A free, interactive study tool for the DHS Section 508 Trusted Tester for Web Certification — built by an accessibility consultant while completing the certification in 2026.
→ Live tool: vagimeli.github.io/dhs-trusted-tester-study-guide
The tool has six tabbed sections:
| Tab | Contents |
|---|---|
| 📅 60-Day Plan | Phase-by-phase schedule from 20% complete to exam day, with daily hour estimates |
| 📚 Topics & Criteria | 22 expandable WCAG success criteria with testing approach, ANDI module, and exam tips |
| 🃏 Flashcards | 40 flashcards covering POUR principles, ANDI tools, TT Process rules, WCAG 2.2 new criteria |
| ⚡ WCAG 2.2 New | Full comparison table of all 9 new success criteria + the removal of SC 4.1.1 |
| 🔧 Testing Tools | ANDI modules, CCA, DevTools, keyboard testing, and TT reporting codes (PASS/FAIL/DNA/N/A) |
| 🎯 Exam Strategy | High-value topic areas, contrast ratios to memorize, and the DNA vs. PASS distinction |
- Candidates actively enrolled in the DHS TT v5.1.3 certification program
- Federal IT contractors preparing to offer Section 508 conformance testing services
- Agency 508 coordinators studying for certification
- Accessibility professionals who want a WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA quick reference
- Free — training and exam are both free at training.section508testing.net
- Pass score: 85% on the certification exam (lowered from 90% in v5.1.3)
- Program window: 180 days from enrollment to complete all courses and pass the exam
- No expiration — once you pass, the credential is valid indefinitely
- Time commitment: 40–80 hours estimated (first-time candidates)
- Primary tool tested: ANDI (Accessible Name & Description Inspector)
This guide targets WCAG 2.1 AA (minimum required under Section 508) with full coverage of WCAG 2.2 AA new success criteria, including:
- 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (AA) — new in 2.2
- 2.5.7 Dragging Movements (AA) — new in 2.2
- 2.5.8 Target Size Minimum (AA) — new in 2.2
- 3.2.6 Consistent Help (A) — new in 2.2
- 3.3.7 Redundant Entry (A) — new in 2.2
- 3.3.8 Accessible Authentication Minimum (AA) — new in 2.2
- SC 4.1.1 Parsing — removed in 2.2
Open index.html in any modern browser — no build step, no dependencies, no server required. Everything runs client-side.
Or use the live GitHub Pages version: vagimeli.github.io/dhs-trusted-tester-study-guide
This guide is a study aid — it does not replace the official program materials.
- DHS Trusted Tester Training Portal
- DHS Trusted Tester Process & Certification Program
- Section508.gov Guide to Accessible Web Design & Development
- WCAG 2.2 Full Specification (W3C)
- ICT Testing Baseline for Web
Melissa Vagi, CF APMP
Founder, Write-Brained Editorial Services LLC
SBA WOSB / EDWOSB · Colorado CDOT DBE · UEI: DGUJG1KTUVS4
Digital Accessibility · Section 508 · WCAG 2.2 · Federal Proposal Writing
MIT — free to use, share, and adapt with attribution.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Homeland Security. All official training is available free at training.section508testing.net.