How records work
Every record in the registry is filed by an approved remediation partner, moves through a defined set of statuses, and is published with its complete history. Nothing is deleted; a record that expires or is withdrawn stays visible with the reason.
How a record is created
- A partner audits the website. The partner tests the site against a published standard, normally WCAG 2.1 Level AA, and documents what fails.
- The owner engages the partner to fix it. When remediation work begins, the partner files a record. The record is public from this moment and shows the status "Remediation on record".
- The partner completes the work and retests. When the site passes a retest against the same standard, the partner updates the record to "Verified" and the record term begins.
- The record expires unless it is maintained. Websites change. A verified record runs for its term (normally 12 months) and must be re-verified to renew. A record that is not renewed lapses.
Statuses
Remediation on record
An audit is complete and the website owner has engaged the filing partner to remediate. Work is under way.
Expires: 120 days after filing, unless a retest is filed.
What it does not mean: that the website is accessible today.
Verified
Remediation is complete and the website passed a retest against the stated standard, performed by the filing partner.
Expires: at the end of the record term, normally 12 months, unless re-verified.
What it does not mean: a guarantee that every page is free of defects, or that the site will remain accessible as it changes.
Lapsed
The record passed its expiry date without a retest or renewal. The badge for a lapsed record shows "Lapsed".
Restored by: the filing partner completing a new retest and updating the record.
Withdrawn
The record was withdrawn at the request of the website owner or the filing partner, or by the registry following a partner review.
History: retained and visible.
What is recorded
Each record shows the website, the organization, the standard used as the scope (for example WCAG 2.1 Level AA), the partner that filed it, the audit date, the date remediation was filed, the retest date, the verification date, the record term, and the expiry date. Every change of status is logged with its date and a note.
Who is responsible for accuracy
The filing partner. The registry publishes what partners file and holds partners to the partner criteria. It does not audit websites itself. If you believe a record is inaccurate, contact the registry; the filing partner is required to respond.