Note: The creation of this article on testing Re-authenticating was human-based, with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
Explanation of the success criteria
WCAG 2.2.5 Re-authenticating is a Level AAA conformance level Success Criterion. This represents an aspirational standard in digital accessibility. Its purpose is simple but powerful: when a user’s session expires or re-login is required, during checkout, form submission, or other workflows, the system must allow them to continue without losing previously entered data or context. This ensures that users who need more time or alternative input methods, such as screen readers, sign-language interpreters, or adaptive devices, can complete their tasks without unnecessary frustration or disadvantage.
Note that this Success Criterion is at a conformance level of AAA. This means that this Success Criterion is generally considered aspirational, going beyond the standard A & AA conformance levels. It addresses more specific accessibility needs and is not mandatory for all websites or content. However, achieving Level AAA can provide additional benefits in terms of inclusivity.
Who does this benefit?
This criterion directly supports users who might otherwise be disadvantaged by time-sensitive authentication:
- Individuals with cognitive limitations who process information more slowly
- Users relying on screen readers or alternative navigation methods
- People with motor impairments requiring extra time for input
- Users working with sign-language interpreters to follow audio content
Testing via Automated testing
Automated testing can quickly identify the technical patterns that trigger re-authentication, like session timeouts or login prompts. It is fast, consistent, and highly scalable, making it ideal for scanning large applications.
The limitation is that automation cannot gauge the user experience: whether instructions are clear, whether session recovery preserves context, or whether the process feels intuitive.
Testing via Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI-based testing adds depth, using behavioral modeling and machine learning to simulate user interactions. AI can identify scenarios where re-authentication disrupts workflows, highlight unclear instructions, and anticipate how users with cognitive or motor challenges might struggle.
However, AI’s insights are constrained by training data and may misinterpret necessary security steps as disruptions, or overlook accessibility nuances like screen reader compatibility.
Testing via Manual Testing
Manual testing remains indispensable. Skilled testers evaluate whether re-authentication is implemented thoughtfully, whether users can resume tasks seamlessly, and whether assistive technologies interact properly with the workflow. Manual testing captures real-world context and user experience in a way that neither automation nor AI can fully replicate, though it is more time-intensive and subjective.
Which approach is best?
No single approach for testing Re-authenticating is perfect. The most effective approach combines all three methods.
Automated testing quickly identifies potential technical issues, AI adds behavioral and contextual insights, and manual testing validates the experience from a human perspective. Together, this hybrid strategy ensures speed, scalability, and empathy, delivering a re-authentication process that is not just technically compliant but genuinely user-centered.
Implementing WCAG 2.2.5 testing thoughtfully means more than meeting standards, it signals a commitment to designing systems that respect, empower, and include every user, even in moments as small as logging back in.