimating a real sample.", "execution_class": "manual_with_automation_support", "automation_support": "supporting_evidence_only", "simulation_policy": "simulation_may_support_but_not_replace_manual_execution", "plain_summary": "Checks PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions on the checksum-identified final PDF.", "objective": "Verify PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions on the checksum-identified final PDF.", "test_subject": "The immutable PDF identified by SHA-256 checksum and an explicitly selected PDF/UA part.", "test_targets": [ "The exact PDF/UA protocol conditions and manual checks relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions." ], "applicability": "Apply PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions when the immutable PDF identified by SHA-256 checksum and an explicitly selected PDF/UA part. The selected focus is PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions.", "applicability_questions": [ "Does the frozen scope contain a target relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions?", "Are the required real environments, versions and settings identified separately from diagnostic simulations?", "Which default, revealed, error, interruption, recovery and confirmation states can change the result?", "Does a scope exclusion need to be reported separately from target applicability?" ], "inapplicability_conditions": [ "No immutable PDF with the required PDF version and selected PDF/UA part exists in the frozen scope." ], "assumptions": [ "The selected scope identifies the product version, technologies, states and important user journeys being evaluated.", "The tester knows how to use this method and any required assistive technology.", "Known browser or assistive-technology limitations are recorded instead of being assigned to the product without evidence." ], "accessibility_support_assumptions": [ "The result covers only the browsers, platforms, readers and assistive technologies that were actually tested.", "Do not apply a result from one technology combination to an untested combination or to every user." ], "prerequisites": [ "The product area and test targets are agreed before testing starts.", "The operating system, browser, viewport and input method are recorded.", "Test data is safe to use and does not expose unnecessary personal information." ], "required_environment_fields": [ "operating_system", "operating_system_version", "pdf_viewer", "pdf_viewer_version", "pdfua_part", "pdf_sha256", "accessibility_checker", "accessibility_checker_version", "authoring_or_remediation_tool", "authoring_or_remediation_tool_version", "assistive_technology", "assistive_technology_version", "input_method" ], "steps": [ { "step_id": "S1", "title": "Prepare the scope, target and environment", "phase": "prepare", "test_target": "The exact PDF/UA protocol conditions and manual checks relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions.", "required_state": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, the product version and scope are frozen; every selected target and material starting state is uniquely identified.", "tool_or_command": "Use the scope record and worksheet environment fields for PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions: operating_system, operating_system_version, pdf_viewer, pdf_viewer_version, pdfua_part, pdf_sha256, accessibility_checker, accessibility_checker_version, authoring_or_remediation_tool, authoring_or_remediation_tool_version, assistive_technology, assistive_technology_version, input_method.", "action": "Before executing PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, freeze the product version and scope. Inventory each applicable target, select the required starting states, prepare safe test data and record every required environment value. Complete any named known-good calibration before attributing an observation to the product.", "expected": "The selected targets, states, test data, environment and any scope limitations are complete enough for another qualified tester to reproduce the setup.", "failure_observation": "During PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, the target, starting state, environment or scope record remains ambiguous for the scenario named Prepare the scope, target and environment. The preparation result cannot be demonstrated: The selected targets, states, test data, environment and any scope limitations are complete enough for another qualified tester to reproduce the setup.", "evidence_to_record": "Scope/version reference; target inventory; starting states; safe-data reference; every required environment value; calibration result or reason it is not required.", "decision_effect": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, an incomplete setup blocks the affected execution or leaves the omitted target untested; it never creates a pass or product failure.", "recovery_or_repeat": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, correct the setup gap, preserve the original blocked record and start a new execution observation before proceeding.", "novice_guidance": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, do not begin from an undocumented browser tab, document copy, device state, participant plan or evidence set. Record the exact item you will test first.", "limitations_and_claim_boundary": "This scenario records the action named Prepare the scope, target and environment for PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions in document-pdf. It does not establish behaviour for another target, state or environment and does not set a WCAG conformance decision.", "scenario_purpose": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, prepare the named scenario: Prepare the scope, target and environment. Target: The exact PDF/UA protocol conditions and manual checks relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions. The preparation must establish this result: The selected targets, states, test data, environment and any scope limitations are complete enough for another qualified tester to reproduce the setup.", "user_impact": "A checker or mismatched protocol may produce an unsupported PDF/UA claim while material barriers remain. This scenario isolates that risk in the action named Prepare the scope, target and environment.", "decision_rules": { "passed": "Record passed for the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions scenario named Prepare the scope, target and environment only when the evidence (Scope/version reference; target inventory; starting states; safe-data reference; every required environment value; calibration result or reason it is not required.) supports: The selected targets, states, test data, environment and any scope limitations are complete enough for another qualified tester to reproduce the setup.", "failed": "Record failed when the action is completed and this failure observation is reproduced: During PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, the target, starting state, environment or scope record remains ambiguous for the scenario named Prepare the scope, target and environment. The preparation result cannot be demonstrated: The selected targets, states, test data, environment and any scope limitations are complete enough for another qualified tester to reproduce the setup.", "not_applicable": "No immutable PDF with the required PDF version and selected PDF/UA part exists in the frozen scope.", "blocked": "Record blocked, not passed, when An applicable target, required state, complete process or named real environment was not executed." } }, { "step_id": "S2", "title": "Freeze the PDF identity, tools and protocol", "phase": "test", "action": "Record final PDF checksum, PDF version, PDF/UA identifier, authoring/export/remediation tools, checker/version and applicable protocol before opening the file for assessment.", "expected": "The exact immutable artifact, claim and toolchain are reproducible.", "evidence_to_record": "Immutable PDF SHA-256 checksum, PDF version, PDF/UA identifier and toolchain.", "test_target": "The exact PDF/UA protocol conditions and manual checks relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions.", "required_state": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, begin in the target's default state followed by its fully revealed menu, dialog or expanded state; preserve the exact content, account, platform and configuration used.", "tool_or_command": "In document-pdf, Use a qualified PDF/UA checker whose version and condition manifest are frozen, then inspect every required manually evaluated condition in Acrobat Pro or an equivalent tag-tree and content-order inspection tool.", "decision_effect": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, compare the recorded observation with this expected result: The exact immutable artifact, claim and toolchain are reproducible. A material mismatch fails this target expectation; conflicting platform or responsibility evidence is cannot tell, not a pass.", "recovery_or_repeat": "Repeat the affected protocol conditions after remediation and reconcile changed machine results with all related human checks against the same file checksum. Preserve the first PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions observation when repeating.", "novice_guidance": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions: Confirm the PDF version, PDF/UA identifier and selected ISO part before running any protocol. Never apply a PDF/UA-1 Matterhorn result to PDF/UA-2.", "scenario_purpose": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, execute the named scenario: Freeze the PDF identity, tools and protocol. Target: The exact PDF/UA protocol conditions and manual checks relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions. Compare the observation with this result: The exact immutable artifact, claim and toolchain are reproducible.", "user_impact": "A checker or mismatched protocol may produce an unsupported PDF/UA claim while material barriers remain. This scenario isolates that risk in the action named Freeze the PDF identity, tools and protocol.", "failure_observation": "After the tester completes the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions scenario named Freeze the PDF identity, tools and protocol, the recorded observation for the target is inconsistent with the required result: The exact immutable artifact, claim and toolchain are reproducible.", "decision_rules": { "passed": "Record passed for the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions scenario named Freeze the PDF identity, tools and protocol only when the evidence (Immutable PDF SHA-256 checksum, PDF version, PDF/UA identifier and toolchain.) supports: The exact immutable artifact, claim and toolchain are reproducible.", "failed": "Record failed when the action is completed and this failure observation is reproduced: After the tester completes the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions scenario named Freeze the PDF identity, tools and protocol, the recorded observation for the target is inconsistent with the required result: The exact immutable artifact, claim and toolchain are reproducible.", "not_applicable": "No immutable PDF with the required PDF version and selected PDF/UA part exists in the frozen scope.", "blocked": "Record blocked, not passed, when An applicable target, required state, complete process or named real environment was not executed." }, "limitations_and_claim_boundary": "This scenario records the action named Freeze the PDF identity, tools and protocol for PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions in document-pdf. It does not establish behaviour for another target, state or environment and does not set a WCAG conformance decision." }, { "step_id": "S3", "title": "Reconcile all checker results, warnings, unsupported checks and the protocol conditions with no specific automated test", "phase": "test", "action": "Reconcile all checker results, warnings, unsupported checks and the protocol conditions with no specific automated test; resolve duplicate references without omitting their required semantic review.", "expected": "Every machine, human and no-specific-test condition has a defensible outcome and unresolved conflicts remain cantTell.", "evidence_to_record": "Tag tree, reading order, semantics and human-judgement evidence linked to page/object.", "test_target": "The exact PDF/UA protocol conditions and manual checks relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions.", "required_state": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, begin in the recorded default state for the selected PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions target before this action; preserve the exact content, account, platform and configuration used.", "tool_or_command": "In document-pdf, Use a qualified PDF/UA checker whose version and condition manifest are frozen, then inspect every required manually evaluated condition in Acrobat Pro or an equivalent tag-tree and content-order inspection tool.", "decision_effect": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, compare the recorded observation with this expected result: Every machine, human and no-specific-test condition has a defensible outcome and unresolved conflicts remain cantTell. A material mismatch fails this target expectation; conflicting platform or responsibility evidence is cannot tell, not a pass.", "recovery_or_repeat": "Repeat the affected protocol conditions after remediation and reconcile changed machine results with all related human checks against the same file checksum. Preserve the first PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions observation when repeating.", "novice_guidance": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions: Confirm the PDF version, PDF/UA identifier and selected ISO part before running any protocol. Never apply a PDF/UA-1 Matterhorn result to PDF/UA-2.", "scenario_purpose": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, execute the named scenario: Reconcile all checker results, warnings, unsupported checks and the protocol conditions with no specific automated test. Target: The exact PDF/UA protocol conditions and manual checks relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions. Compare the observation with this result: Every machine, human and no-specific-test condition has a defensible outcome and unresolved conflicts remain cantTell.", "user_impact": "A checker or mismatched protocol may produce an unsupported PDF/UA claim while material barriers remain. This scenario isolates that risk in the action named Reconcile all checker results, warnings, unsupported checks and the protocol conditions with no specific automated test.", "failure_observation": "After the tester completes the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions scenario named Reconcile all checker results, warnings, unsupported checks and the protocol conditions with no specific automated test, the recorded observation for the target is inconsistent with the required result: Every machine, human and no-specific-test condition has a defensible outcome and unresolved conflicts remain cantTell.", "decision_rules": { "passed": "Record passed for the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions scenario named Reconcile all checker results, warnings, unsupported checks and the protocol conditions with no specific automated test only when the evidence (Tag tree, reading order, semantics and human-judgement evidence linked to page/object.) supports: Every machine, human and no-specific-test condition has a defensible outcome and unresolved conflicts remain cantTell.", "failed": "Record failed when the action is completed and this failure observation is reproduced: After the tester completes the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions scenario named Reconcile all checker results, warnings, unsupported checks and the protocol conditions with no specific automated test, the recorded observation for the target is inconsistent with the required result: Every machine, human and no-specific-test condition has a defensible outcome and unresolved conflicts remain cantTell.", "not_applicable": "No immutable PDF with the required PDF version and selected PDF/UA part exists in the frozen scope.", "blocked": "Record blocked, not passed, when An applicable target, required state, complete process or named real environment was not executed." }, "limitations_and_claim_boundary": "This scenario records the action named Reconcile all checker results, warnings, unsupported checks and the protocol conditions with no specific automated test for PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions in document-pdf. It does not establish behaviour for another target, state or environment and does not set a WCAG conformance decision." }, { "step_id": "S4", "title": "Manually verify checker conclusions", "phase": "test", "action": "Manually verify checker conclusions with tag tree, content/reading order, keyboard, reflow and real screen-reader evidence on every unique structure and complete process.", "expected": "Technical conformance evidence is reconciled with human judgment and functional accessibility without overclaiming either.", "evidence_to_record": "Viewer, keyboard, reflow and real assistive-technology evidence where applicable.", "test_target": "The exact PDF/UA protocol conditions and manual checks relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions.", "required_state": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, begin in keyboard focus on the last confirmed target before the action, with no pointer assistance; preserve the exact content, account, platform and configuration used.", "tool_or_command": "In document-pdf, Use a qualified PDF/UA checker whose version and condition manifest are frozen, then inspect every required manually evaluated condition in Acrobat Pro or an equivalent tag-tree and content-order inspection tool.", "decision_effect": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, compare the recorded observation with this expected result: Technical conformance evidence is reconciled with human judgment and functional accessibility without overclaiming either. A material mismatch fails this target expectation; conflicting platform or responsibility evidence is cannot tell, not a pass.", "recovery_or_repeat": "Repeat the affected protocol conditions after remediation and reconcile changed machine results with all related human checks against the same file checksum. Preserve the first PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions observation when repeating.", "novice_guidance": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions: Confirm the PDF version, PDF/UA identifier and selected ISO part before running any protocol. Never apply a PDF/UA-1 Matterhorn result to PDF/UA-2.", "scenario_purpose": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, execute the named scenario: Manually verify checker conclusions. Target: The exact PDF/UA protocol conditions and manual checks relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions. Compare the observation with this result: Technical conformance evidence is reconciled with human judgment and functional accessibility without overclaiming either.", "user_impact": "A checker or mismatched protocol may produce an unsupported PDF/UA claim while material barriers remain. This scenario isolates that risk in the action named Manually verify checker conclusions.", "failure_observation": "After the tester completes the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions scenario named Manually verify checker conclusions, the recorded observation for the target is inconsistent with the required result: Technical conformance evidence is reconciled with human judgment and functional accessibility without overclaiming either.", "decision_rules": { "passed": "Record passed for the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions scenario named Manually verify checker conclusions only when the evidence (Viewer, keyboard, reflow and real assistive-technology evidence where applicable.) supports: Technical conformance evidence is reconciled with human judgment and functional accessibility without overclaiming either.", "failed": "Record failed when the action is completed and this failure observation is reproduced: After the tester completes the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions scenario named Manually verify checker conclusions, the recorded observation for the target is inconsistent with the required result: Technical conformance evidence is reconciled with human judgment and functional accessibility without overclaiming either.", "not_applicable": "No immutable PDF with the required PDF version and selected PDF/UA part exists in the frozen scope.", "blocked": "Record blocked, not passed, when An applicable target, required state, complete process or named real environment was not executed." }, "limitations_and_claim_boundary": "This scenario records the action named Manually verify checker conclusions for PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions in document-pdf. It does not establish behaviour for another target, state or environment and does not set a WCAG conformance decision." }, { "step_id": "S5", "title": "Export the condition manifest, checker report, manual review record, exception rationale and final decision", "phase": "test", "action": "Export the condition manifest, checker report, manual review record, exception rationale and final decision; preserve all non-pass outcomes.", "expected": "An independent reviewer can reconcile every protocol result to the exact PDF and report claim.", "evidence_to_record": "Selected ISO part, matching protocol/version and every condition outcome with no silent omission.", "test_target": "The exact PDF/UA protocol conditions and manual checks relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions.", "required_state": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, begin in the recorded default state for the selected PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions target before this action; preserve the exact content, account, platform and configuration used.", "tool_or_command": "In document-pdf, Use a qualified PDF/UA checker whose version and condition manifest are frozen, then inspect every required manually evaluated condition in Acrobat Pro or an equivalent tag-tree and content-order inspection tool.", "decision_effect": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, compare the recorded observation with this expected result: An independent reviewer can reconcile every protocol result to the exact PDF and report claim. A material mismatch fails this target expectation; conflicting platform or responsibility evidence is cannot tell, not a pass.", "recovery_or_repeat": "Repeat the affected protocol conditions after remediation and reconcile changed machine results with all related human checks against the same file checksum. Preserve the first PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions observation when repeating.", "novice_guidance": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions: Confirm the PDF version, PDF/UA identifier and selected ISO part before running any protocol. Never apply a PDF/UA-1 Matterhorn result to PDF/UA-2.", "scenario_purpose": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, execute the named scenario: Export the condition manifest, checker report, manual review record, exception rationale and final decision. Target: The exact PDF/UA protocol conditions and manual checks relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions. Compare the observation with this result: An independent reviewer can reconcile every protocol result to the exact PDF and report claim.", "user_impact": "A checker or mismatched protocol may produce an unsupported PDF/UA claim while material barriers remain. This scenario isolates that risk in the action named Export the condition manifest, checker report, manual review record, exception rationale and final decision.", "failure_observation": "After the tester completes the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions scenario named Export the condition manifest, checker report, manual review record, exception rationale and final decision, the recorded observation for the target is inconsistent with the required result: An independent reviewer can reconcile every protocol result to the exact PDF and report claim.", "decision_rules": { "passed": "Record passed for the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions scenario named Export the condition manifest, checker report, manual review record, exception rationale and final decision only when the evidence (Selected ISO part, matching protocol/version and every condition outcome with no silent omission.) supports: An independent reviewer can reconcile every protocol result to the exact PDF and report claim.", "failed": "Record failed when the action is completed and this failure observation is reproduced: After the tester completes the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions scenario named Export the condition manifest, checker report, manual review record, exception rationale and final decision, the recorded observation for the target is inconsistent with the required result: An independent reviewer can reconcile every protocol result to the exact PDF and report claim.", "not_applicable": "No immutable PDF with the required PDF version and selected PDF/UA part exists in the frozen scope.", "blocked": "Record blocked, not passed, when An applicable target, required state, complete process or named real environment was not executed." }, "limitations_and_claim_boundary": "This scenario records the action named Export the condition manifest, checker report, manual review record, exception rationale and final decision for PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions in document-pdf. It does not establish behaviour for another target, state or environment and does not set a WCAG conformance decision." }, { "step_id": "S6", "title": "Repeat material variations and recovery", "phase": "test", "test_target": "The exact PDF/UA protocol conditions and manual checks relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions.", "required_state": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions: Default, revealed, loading, empty, validation error, interruption, recovery and confirmation where meaningful. Every required environment, viewport, orientation, language and authenticated state recorded in the frozen scope.", "tool_or_command": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, use the same recorded method, then change only the state, environment or recovery condition being compared.", "action": "Repeat the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions action for each inventoried variation that can change the outcome. Include relevant default, revealed, error, interruption, recovery and confirmation states and complete the selected process from start to finish where this test can affect task completion.", "expected": "Every material variation and required recovery path has its own reproducible observation; no unexecuted state is merged into a passing result.", "failure_observation": "After the tester completes the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions scenario named Repeat material variations and recovery, the recorded observation for the target is inconsistent with the required result: Every material variation and required recovery path has its own reproducible observation; no unexecuted state is merged into a passing result.", "evidence_to_record": "Variation identifier; changed state or environment; start and end points; actual observation; recovery result; intervention; evidence reference and target outcome.", "decision_effect": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, a reproduced mismatch fails the affected target; an omitted required variation remains untested; conflicting evidence remains cannot tell.", "recovery_or_repeat": "Repeat this action for every required variation of PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions and after a material target, content, state, environment or configuration change. Preserve the original observation.", "novice_guidance": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, change one material condition at a time where practical. Do not assume that a passing default state covers errors, overlays, orientation changes, interruptions or recovery.", "limitations_and_claim_boundary": "This scenario records the action named Repeat material variations and recovery for PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions in document-pdf. It does not establish behaviour for another target, state or environment and does not set a WCAG conformance decision.", "scenario_purpose": "For PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, execute the named scenario: Repeat material variations and recovery. Target: The exact PDF/UA protocol conditions and manual checks relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions. Compare the observation with this result: Every material variation and required recovery path has its own reproducible observation; no unexecuted state is merged into a passing result.", "user_impact": "A checker or mismatched protocol may produce an unsupported PDF/UA claim while material barriers remain. This scenario isolates that risk in the action named Repeat material variations and recovery.", "decision_rules": { "passed": "Record passed for the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions scenario named Repeat material variations and recovery only when the evidence (Variation identifier; changed state or environment; start and end points; actual observation; recovery result; intervention; evidence reference and target outcome.) supports: Every material variation and required recovery path has its own reproducible observation; no unexecuted state is merged into a passing result.", "failed": "Record failed when the action is completed and this failure observation is reproduced: After the tester completes the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions scenario named Repeat material variations and recovery, the recorded observation for the target is inconsistent with the required result: Every material variation and required recovery path has its own reproducible observation; no unexecuted state is merged into a passing result.", "not_applicable": "No immutable PDF with the required PDF version and selected PDF/UA part exists in the frozen scope.", "blocked": "Record blocked, not passed, when An applicable target, required state, complete process or named real environment was not executed." } } ], "expectations": [ { "expectation_id": "E1", "statement": "Every machine, human and no-specific-test condition has a defensible outcome and unresolved conflicts remain cantTell.", "outcome_if_unmet": "failed" }, { "expectation_id": "E2", "statement": "Every selected target and meaningful state is tested using the stated method.", "outcome_if_unmet": "untested" } ], "exceptions": [ "Use only an exception stated in the relevant standard, or an agreed out-of-scope decision. Record the reason and evidence.", "A tool limitation, lack of time or unavailable assistive technology is a limitation or incomplete result, not a pass." ], "outcome_definitions": { "passed": "The applicable test target meets every expectation in this rule or procedure.", "failed": "The applicable test target does not meet at least one expectation in this rule or procedure.", "inapplicable": "The test subject contains no target that matches this rule or procedure's applicability.", "cantTell": "The tester cannot fully determine applicability or whether every expectation is met.", "untested": "The test subject or target was not evaluated using this rule or procedure." }, "examples": [ { "example_id": "A11Y-PDFUA-003-EX-PASSED", "outcome": "passed", "scenario": "Representative calibration example, not client evidence. Procedure: PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions. Target: The exact PDF/UA protocol conditions and manual checks relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions. Action: Before executing PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions, freeze the product version and scope. Inventory each applicable target, select the required starting states, prepare safe test data and record every required environment value. Complete any named known-good calibration before attributing an observation to the product. Evidence: Scope/version reference; target inventory; starting states; safe-data reference; every required environment value; calibration result or reason it is not required. Observed result: The selected targets, states, test data, environment and any scope limitations are complete enough for another qualified tester to reproduce the setup." }, { "example_id": "A11Y-PDFUA-003-EX-FAILED", "outcome": "failed", "scenario": "Representative calibration example, not client evidence. Procedure: PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions. Target: The exact PDF/UA protocol conditions and manual checks relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions. The tester completes the recorded action, but the captured evidence does not demonstrate: The selected targets, states, test data, environment and any scope limitations are complete enough for another qualified tester to reproduce the setup. The failed target and state remain separate from unexecuted targets." }, { "example_id": "A11Y-PDFUA-003-EX-INAPPLICABLE", "outcome": "inapplicable", "scenario": "Representative scope example, not client evidence. No immutable PDF with the required PDF version and selected PDF/UA part exists in the frozen scope. The completed inventory is retained as the basis for the inapplicable outcome." }, { "example_id": "A11Y-PDFUA-003-EX-CANTTELL", "outcome": "cantTell", "scenario": "Representative unresolved example, not client evidence. The target is applicable, but conflicting evidence or unresolved responsibility prevents a defensible expectation decision after recorded comparison. The record identifies the conflicting evidence and the expertise or comparison needed to resolve it." }, { "example_id": "A11Y-PDFUA-003-EX-UNTESTED", "outcome": "untested", "scenario": "Representative execution-gap example, not client evidence. An applicable target, required state, complete process or named real environment was not executed. The missing action, state or environment remains open and is not converted to a pass." } ], "sampling_rule": "Follow the named external protocol and record every required condition. Do not infer full protocol coverage from a partial checker result.", "complete_process_requirement": "If this check is part of a user journey, test the selected journey from start to finish, including relevant errors and recovery. Record any path that was not tested.", "pass_criteria": "Every machine, human and no-specific-test condition has a defensible outcome and unresolved conflicts remain cantTell.", "fail_criteria": "Fail if any applicable sampled instance does not satisfy: Every machine, human and no-specific-test condition has a defensible outcome and unresolved conflicts remain cantTell.", "evidence_requirements": [ "Immutable PDF SHA-256 checksum, PDF version, PDF/UA identifier and toolchain.", "Selected ISO part, matching protocol/version and every condition outcome with no silent omission.", "Tag tree, reading order, semantics and human-judgement evidence linked to page/object.", "Viewer, keyboard, reflow and real assistive-technology evidence where applicable." ], "official_source_ids": [ "ISO-14289-1-2014", "PDFASSOC-MATTERHORN-1.1", "PDFASSOC-PDFUA", "W3C-PDF-TECHNIQUES", "W3C-WCAG22", "W3C-WCAG22-TECHNIQUES", "W3C-WCAG2ICT" ], "act_rule_mapping": { "format_alignment": "This is a project-authored manual procedure, not a W3C Approved ACT Rule.", "approved_rule_ids": [], "approved_rules": [], "mapping_status": "No supporting ACT rule selected", "registry_reviewed_at": "2026-08-27", "registry_source_id": "W3C-ACT-RULES", "mapping_rationale": "An ACT result can support only the part of this procedure covered by that rule. It does not replace the remaining manual or assistive-technology checks." }, "technique_traceability": [ { "wcag_criterion": "1.1.1", "understanding_url": "https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/non-text-content.html", "techniques_registry_source_id": "W3C-WCAG22-TECHNIQUES", "technique_ids_applied": [], "failure_ids_applied": [], "selection_status": "Select relevant techniques during the test", "selection_note": "Techniques are examples, not extra requirements. Record any technique or common failure used, but decide the result against the success criterion." }, { "wcag_criterion": "1.3.1", "understanding_url": "https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/info-and-relationships.html", "techniques_registry_source_id": "W3C-WCAG22-TECHNIQUES", "technique_ids_applied": [], "failure_ids_applied": [], "selection_status": "Select relevant techniques during the test", "selection_note": "Techniques are examples, not extra requirements. Record any technique or common failure used, but decide the result against the success criterion." }, { "wcag_criterion": "1.3.2", "understanding_url": "https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/meaningful-sequence.html", "techniques_registry_source_id": "W3C-WCAG22-TECHNIQUES", "technique_ids_applied": [], "failure_ids_applied": [], "selection_status": "Select relevant techniques during the test", "selection_note": "Techniques are examples, not extra requirements. Record any technique or common failure used, but decide the result against the success criterion." }, { "wcag_criterion": "2.1.1", "understanding_url": "https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/keyboard.html", "techniques_registry_source_id": "W3C-WCAG22-TECHNIQUES", "technique_ids_applied": [], "failure_ids_applied": [], "selection_status": "Select relevant techniques during the test", "selection_note": "Techniques are examples, not extra requirements. Record any technique or common failure used, but decide the result against the success criterion." }, { "wcag_criterion": "4.1.2", "understanding_url": "https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/name-role-value.html", "techniques_registry_source_id": "W3C-WCAG22-TECHNIQUES", "technique_ids_applied": [], "failure_ids_applied": [], "selection_status": "Select relevant techniques during the test", "selection_note": "Techniques are examples, not extra requirements. Record any technique or common failure used, but decide the result against the success criterion." } ], "platform_ids": [ "document-pdf" ], "review_requirement": "A qualified accessibility reviewer must confirm the scope, evidence and result before it is reported as final.", "known_issues": [ "Check relevant browser, tool or assistive-technology release notes before assigning unexpected behaviour to the product.", "If responsibility is unclear, record the reproducible behaviour and use cannot tell until it is resolved." ], "change_log": [ { "version": "2026.08.27-rc.9", "change": "Reworked for plain language, case-focused steps, scoped evidence and transparent draft review status." }, { "version": "2026.08.27-rc.9", "change": "Case-specific specialist content, evidence and platform boundaries completed for hash-bound agent verification." }, { "version": "2026.08.27-rc.9", "change": "Removed administrative filler steps, added contextual risk and result boundaries, and prepared the concise worksheet flow for internal consistency review." } ], "tags": [ "external-protocol", "matterhorn", "pdf", "pdf-ua", "pdfua_conformance" ], "status": "draft", "authoring_readiness": "content_complete", "short_title": "PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions", "catalogue_version": "2026.08.27-rc.9", "identity": { "stable_case_id": "A11Y-PDFUA-003", "procedure_title": "PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions", "short_user_centred_title": "PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions", "procedure_version": "2026.08.27-rc.9", "catalogue_version": "2026.08.27-rc.9", "status": "draft", "category": "pdfua_conformance", "procedure_type": "external_protocol", "execution_class": "manual_with_automation_support", "intended_tester_expertise": "PDF/UA specialist", "effort_model": { "model": "component_effort_v2", "small_scope_minutes": { "minimum": 180, "maximum": 261 }, "warning": "Add a new per-target execution and evidence allowance for each additional target class or state that could produce a different result. Add setup time for each distinct environment.", "calculation_guidance": "Add the recorded setup, per-target execution, evidence and technical-review components; then apply the stated variation rule.", "unit": "minutes", "setup": { "typical": 25, "includes": "Confirm scope and target, prepare safe data, establish the required state and record the tool or environment version." }, "per_target_execution": { "typical": 90, "includes": "Perform the procedure once for one target in its selected states; this excludes remediation and retesting." }, "evidence_capture": { "typical": 30, "includes": "Capture, name and cross-reference the minimum reproducible evidence while removing unnecessary personal or secret data." }, "technical_review": { "typical": 35, "includes": "Check applicability, observations, outcome logic, evidence sufficiency and report wording before issue publication." }, "typical_total_range": { "minimum": 180, "maximum": 261 }, "assumptions": "one checksum-frozen PDF with a valid protocol manifest; page count, unique structures and manual Matterhorn conditions dominate effort", "variation": "Add a new per-target execution and evidence allowance for each additional target class or state that could produce a different result. Add setup time for each distinct environment.", "excludes": "Client coordination, inaccessible-environment recovery, recruitment, legal review, remediation implementation and waiting time unless the procedure states otherwise." }, "related_procedures": [ "A11Y-WCAG-001", "A11Y-WCAG-007", "A11Y-WCAG-008", "A11Y-WCAG-021", "A11Y-WCAG-054" ], "replaces": [], "replaced_by": [] }, "purpose_and_user_impact": { "barrier_detected": "Checks PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions on the checksum-identified final PDF.", "people_likely_affected": [ "People who depend on reliable PDF semantics, navigation, input, reflow, speech or braille output." ], "functionality_or_information_at_risk": "A checker or mismatched protocol may produce an unsupported PDF/UA claim while material barriers remain.", "result_scope": "external_standard_assessment", "claim_boundary": "This procedure records how PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions behaves on document-pdf. It can expose evidence relevant to WCAG 1.1.1, 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 2.1.1 and 4.1.2 for the tested task and environment. Use the linked conformance procedures for WCAG 1.1.1, 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 2.1.1 and 4.1.2 to assess the complete requirements across the declared conformance scope.", "why_it_matters": "A checker or mismatched protocol may produce an unsupported PDF/UA claim while material barriers remain. The procedure is necessary because checks PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions on the checksum-identified final PDF and the result can otherwise conceal a material barrier for the affected people named here." }, "requirement_mappings": [ { "source_id": "W3C-WCAG22", "requirement_id": "1.1.1", "requirement_level": "AA", "requirement_type": "secondary", "coverage_type": "partial", "canonical_source": "https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/", "source_status": "W3C Recommendation", "source_version_or_publication_date": "WCAG 2.2; 12 December 2024 Recommendation", "date_verified": "2026-08-27", "reviewer_notes": "The mapping describes the intended scope of this draft procedure. Independent standards review remains required.", "limitations": "This PDF/UA protocol review observes PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions in the recorded document-pdf environment. Use the linked WCAG 1.1.1 conformance procedure to evaluate all normative parts of WCAG 1.1.1 across the declared scope.", "dependent_fields": [ "applicability_model", "normative_exceptions", "steps", "decision_logic" ] }, { "source_id": "W3C-WCAG22", "requirement_id": "1.3.1", "requirement_level": "AA", "requirement_type": "secondary", "coverage_type": "partial", "canonical_source": "https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/", "source_status": "W3C Recommendation", "source_version_or_publication_date": "WCAG 2.2; 12 December 2024 Recommendation", "date_verified": "2026-08-27", "reviewer_notes": "The mapping describes the intended scope of this draft procedure. Independent standards review remains required.", "limitations": "This PDF/UA protocol review observes PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions in the recorded document-pdf environment. Use the linked WCAG 1.3.1 conformance procedure to evaluate all normative parts of WCAG 1.3.1 across the declared scope.", "dependent_fields": [ "applicability_model", "normative_exceptions", "steps", "decision_logic" ] }, { "source_id": "W3C-WCAG22", "requirement_id": "1.3.2", "requirement_level": "AA", "requirement_type": "secondary", "coverage_type": "partial", "canonical_source": "https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/", "source_status": "W3C Recommendation", "source_version_or_publication_date": "WCAG 2.2; 12 December 2024 Recommendation", "date_verified": "2026-08-27", "reviewer_notes": "The mapping describes the intended scope of this draft procedure. Independent standards review remains required.", "limitations": "This PDF/UA protocol review observes PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions in the recorded document-pdf environment. Use the linked WCAG 1.3.2 conformance procedure to evaluate all normative parts of WCAG 1.3.2 across the declared scope.", "dependent_fields": [ "applicability_model", "normative_exceptions", "steps", "decision_logic" ] }, { "source_id": "W3C-WCAG22", "requirement_id": "2.1.1", "requirement_level": "AA", "requirement_type": "secondary", "coverage_type": "partial", "canonical_source": "https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/", "source_status": "W3C Recommendation", "source_version_or_publication_date": "WCAG 2.2; 12 December 2024 Recommendation", "date_verified": "2026-08-27", "reviewer_notes": "The mapping describes the intended scope of this draft procedure. Independent standards review remains required.", "limitations": "This PDF/UA protocol review observes PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions in the recorded document-pdf environment. Use the linked WCAG 2.1.1 conformance procedure to evaluate all normative parts of WCAG 2.1.1 across the declared scope.", "dependent_fields": [ "applicability_model", "normative_exceptions", "steps", "decision_logic" ] }, { "source_id": "W3C-WCAG22", "requirement_id": "4.1.2", "requirement_level": "AA", "requirement_type": "secondary", "coverage_type": "partial", "canonical_source": "https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/", "source_status": "W3C Recommendation", "source_version_or_publication_date": "WCAG 2.2; 12 December 2024 Recommendation", "date_verified": "2026-08-27", "reviewer_notes": "The mapping describes the intended scope of this draft procedure. Independent standards review remains required.", "limitations": "This PDF/UA protocol review observes PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions in the recorded document-pdf environment. Use the linked WCAG 4.1.2 conformance procedure to evaluate all normative parts of WCAG 4.1.2 across the declared scope.", "dependent_fields": [ "applicability_model", "normative_exceptions", "steps", "decision_logic" ] }, { "source_id": "W3C-WCAG2ICT", "requirement_id": "W3C-WCAG2ICT", "requirement_level": "informative", "requirement_type": "advisory", "coverage_type": "supporting", "canonical_source": "https://www.w3.org/TR/wcag2ict-22/", "source_status": "living_guidance", "source_version_or_publication_date": "Current first-party publication; exact version pending source review", "date_verified": "2026-08-27", "reviewer_notes": "Supporting source. Procedure-level content review remains recorded separately.", "limitations": "This source does not override WCAG or create an additional WCAG conformance requirement.", "dependent_fields": [ "prerequisites", "environment", "steps" ] }, { "source_id": "W3C-PDF-TECHNIQUES", "requirement_id": "W3C-PDF-TECHNIQUES", "requirement_level": "informative", "requirement_type": "advisory", "coverage_type": "supporting", "canonical_source": "https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Techniques/#pdf", "source_status": "living_guidance", "source_version_or_publication_date": "Current first-party publication; exact version pending source review", "date_verified": "2026-08-27", "reviewer_notes": "Supporting source. Procedure-level content review remains recorded separately.", "limitations": "This source does not override WCAG or create an additional WCAG conformance requirement.", "dependent_fields": [ "prerequisites", "environment", "steps" ] }, { "source_id": "PDFASSOC-MATTERHORN-1.1", "requirement_id": "PDFASSOC-MATTERHORN-1.1", "requirement_level": "informative", "requirement_type": "advisory", "coverage_type": "supporting", "canonical_source": "https://pdfa.org/resource/the-matterhorn-protocol/", "source_status": "industry_guidance", "source_version_or_publication_date": "Matterhorn Protocol 1.1; April 2021", "date_verified": "2026-08-27", "reviewer_notes": "Supporting source. Procedure-level content review remains recorded separately.", "limitations": "This source does not override WCAG or create an additional WCAG conformance requirement.", "dependent_fields": [ "prerequisites", "environment", "steps" ] }, { "source_id": "PDFASSOC-PDFUA", "requirement_id": "PDFASSOC-PDFUA", "requirement_level": "informative", "requirement_type": "advisory", "coverage_type": "supporting", "canonical_source": "https://pdfa.org/resource/pdfua-in-a-nutshell/", "source_status": "industry_guidance", "source_version_or_publication_date": "Current first-party publication; exact version pending source review", "date_verified": "2026-08-27", "reviewer_notes": "Supporting source. Procedure-level content review remains recorded separately.", "limitations": "This source does not override WCAG or create an additional WCAG conformance requirement.", "dependent_fields": [ "prerequisites", "environment", "steps" ] }, { "source_id": "W3C-WCAG22-TECHNIQUES", "requirement_id": "W3C-WCAG22-TECHNIQUES", "requirement_level": "informative", "requirement_type": "advisory", "coverage_type": "supporting", "canonical_source": "https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Techniques/", "source_status": "living_guidance", "source_version_or_publication_date": "Techniques for WCAG 2.2", "date_verified": "2026-08-27", "reviewer_notes": "Supporting source. Procedure-level content review remains recorded separately.", "limitations": "This source does not override WCAG or create an additional WCAG conformance requirement.", "dependent_fields": [ "prerequisites", "environment", "steps" ] }, { "source_id": "ISO-14289-1-2014", "requirement_id": "ISO 14289-1:2014", "requirement_level": "PDF/UA-1", "requirement_type": "conformance", "coverage_type": "partial", "canonical_source": "https://www.iso.org/standard/64599.html", "source_status": "international_standard", "source_version_or_publication_date": "2014", "date_verified": "2026-08-04", "reviewer_notes": "The procedure supports only the named part of a PDF/UA-1 assessment.", "limitations": "The procedure alone is not complete ISO 14289-1 conformance evidence and supplies no PDF/UA-2 evidence.", "dependent_fields": [ "pdfua_scope", "steps", "decision_logic", "evidence_specification" ] } ], "applicability_model": { "test_subject": "The immutable PDF identified by SHA-256 checksum and an explicitly selected PDF/UA part.", "test_targets": [ "The exact PDF/UA protocol conditions and manual checks relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions." ], "objective_questions": [ "Does the frozen scope contain a target relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions?", "Are the required real environments, versions and settings identified separately from diagnostic simulations?", "Which default, revealed, error, interruption, recovery and confirmation states can change the result?", "Does a scope exclusion need to be reported separately from target applicability?" ], "subjective_judgements": [ "Record any judgement about meaning, equivalence, task success, platform responsibility or exception use with evidence for independent review." ], "inapplicability_conditions": [ "No immutable PDF with the required PDF version and selected PDF/UA part exists in the frozen scope." ], "scope_exclusions": [ "An agreed exclusion is a reporting limitation, not an inapplicable target and not a pass." ], "required_states_and_variations": [ "Default, revealed, loading, empty, validation error, interruption, recovery and confirmation where meaningful.", "Every required environment, viewport, orientation, language and authenticated state recorded in the frozen scope." ], "complete_process_dependencies": "Run each selected critical process from its defined start through success, at least one representative error, interruption and recovery, and confirmation where the focus can affect task completion.", "conforming_alternate_version_considerations": "A conforming alternate version can affect a WCAG report only when all WCAG conformance conditions are verified separately. It does not erase a platform or usability observation." }, "normative_exceptions": [], "normative_exceptions_absent_reason": "This platform, journey, usability or quality procedure creates no additional normative exception. Apply exceptions only in the linked atomic or criterion-level conformance procedure and preserve that separate decision.", "environment": { "required_tester_expertise": "PDF/UA specialist", "required_platforms": [ "document-pdf" ], "minimum_environment_fields": [ "operating_system", "operating_system_version", "pdf_viewer", "pdf_viewer_version", "pdfua_part", "pdf_sha256", "accessibility_checker", "accessibility_checker_version", "authoring_or_remediation_tool", "authoring_or_remediation_tool_version", "assistive_technology", "assistive_technology_version", "input_method" ], "product_and_content_version_required": true, "viewport_and_orientation_required": true, "input_mode_required": true, "relevant_settings": [ "PDF version", "PDF/UA identifier", "Checker and version", "Authoring/export/remediation tool", "Viewer", "Assistive technology" ], "known_platform_limitations": [ "PDF/UA-1 and PDF/UA-2 are separate standards. Checker success and Matterhorn Protocol 1.1 do not establish PDF/UA-2 conformance.", "Check relevant browser, tool or assistive-technology release notes before assigning unexpected behaviour to the product.", "If responsibility is unclear, record the reproducible behaviour and use cannot tell until it is resolved." ], "clean_state_requirements": [ "Complete a known-good calibration in the same environment before product testing.", "Start from a recorded clean or known state and preserve any prior preferences, extensions, cache or profile settings that can affect output." ], "test_data_and_privacy_constraints": [ "Use authorised synthetic or controlled data.", "Do not record credentials, secrets or unnecessary personal data." ], "coverage_boundary": "PDF/UA-1 and PDF/UA-2 are separate standards. Checker success and Matterhorn Protocol 1.1 do not establish PDF/UA-2 conformance." }, "decision_logic": { "target_passed": "Every machine, human and no-specific-test condition has a defensible outcome and unresolved conflicts remain cantTell.", "target_failed": "An applicable PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions target has a reproducible material barrier against one or more stated expectations; identify the exact expectation, state and evidence.", "target_inapplicable": "No immutable PDF with the required PDF version and selected PDF/UA part exists in the frozen scope.", "target_cant_tell": "The target is applicable, but conflicting evidence or unresolved responsibility prevents a defensible expectation decision after recorded comparison.", "target_untested": "An applicable target, required state, complete process or named real environment was not executed.", "aggregation": "Preserve every target/environment outcome. Any failed target prevents an overall passed procedure result. cantTell and untested remain unresolved; inapplicable is valid only when the completed inventory contains no applicable target.", "wcag_requirement_decision": "This specialist, platform, document, usability or quality result does not set a WCAG success criterion to satisfied or not_satisfied automatically. Use linked atomic and criterion-level procedures for that separate decision.", "conforming_alternate_version_effect": "Record alternate-version evidence separately. It does not erase a barrier in this tested version or environment.", "passed_automation_follow_up": "A checker, accessibility-tree inspection, emulator or simulated assistive technology is diagnostic evidence only. Complete every required manual, real-platform, contextual and exception check.", "platform_responsibility": "Compare the product with a known-good control and an authorised alternate environment. Record product defect, external limitation or unresolved responsibility only when evidence supports it; otherwise use cantTell.", "claim_readiness": "Schema validation or a passed target never creates a conformance or release claim. Required executions, a distinct competent review, limitations and any applicable legal, participant or organisational authority remain separate gates." }, "evidence_specification": [ { "evidence_id": "EV1", "method": "file_integrity", "record": "Immutable PDF SHA-256 checksum, PDF version, PDF/UA identifier and toolchain.", "review_purpose": "Allow an independent reviewer to reproduce the target, environment, action, actual behaviour and decision.", "privacy_and_security": "Reference or redact sensitive material. Do not store credentials, secrets, unnecessary personal data or unconsented participant data.", "required_for_formal_result": true }, { "evidence_id": "EV2", "method": "protocol_manifest", "record": "Selected ISO part, matching protocol/version and every condition outcome with no silent omission.", "review_purpose": "Allow an independent reviewer to reproduce the target, environment, action, actual behaviour and decision.", "privacy_and_security": "Reference or redact sensitive material. Do not store credentials, secrets, unnecessary personal data or unconsented participant data.", "required_for_formal_result": true }, { "evidence_id": "EV3", "method": "document_structure", "record": "Tag tree, reading order, semantics and human-judgement evidence linked to page/object.", "review_purpose": "Allow an independent reviewer to reproduce the target, environment, action, actual behaviour and decision.", "privacy_and_security": "Reference or redact sensitive material. Do not store credentials, secrets, unnecessary personal data or unconsented participant data.", "required_for_formal_result": true }, { "evidence_id": "EV4", "method": "functional_record", "record": "Viewer, keyboard, reflow and real assistive-technology evidence where applicable.", "review_purpose": "Allow an independent reviewer to reproduce the target, environment, action, actual behaviour and decision.", "privacy_and_security": "Reference or redact sensitive material. Do not store credentials, secrets, unnecessary personal data or unconsented participant data.", "required_for_formal_result": true } ], "calibration_examples": [ { "example_id": "A11Y-PDFUA-003-EX-PASS", "outcome": "passed", "scenario": "In document-pdf, the selected PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions target completes the recorded action and meets this expectation: Every machine, human and no-specific-test condition has a defensible outcome and unresolved conflicts remain cantTell.", "explanation": "The example is a calibration scenario, not an execution or approval.", "fixture_id": "", "fixture_version": "", "machine_testable": false }, { "example_id": "A11Y-PDFUA-003-EX-FAIL", "outcome": "failed", "scenario": "An applicable PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions target produces a reproducible barrier during the named action, with the exact state and affected user task recorded.", "explanation": "A failed target remains failed even if another environment or target passes.", "fixture_id": "", "fixture_version": "", "machine_testable": false }, { "example_id": "A11Y-PDFUA-003-EX-INAPPLICABLE", "outcome": "inapplicable", "scenario": "No immutable PDF with the required PDF version and selected PDF/UA part exists in the frozen scope.", "explanation": "Inapplicable requires a completed inventory showing that no target matches applicability; a missing environment is not inapplicable.", "fixture_id": "", "fixture_version": "", "machine_testable": false }, { "example_id": "A11Y-PDFUA-003-EX-CANTTELL", "outcome": "cantTell", "scenario": "The PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions target is applicable, but conflicting product/platform evidence or missing authoritative information prevents a defensible responsibility or expectation decision.", "explanation": "Record the conflict, comparisons attempted and person or evidence needed to resolve it.", "fixture_id": "", "fixture_version": "", "machine_testable": false }, { "example_id": "A11Y-PDFUA-003-EX-UNTESTED", "outcome": "untested", "scenario": "The PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions target is applicable, but a required state, complete process or real environment was not executed.", "explanation": "Untested remains incomplete and cannot be converted to passed or inapplicable.", "fixture_id": "", "fixture_version": "", "machine_testable": false } ], "review_record": { "author": "", "method_reviewer": "", "independent_standards_reviewer": "", "accessibility_ui_reviewer": "", "author_date": "", "method_review_date": "", "standards_review_date": "", "ui_review_date": "", "source_versions_reviewed": [], "exceptions_reviewed": false, "known_limitations": [ "PDF/UA-1 and PDF/UA-2 are separate standards. Checker success and Matterhorn Protocol 1.1 do not establish PDF/UA-2 conformance.", "Real execution evidence and any customer-required legal, participant or organisational authority remain separate." ], "open_issues": [ "Execute all required real environments and calibration cases.", "Complete a distinct competent review and retain any unresolved material finding as blocked or cantTell." ], "decision": "pending", "next_review_date": "", "status_transition_reason": "", "release_gate_id": "", "release_gate_completed_at": "", "approval_authority": "", "approval_date": "" }, "privacy_and_security": { "browser_storage": "Worksheet data is stored only in this browser's local storage until the user exports or clears it.", "network_transmission": "The static library does not upload worksheet data.", "data_minimisation": "Record only evidence necessary to reproduce and review the decision.", "redaction": "Remove credentials, secrets and unnecessary personal or participant data before export or sharing.", "retention_and_deletion": "Apply the engagement retention schedule and clear local browser data when it is no longer required." }, "version_history": [ { "version": "2026.08.27-rc.9", "change": "Reworked for plain language, case-focused steps, scoped evidence and transparent draft review status." }, { "version": "2026.08.27-rc.9", "change": "Migrated to professional catalogue schema v3 with separated outcomes, structured authority, applicability, evidence, decision and review records." }, { "version": "2026.08.27-rc.9", "change": "Specialist procedure mapped to its task family and current first-party platform guidance and checked for internal consistency; competent review and real execution remain separate." }, { "version": "2026.08.27-rc.9", "change": "Added explicit preparation and variation/recovery steps plus a bounded representative worked example for paid-template use." }, { "version": "2026.08.27-rc.9", "change": "Procedure guidance and presentation simplified without changing draft governance status." } ], "migration": { "from_schema": "accessibility-test-catalog.v2", "from_procedure_version": "2026.08.04.1", "migrated_at": "2026-08-27", "content_review_state": "commercial_completeness_upgrade_agent_verified", "stable_identifier_preserved": true, "legacy_url_preserved": true, "delivery_model": "professional_delivery_v2", "agent_content_validation": { "status": "complete", "method": "case_specific_semantic_and_operational_checks_v1", "checked_fields": [ "target", "state", "tool", "action", "expected_observation", "failure_observation", "evidence", "outcome_rules", "claim_boundary", "compact_examples" ], "human_approval_effect": "none" } }, "test_type": "external_standard_assessment", "related_procedures": [ "A11Y-WCAG-001", "A11Y-WCAG-007", "A11Y-WCAG-008", "A11Y-WCAG-021", "A11Y-WCAG-054" ], "platform_validation": { "required": true, "evidence_status": "not_executed", "real_device_or_at_claimed": false, "required_environment_ids": [ "document-pdf" ], "calibration_required": true, "evidence_refs": [], "limitations": "PDF/UA-1 and PDF/UA-2 are separate standards. Checker success and Matterhorn Protocol 1.1 do not establish PDF/UA-2 conformance." }, "pdfua_scope": { "iso_part": "PDF/UA-1", "iso_standard": "ISO 14289-1:2014", "protocol": "Matterhorn Protocol 1.1 reconciliation", "claim_scope": "PDF/UA-1 checker reconciliation only; never PDF/UA-2 evidence.", "execution_evidence_status": "not_executed" }, "effort_guidance": { "unit": "minutes", "setup": { "typical": 25, "includes": "Confirm scope and target, prepare safe data, establish the required state and record the tool or environment version." }, "per_target_execution": { "typical": 90, "includes": "Perform the procedure once for one target in its selected states; this excludes remediation and retesting." }, "evidence_capture": { "typical": 30, "includes": "Capture, name and cross-reference the minimum reproducible evidence while removing unnecessary personal or secret data." }, "technical_review": { "typical": 35, "includes": "Check applicability, observations, outcome logic, evidence sufficiency and report wording before issue publication." }, "typical_total_range": { "minimum": 180, "maximum": 261 }, "assumptions": "one checksum-frozen PDF with a valid protocol manifest; page count, unique structures and manual Matterhorn conditions dominate effort", "variation": "Add a new per-target execution and evidence allowance for each additional target class or state that could produce a different result. Add setup time for each distinct environment.", "excludes": "Client coordination, inaccessible-environment recovery, recruitment, legal review, remediation implementation and waiting time unless the procedure states otherwise." }, "worked_examples": [ { "example_id": "A11Y-PDFUA-003-WORKED-001", "example_kind": "representative_synthetic_example", "context": "Representative synthetic example for PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions on a fictional, version-frozen product target; no client or participant execution occurred.", "inspected": "The tester follows S2 (Freeze the PDF identity, tools and protocol) using the target, required state, tool and repeat rule stated in this procedure.", "observed_output": "After the tester completes the PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions scenario named Freeze the PDF identity, tools and protocol, the recorded observation for the target is inconsistent with the required result: The exact immutable artifact, claim and toolchain are reproducible.", "evidence_captured": [ "example-evidence-001: target and state record for The exact PDF/UA protocol conditions and manual checks relevant to PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions.", "example-evidence-002: contemporaneous observation from the named method — Immutable PDF SHA-256 checksum, PDF version, PDF/UA identifier and toolchain.", "example-evidence-003: comparison note linking the actual observation to the expected result and claim boundary" ], "tester_reasoning": "The recorded observation does not demonstrate the expected result: The exact immutable artifact, claim and toolchain are reproducible. The failed decision is limited to this synthetic target and state; unexecuted coverage is not inferred.", "decision": "failed", "completed_finding": { "finding_id": "A11Y-PDFUA-003-example-finding-001", "title": "PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions: expected result is not demonstrated", "severity": "medium", "user_impact": "The represented barrier may affect People who depend on reliable PDF semantics, navigation, input, reflow, speech or braille output.", "evidence_refs": [ "example-evidence-001", "example-evidence-002", "example-evidence-003" ] }, "remediation_advice": "Change the represented target or process so it demonstrates this result: The exact immutable artifact, claim and toolchain are reproducible. Then rerun the affected step and every dependent variation.", "reviewer_feedback": "The reviewer confirms applicability, environment, actual-versus-expected comparison, evidence references and bounded wording; unsupported product-wide or conformance language is removed.", "final_client_report_wording": "Synthetic training finding: the sampled PDF/UA checker reconciliation and manual-only conditions target does not meet the procedure expectation in the recorded state. User impact and broader scope require evidence from the buyer's real execution.", "retest_outcome": "Synthetic retest example: after the represented change, repeat the failed step plus material error and recovery states. Close the finding only when new evidence demonstrates the expected result; otherwise retain the non-pass outcome.", "claim_boundary": "This is a representative, synthetic worked example for training and calibration. It is not evidence from a client product, participant or real assistive-technology execution." } ] }