{
  "test_case_id": "A11Y-WCAG-047",
  "title": "WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help",
  "category": "wcag_manual",
  "procedure_version": "2026.08.27-rc.9",
  "rule_type": "composite",
  "wcag_criteria": [
    "3.2.6"
  ],
  "level": "A",
  "risk": "medium",
  "risk_basis": "Repeated help mechanisms change relative order across pages without a user-initiated change. People most likely affected: people with cognitive, language, learning or memory disabilities; Blind people and people using screen readers or braille. Users may struggle to locate help when they need assistance. In the recorded web-desktop-cross-browser environment, apply the criterion to every relevant state and named normative exception; failures in critical tasks and complete processes carry the greatest user impact.",
  "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": "WCAG check",
  "tester_level": "Accessibility tester",
  "estimated_duration": "Typically 33–48 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": "Repeated help mechanisms change relative order across pages without a user-initiated change.",
  "objective": "Repeated help mechanisms change relative order across pages without a user-initiated change.",
  "test_subject": "The selected conformance scope for WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 3.2.6.",
  "test_targets": [
    "Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set."
  ],
  "applicability": "Compare relative serialised order in the same page variation; direct links to help pages count as mechanisms.",
  "applicability_questions": [
    "Does the selected content contain this target: Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set.",
    "Does this applicability rule match it: Compare relative serialised order in the same page variation; direct links to help pages count as mechanisms.",
    "Which states, technologies, page variations and complete-process positions can change the decision?"
  ],
  "inapplicability_conditions": [
    "The completed scope inventory contains no target matching: Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set."
  ],
  "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",
    "browser",
    "browser_version",
    "viewport_css_pixels",
    "input_method"
  ],
  "steps": [
    {
      "step_id": "S1",
      "title": "Inventory applicable targets",
      "phase": "prepare",
      "action": "Freeze the page, content and product version. Inventory Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set. Apply this rule: Compare relative serialised order in the same page variation; direct links to help pages count as mechanisms.",
      "test_target": "Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set.",
      "required_state": "For WCAG 3.2.6 Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order, use default and every meaningful state or variation that can change the result.",
      "tool_or_command": "For WCAG 3.2.6, use the frozen scope inventory, product requirements and rendered content to identify every Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order target.",
      "expected": "Every selected target and state is uniquely identifiable before testing.",
      "evidence_to_record": "Page/view, target identifier, state, technology, sample rationale and scope limitation.",
      "decision_effect": "For WCAG 3.2.6, an omitted applicable Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order target or state remains untested.",
      "recovery_or_repeat": "Repeat the WCAG 3.2.6 target inventory after a material content, state, technology or process change.",
      "novice_guidance": "For WCAG 3.2.6, keep agreed scope exclusions separate from the target's applicable, inapplicable and pass outcomes.",
      "scenario_purpose": "For WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help, prepare the named scenario: Inventory applicable targets. Target: Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set. The preparation must establish this result: Every selected target and state is uniquely identifiable before testing.",
      "user_impact": "Users may struggle to locate help when they need assistance. This scenario isolates that risk in the action named Inventory applicable targets.",
      "failure_observation": "During WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help, the target, starting state, environment or scope record remains ambiguous for the scenario named Inventory applicable targets. The preparation result cannot be demonstrated: Every selected target and state is uniquely identifiable before testing.",
      "decision_rules": {
        "passed": "Record passed for the WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help scenario named Inventory applicable targets only when the evidence (Page/view, target identifier, state, technology, sample rationale and scope limitation.) supports: Every selected target and state is uniquely identifiable before testing.",
        "failed": "Record failed when the action is completed and this failure observation is reproduced: During WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help, the target, starting state, environment or scope record remains ambiguous for the scenario named Inventory applicable targets. The preparation result cannot be demonstrated: Every selected target and state is uniquely identifiable before testing.",
        "not_applicable": "The completed scope inventory contains no target matching: Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set.",
        "blocked": "Record blocked, not passed, when The target is applicable, but a required action, state, environment or evidence item was not completed."
      },
      "limitations_and_claim_boundary": "This WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help scenario covers only the action named Inventory applicable targets for the recorded target and state. It contributes evidence to 3.2.6; apply the procedure's aggregation, complete-process and conformance-scope rules before making a broader decision."
    },
    {
      "step_id": "S2",
      "title": "Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order",
      "phase": "test",
      "action": "Locate human contact, self-help, automated contact and other help mechanisms across page sets and responsive states.",
      "test_target": "Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set.",
      "required_state": "For WCAG 3.2.6 Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order, use default and every meaningful state or variation that can change the result.",
      "tool_or_command": "Page-set inventory, DOM/reading-order comparison and responsive variation record.",
      "expected": "Applicable repeated help mechanisms occur in the same order relative to other page content unless the user initiates a change.",
      "evidence_to_record": "Page set/variation, help mechanism type, relative order and user-initiated change evidence.",
      "decision_effect": "A Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order target that does not meet WCAG 3.2.6 and has no supported exception is failed.",
      "recovery_or_repeat": "Repeat the WCAG 3.2.6 action when the target's content, state, environment or underlying technology changes.",
      "novice_guidance": "For WCAG 3.2.6 Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order, record the actual evidence before deciding; use checker or visual evidence alone only when this procedure defines it as the measurement.",
      "scenario_purpose": "For WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help, execute the named scenario: Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order. Target: Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set. Compare the observation with this result: Applicable repeated help mechanisms occur in the same order relative to other page content unless the user initiates a change.",
      "user_impact": "Users may struggle to locate help when they need assistance. This scenario isolates that risk in the action named Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order.",
      "failure_observation": "After the tester completes the WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help scenario named Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order, the recorded observation for the target is inconsistent with the required result: Applicable repeated help mechanisms occur in the same order relative to other page content unless the user initiates a change.",
      "decision_rules": {
        "passed": "Record passed for the WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help scenario named Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order only when the evidence (Page set/variation, help mechanism type, relative order and user-initiated change evidence.) supports: Applicable repeated help mechanisms occur in the same order relative to other page content unless the user initiates a change.",
        "failed": "Record failed when the action is completed and this failure observation is reproduced: After the tester completes the WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help scenario named Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order, the recorded observation for the target is inconsistent with the required result: Applicable repeated help mechanisms occur in the same order relative to other page content unless the user initiates a change.",
        "not_applicable": "The completed scope inventory contains no target matching: Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set.",
        "blocked": "Record blocked, not passed, when The target is applicable, but a required action, state, environment or evidence item was not completed."
      },
      "limitations_and_claim_boundary": "This WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help scenario covers only the action named Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order for the recorded target and state. It contributes evidence to 3.2.6; apply the procedure's aggregation, complete-process and conformance-scope rules before making a broader decision."
    },
    {
      "step_id": "S3",
      "title": "Apply branches and exceptions",
      "phase": "decide",
      "action": "For WCAG 3.2.6, compare the actual result directly with the normative condition; do not add advisory practice to the pass threshold. Evaluate only these recorded normative exceptions where relevant: User-initiated order change.",
      "test_target": "Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set.",
      "required_state": "For WCAG 3.2.6, use the same Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order target and state evidence collected in S2.",
      "tool_or_command": "WCAG 2.2 normative text and Understanding Success Criterion 3.2.6: Consistent Help as informative interpretation.",
      "expected": "Every alternative branch or exception used is named and supported by its exact condition.",
      "evidence_to_record": "Selected branch; exception name, condition and evidence; unresolved judgement and resolver.",
      "decision_effect": "For WCAG 3.2.6, an unsupported Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order exception fails; unresolved applicability or exception evidence is cannot tell.",
      "recovery_or_repeat": "Reassess WCAG 3.2.6 when source status, normative wording or the Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order target facts change.",
      "novice_guidance": "For WCAG 3.2.6, use Understanding and Techniques as informative decision support; they do not create extra requirements.",
      "scenario_purpose": "For WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help, execute the named scenario: Apply branches and exceptions. Target: Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set. Compare the observation with this result: Every alternative branch or exception used is named and supported by its exact condition.",
      "user_impact": "Users may struggle to locate help when they need assistance. This scenario isolates that risk in the action named Apply branches and exceptions.",
      "failure_observation": "After the tester completes the WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help scenario named Apply branches and exceptions, the recorded observation for the target is inconsistent with the required result: Every alternative branch or exception used is named and supported by its exact condition.",
      "decision_rules": {
        "passed": "Record passed for the WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help scenario named Apply branches and exceptions only when the evidence (Selected branch; exception name, condition and evidence; unresolved judgement and resolver.) supports: Every alternative branch or exception used is named and supported by its exact condition.",
        "failed": "Record failed when the action is completed and this failure observation is reproduced: After the tester completes the WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help scenario named Apply branches and exceptions, the recorded observation for the target is inconsistent with the required result: Every alternative branch or exception used is named and supported by its exact condition.",
        "not_applicable": "The completed scope inventory contains no target matching: Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set.",
        "blocked": "Record blocked, not passed, when The target is applicable, but a required action, state, environment or evidence item was not completed."
      },
      "limitations_and_claim_boundary": "This WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help scenario covers only the action named Apply branches and exceptions for the recorded target and state. It contributes evidence to 3.2.6; apply the procedure's aggregation, complete-process and conformance-scope rules before making a broader decision."
    }
  ],
  "expectations": [
    {
      "expectation_id": "E1",
      "statement": "Applicable repeated help mechanisms occur in the same order relative to other page content unless the user initiates a change.",
      "outcome_if_unmet": "failed"
    },
    {
      "expectation_id": "E2",
      "statement": "Every selected target and material state is executed; omitted coverage remains untested.",
      "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-WCAG-047-EX-PASSED",
      "outcome": "passed",
      "scenario": "Representative calibration example, not client evidence. Procedure: WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help. Target: Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set. Action: Freeze the page, content and product version. Inventory Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set. Apply this rule: Compare relative serialised order in the same page variation; direct links to help pages count as mechanisms. Evidence: Page/view, target identifier, state, technology, sample rationale and scope limitation. Observed result: Every selected target and state is uniquely identifiable before testing."
    },
    {
      "example_id": "A11Y-WCAG-047-EX-FAILED",
      "outcome": "failed",
      "scenario": "Representative calibration example, not client evidence. Procedure: WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help. Target: Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set. The tester completes the recorded action, but the captured evidence does not demonstrate: Every selected target and state is uniquely identifiable before testing. The failed target and state remain separate from unexecuted targets."
    },
    {
      "example_id": "A11Y-WCAG-047-EX-INAPPLICABLE",
      "outcome": "inapplicable",
      "scenario": "Representative scope example, not client evidence. The completed scope inventory contains no target matching: Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set. The completed inventory is retained as the basis for the inapplicable outcome."
    },
    {
      "example_id": "A11Y-WCAG-047-EX-CANTTELL",
      "outcome": "cantTell",
      "scenario": "Representative unresolved example, not client evidence. The page-set/variation or whether two mechanisms are the same help mechanism cannot be determined. The record identifies the conflicting evidence and the expertise or comparison needed to resolve it."
    },
    {
      "example_id": "A11Y-WCAG-047-EX-UNTESTED",
      "outcome": "untested",
      "scenario": "Representative execution-gap example, not client evidence. The target is applicable, but a required action, state, environment or evidence item was not completed. The missing action, state or environment remains open and is not converted to a pass."
    }
  ],
  "sampling_rule": "Test every in-scope instance when practical. For a large population, document a sample that includes each template, content or control type, meaningful state and high-risk task.",
  "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": "Applicable repeated help mechanisms occur in the same order relative to other page content unless the user initiates a change.",
  "fail_criteria": "At least one applicable target violates this condition and no documented normative exception applies: Applicable repeated help mechanisms occur in the same order relative to other page content unless the user initiates a change.",
  "evidence_requirements": [
    "Page/view, target identifier, product/content version, state, technology and sample rationale.",
    "Page set/variation, help mechanism type, relative order and user-initiated change evidence.",
    "Target outcome, normative branch, exception evidence, actual result, limitation and issue reference."
  ],
  "official_source_ids": [
    "W3C-WCAG22",
    "W3C-WCAG22-QUICKREF",
    "W3C-WCAG22-TECHNIQUES",
    "W3C-UNDERSTANDING-3-2-6"
  ],
  "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": "3.2.6",
      "understanding_url": "https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/consistent-help.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": [
    "web-desktop-cross-browser"
  ],
  "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": "Removed administrative filler steps, added contextual risk and result boundaries, and prepared the concise worksheet flow for internal consistency review."
    }
  ],
  "tags": [
    "sc-3.2.6",
    "wcag-2.2",
    "wcag-a",
    "wcag_manual"
  ],
  "status": "draft",
  "authoring_readiness": "content_complete",
  "short_title": "Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order",
  "catalogue_version": "2026.08.27-rc.9",
  "identity": {
    "stable_case_id": "A11Y-WCAG-047",
    "procedure_title": "WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help",
    "short_user_centred_title": "Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order",
    "procedure_version": "2026.08.27-rc.9",
    "catalogue_version": "2026.08.27-rc.9",
    "status": "draft",
    "category": "wcag_manual",
    "procedure_type": "composite",
    "execution_class": "manual_with_automation_support",
    "intended_tester_expertise": "Accessibility tester",
    "effort_model": {
      "model": "component_effort_v2",
      "small_scope_minutes": {
        "minimum": 33,
        "maximum": 48
      },
      "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": 10,
        "includes": "Confirm scope and target, prepare safe data, establish the required state and record the tool or environment version."
      },
      "per_target_execution": {
        "typical": 8,
        "includes": "Perform the procedure once for one target in its selected states; this excludes remediation and retesting."
      },
      "evidence_capture": {
        "typical": 7,
        "includes": "Capture, name and cross-reference the minimum reproducible evidence while removing unnecessary personal or secret data."
      },
      "technical_review": {
        "typical": 8,
        "includes": "Check applicability, observations, outcome logic, evidence sufficiency and report wording before issue publication."
      },
      "typical_total_range": {
        "minimum": 33,
        "maximum": 48
      },
      "assumptions": "one page or component state; add another execution block for each materially different template or state",
      "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": [],
    "replaces": [],
    "replaced_by": []
  },
  "purpose_and_user_impact": {
    "barrier_detected": "Repeated help mechanisms change relative order across pages without a user-initiated change.",
    "people_likely_affected": [
      "People with cognitive, language, learning or memory disabilities.",
      "Blind people and people using screen readers or braille."
    ],
    "functionality_or_information_at_risk": "Users may struggle to locate help when they need assistance.",
    "result_scope": "composite_criterion_assessment",
    "claim_boundary": "This WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help procedure determines whether the recorded targets meet WCAG 3.2.6 on web-desktop-cross-browser in the tested states. A broader conformance decision must also account for every applicable target in the declared scope, complete processes, accessibility-supported use and the other WCAG conformance requirements.",
    "why_it_matters": "Users may struggle to locate help when they need assistance. The procedure is necessary because repeated help mechanisms change relative order across pages without a user-initiated change and the result can otherwise conceal a material barrier for the affected people named here."
  },
  "requirement_mappings": [
    {
      "source_id": "W3C-WCAG22",
      "requirement_id": "3.2.6",
      "requirement_level": "A",
      "requirement_type": "conformance",
      "coverage_type": "full",
      "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": "Primary conformance mapping for WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 3.2.6; decide against the normative success-criterion text.",
      "limitations": "Full mapping describes the intended criterion scope of this manual procedure, not proof that a sample covers every item in a product or that WCAG conformance requirements are satisfied.",
      "dependent_fields": [
        "applicability_model",
        "normative_exceptions",
        "steps",
        "decision_logic"
      ],
      "mapping_role": "primary_conformance_mapping"
    },
    {
      "source_id": "W3C-WCAG22-QUICKREF",
      "requirement_id": "W3C-WCAG22-QUICKREF",
      "requirement_level": "informative",
      "requirement_type": "advisory",
      "coverage_type": "supporting",
      "canonical_source": "https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/quickref/",
      "source_status": "living_guidance",
      "source_version_or_publication_date": "WCAG 2.2 supporting guidance",
      "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": "W3C-UNDERSTANDING-3-2-6",
      "requirement_id": "Understanding 3.2.6",
      "requirement_level": "informative",
      "requirement_type": "advisory",
      "coverage_type": "supporting",
      "canonical_source": "https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/consistent-help.html",
      "source_status": "living_guidance",
      "source_version_or_publication_date": "Understanding WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 3.2.6; checked 4 August 2026",
      "date_verified": "2026-08-27",
      "reviewer_notes": "Criterion-specific informative interpretation used for applicability, exceptions and decision guidance.",
      "limitations": "Understanding guidance is informative and does not add a WCAG conformance requirement.",
      "dependent_fields": [
        "purpose_and_user_impact",
        "applicability_model",
        "normative_exceptions",
        "steps",
        "decision_logic",
        "calibration_examples"
      ]
    }
  ],
  "applicability_model": {
    "test_subject": "The selected conformance scope for WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 3.2.6.",
    "test_targets": [
      "Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set."
    ],
    "objective_questions": [
      "Does the selected content contain this target: Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set.",
      "Does this applicability rule match it: Compare relative serialised order in the same page variation; direct links to help pages count as mechanisms.",
      "Which states, technologies, page variations and complete-process positions can change the decision?"
    ],
    "subjective_judgements": [
      "The page-set/variation or whether two mechanisms are the same help mechanism cannot be determined."
    ],
    "inapplicability_conditions": [
      "The completed scope inventory contains no target matching: Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set."
    ],
    "scope_exclusions": [
      "An agreed scope exclusion is a reporting limitation, not an inapplicable target outcome or WCAG pass."
    ],
    "required_states_and_variations": [
      "Default and every meaningful state or variation that can change the result."
    ],
    "complete_process_dependencies": "Where the criterion applies within a complete process, include every selected process step plus error, interruption, recovery and confirmation states. Record any omitted path as untested.",
    "conforming_alternate_version_considerations": "Rely on a conforming alternate version only after the WCAG definition and all conformance conditions are verified for both versions and the mechanism used to reach the alternate."
  },
  "normative_exceptions": [
    {
      "name": "User-initiated order change",
      "decision_condition": "The user initiates the change in help-mechanism order.",
      "evidence_needed": "User action/preference and before/after order.",
      "common_misinterpretation": "Unannounced automatic reordering is not user-initiated.",
      "official_source": "https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/consistent-help.html",
      "scope_of_exception": "Only the initiated variation."
    }
  ],
  "normative_exceptions_absent_reason": "",
  "environment": {
    "required_tester_expertise": "Accessibility tester",
    "required_platforms": [
      "web-desktop-cross-browser"
    ],
    "minimum_environment_fields": [
      "operating_system",
      "operating_system_version",
      "browser",
      "browser_version",
      "viewport_css_pixels",
      "input_method"
    ],
    "product_and_content_version_required": true,
    "viewport_and_orientation_required": true,
    "input_mode_required": true,
    "relevant_settings": [],
    "known_platform_limitations": [
      "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": [
      "Start from a documented clean or known state and record pre-existing preferences, extensions and cached data that can change the result."
    ],
    "test_data_and_privacy_constraints": [
      "Use authorised synthetic or controlled data.",
      "Do not record credentials, secrets or unnecessary personal data."
    ],
    "coverage_boundary": [
      "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."
    ]
  },
  "decision_logic": {
    "target_passed": "Applicable repeated help mechanisms occur in the same order relative to other page content unless the user initiates a change.",
    "target_failed": "At least one applicable target violates this condition and no documented normative exception applies: Applicable repeated help mechanisms occur in the same order relative to other page content unless the user initiates a change.",
    "target_inapplicable": "The completed scope inventory contains no target matching: Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set.",
    "target_cant_tell": "The page-set/variation or whether two mechanisms are the same help mechanism cannot be determined.",
    "target_untested": "The target is applicable, but a required action, state, environment or evidence item was not completed.",
    "aggregation": "Preserve one result per target and material state. A failed target prevents a passed aggregate; cantTell and untested remain unresolved; inapplicable is used only when no target matches applicability.",
    "wcag_requirement_decision": "A WCAG 3.2.6 decision is separate from target and ACT outcomes. It requires all applicable content in the declared conformance scope plus WCAG's full-page, complete-process, accessibility-supported-ways and non-interference requirements as applicable.",
    "conforming_alternate_version_effect": "Rely on a conforming alternate version only after the WCAG definition and all conformance conditions are verified for both versions and the mechanism used to reach the alternate.",
    "passed_automation_follow_up": "A passed automated or ACT check covers only its exact applicability and expectation. Complete all remaining manual, contextual, exception, state and technology checks; never set the criterion to satisfied automatically.",
    "platform_responsibility": "Record reproducible behaviour and environment evidence. Use cantTell when product, browser, operating-system, assistive-technology or configuration responsibility cannot be assigned defensibly.",
    "claim_readiness": "Schema validation and a passed result do not change claim readiness. Required evidence, independent review, scope limitations and governance authorisation are separate gates."
  },
  "evidence_specification": [
    {
      "evidence_id": "EV1",
      "method": "scope_inventory",
      "record": "Page/view, target identifier, product/content version, state, technology and sample rationale.",
      "review_purpose": "Identify what was and was not tested.",
      "privacy_and_security": "Use authorised identifiers and redact credentials, secrets and unnecessary personal data.",
      "required_for_formal_result": true
    },
    {
      "evidence_id": "EV2",
      "method": "criterion_specific_evidence",
      "record": "Page set/variation, help mechanism type, relative order and user-initiated change evidence.",
      "review_purpose": "Reproduce the criterion-specific observation or measurement.",
      "privacy_and_security": "Reference redacted evidence; do not embed sensitive files or unnecessary personal data.",
      "required_for_formal_result": true
    },
    {
      "evidence_id": "EV3",
      "method": "decision_record",
      "record": "Target outcome, normative branch, exception evidence, actual result, limitation and issue reference.",
      "review_purpose": "Review the decision without conflating target outcome, WCAG decision or claim readiness.",
      "privacy_and_security": "Use evidence references and apply the engagement retention policy.",
      "required_for_formal_result": true
    }
  ],
  "calibration_examples": [
    {
      "example_id": "A11Y-WCAG-047-EX-PASSED",
      "outcome": "passed",
      "scenario": "Contact, FAQ and chatbot links retain the same relative order across mobile pages.",
      "explanation": "The applicable target meets the criterion-specific condition in the stated state.",
      "fixture_id": "",
      "fixture_version": "",
      "machine_testable": false
    },
    {
      "example_id": "A11Y-WCAG-047-EX-FAILED",
      "outcome": "failed",
      "scenario": "The chatbot appears before all content on one page and after the footer on another at the same variation.",
      "explanation": "The applicable target violates the condition and no supported exception applies.",
      "fixture_id": "",
      "fixture_version": "",
      "machine_testable": false
    },
    {
      "example_id": "A11Y-WCAG-047-EX-INAPPLICABLE",
      "outcome": "inapplicable",
      "scenario": "The frozen scope contains no target matching: Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set.",
      "explanation": "No target matches applicability; this target outcome is not automatically copied to a WCAG decision.",
      "fixture_id": "",
      "fixture_version": "",
      "machine_testable": false
    },
    {
      "example_id": "A11Y-WCAG-047-EX-CANTTELL",
      "outcome": "cantTell",
      "scenario": "The page-set/variation or whether two mechanisms are the same help mechanism cannot be determined.",
      "explanation": "The uncertainty is material and remains unresolved rather than being converted to passed.",
      "fixture_id": "",
      "fixture_version": "",
      "machine_testable": false
    },
    {
      "example_id": "A11Y-WCAG-047-EX-UNTESTED",
      "outcome": "untested",
      "scenario": "An applicable keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order target was inventoried, but a required state or action was not executed.",
      "explanation": "Applicable coverage remains incomplete.",
      "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": [
      "Procedure content was checked against current WCAG 2.2 normative text and criterion-specific informative guidance on 4 August 2026; real execution and any formal claim authority remain separate."
    ],
    "open_issues": [
      "Competent method and standards review must confirm applicability, exceptions, decision logic, evidence and calibration material; unresolved material findings block use for an external assessment."
    ],
    "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": "Individually prepared WCAG 3.2.6 procedure content mapped to current normative and informative sources and checked for internal consistency; competent review, real execution and formal claim authority 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": "conformance",
  "library_layer": "composite",
  "decision_branches": [],
  "supporting_guidance": [],
  "effort_guidance": {
    "unit": "minutes",
    "setup": {
      "typical": 10,
      "includes": "Confirm scope and target, prepare safe data, establish the required state and record the tool or environment version."
    },
    "per_target_execution": {
      "typical": 8,
      "includes": "Perform the procedure once for one target in its selected states; this excludes remediation and retesting."
    },
    "evidence_capture": {
      "typical": 7,
      "includes": "Capture, name and cross-reference the minimum reproducible evidence while removing unnecessary personal or secret data."
    },
    "technical_review": {
      "typical": 8,
      "includes": "Check applicability, observations, outcome logic, evidence sufficiency and report wording before issue publication."
    },
    "typical_total_range": {
      "minimum": 33,
      "maximum": 48
    },
    "assumptions": "one page or component state; add another execution block for each materially different template or state",
    "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-WCAG-047-WORKED-001",
      "example_kind": "representative_synthetic_example",
      "context": "Representative synthetic example for WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help on a fictional, version-frozen product target; no client or participant execution occurred.",
      "inspected": "The tester follows S2 (Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order) using the target, required state, tool and repeat rule stated in this procedure.",
      "observed_output": "After the tester completes the WCAG 3.2.6 Consistent Help scenario named Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order, the recorded observation for the target is inconsistent with the required result: Applicable repeated help mechanisms occur in the same order relative to other page content unless the user initiates a change.",
      "evidence_captured": [
        "example-evidence-001: target and state record for Repeated human contact details, human contact mechanisms, self-help options and fully automated contact mechanisms in a page set.",
        "example-evidence-002: contemporaneous observation from the named method — Page set/variation, help mechanism type, relative order and user-initiated change evidence.",
        "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: Applicable repeated help mechanisms occur in the same order relative to other page content unless the user initiates a change. The failed decision is limited to this synthetic target and state; unexecuted coverage is not inferred.",
      "decision": "failed",
      "completed_finding": {
        "finding_id": "A11Y-WCAG-047-example-finding-001",
        "title": "Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order: expected result is not demonstrated",
        "severity": "medium",
        "user_impact": "The represented barrier may affect People with cognitive, language, learning or memory disabilities.; Blind people and people using screen readers or braille.",
        "evidence_refs": [
          "example-evidence-001",
          "example-evidence-002",
          "example-evidence-003"
        ]
      },
      "remediation_advice": "Change the represented target or process so it demonstrates this result: Applicable repeated help mechanisms occur in the same order relative to other page content unless the user initiates a change. 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 Keep repeated help mechanisms in a consistent order 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."
    }
  ]
}