Position Title: Section 508 Accessibility Tester
Location: [Insert Agency/Office Name], [Insert Location or Remote]
Position Type: [Specify full time or part time]
Security Clearance: [Specify if required]
Position Summary
Instructions: Write a high-level overview of the position and key responsibilities and qualifications.
The Section 508 Accessibility Tester is responsible for ensuring that digital products, services, and electronic content developed, procured, or maintained by [Agency Name] comply with the Section 508 Standards. This individual will support information and communication technology (ICT) Section 508 conformance validation testing, defect reporting, remediation planning and guidance, and training efforts across the agency’s enterprise.
Key Responsibilities
Instructions: Consider and select the key responsibilities for the position you are developing per agency requirements.
- Conduct comprehensive Section 508 conformance validation testing of web content, media such as audio, video, or multimedia, and electronic documents such as PDFs, Word, PowerPoint and Excel documents.
- [If applicable] Conduct comprehensive Section 508 conformance validation testing of software and mobile applications.
- [If applicable] Conduct comprehensive Section 508 conformance validation testing of kiosks and hardware.
- Apply Section 508 Standards and WCAG 2.0 Level AA success criteria using manual and automated testing techniques per agency policy.
- Use standardized federal testing methods, including [insert agency approved Section 508 testing methodology (ies)].
- Generate Section 508 test reports per agency testing methodology(ies) including defect severity and remediation recommendations.
- Provide Section 508 guidance and technical support to internal teams and stakeholders.
- Engage with content creators and developers to help guide remediation efforts.
- Track and report Section 508 testing status, defect remediation progress, and other agency metrics to support Section 508 program governance.
- Review Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) and provide feedback for procurement decision making.
- Collaborate with developers, content creators, program managers, and procurement officials to improve Section 508 compliance.
- [If applicable] Deliver training or workshops to raise awareness and knowledge about ICT accessibility and Section 508 requirements.
- [If applicable] Support integration of Section 508 conformance in agency software development lifecycle (SDLC) , Agile processes, and acquisition workflows.
Qualifications
Instructions: Consider and select the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position you are developing per agency requirements.
Minimum:
Education & Experience
- [Insert agency’s requirements for minimum education such as Bachelor’s degree]
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in ICT accessibility testing. [Agencies should scale up or down based on the level of expertise the agency is looking for. For example, for a senior SME, consider 5 years of experience. For a novice, consider 1-2 years of experience.]
Knowledge and Skills
- Deep understanding of Revised Section 508 Standards and WCAG 2.0 Level AA.
- [If applicable] Proficiency testing WCAG 2.2 Level AA.
- Proficiency with manual testing procedures including keyboard-only navigation and code review.
- [If applicable] Proficiency using common Assistive Technology tools such as a screenreader, zoom, and voice dictation.
- Familiarity with accessibility testing tools such as:
- [Insert all manual test tools used by the agency, such as Accessibility Name and Description Inspector (ANDI)]
- [Insert all automated test tools used by the agency]
- Expertise in evaluating and creating Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs).
- Ability to clearly document test results, interpret test results, and advise on relevant remediation techniques.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with technical and non-technical staff.
Preferred
- Familiarity with federal policy and governance structures related to ICT accessibility such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), 21st Century IDEA, and applicable OMB Memos.
- [If applicable] DHS Section 508 Trusted Tester Certification (TT v5 or newer) — required.
- [If applicable] [Insert other certifications that may be desired by the agency, such as SCRUM Master, specific application knowledge, or other ICT accessibility certifications that may be a plus].
- [If applicable] Experience working in Agile, DevSecOps, or CI/CD environments.
- [If applicable] Experience training others in Section 508 and ICT accessibility best practices or leading workshops.
- [If applicable] Expertise to remediate electronic documents such as PDFs, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Reviewed/Updated: July 2025
