VPAT 2.5 Update: What is New in the Latest Accessibility Template?
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A major development in digital accessibility compliance was announced by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) with the release of VPAT 2.5 on April 24, 2025. This update to the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) arrives nearly two years after the launch of VPAT 2.4, which had been in use since August 2023.
The VPAT 2.5 update introduces support for WCAG 2.2, along with improved instructions for reporting conformance. Organizations can now expect more transparent documentation standards. The new version is a significant advancement for meeting the accessibility requirements of U.S. Section 508, EN 301 549 (Europe), and WCAG 2.2 global standards.
The new template is now publicly available on itic.org and is already being adopted by government vendors, enterprise tech companies, and compliance consultants across the U.S. and internationally.
If VPAT ACRs, federal contracts, or enterprise software compliance are your concern areas, here is what you need to know about the changes in VPAT 2.5.
What is VPAT and Why this update matters now
The VPAT is a standardized document used by vendors to report the accessibility of their digital products. A completed VPAT becomes an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). It is a key requirement for selling software or services to government agencies, educational institutions, and large enterprises.
VPAT 2.5 replaces VPAT 2.4, which had been the standard since 2023. This new version introduces an updated structure, improved clarity and support for the latest WCAG 2.2 success criteria.
What's New in VPAT 2.5?
The VPAT 2.5 template brings the most significant update to the VPAT format since 2021.
1. WCAG 2.2 Support Added
This is the first VPAT edition to include coverage for WCAG 2.2, which was finalized by the W3C in 2023. Organizations can now reflect their conformance with the most current web accessibility standards.
2. Testing Disclosure Now Encouraged
Vendors are now encouraged to describe how accessibility was evaluated. Description of manual audits, automated tools, or assistive technology will improve transparency and build trust in ACRs.
3. Expanded Notes & Clarifications
The Notes section now offers space for more detailed explanations, especially for “Partially Supports” and “Does Not Support” statuses. With this, compliance teams can gain better understanding of product limitations.
4. Improved Formatting and Section Headings
Refined formatting and section titles make the template easier to read and align it more clearly with EN 301 549 and Section 508 requirements.
VPAT 2.5 Editions Available Now
As of April 2025, the following VPAT 2.5 editions are available for download:
- VPAT 2.5Rev 508 – For U.S. Section 508 compliance
- VPAT 2.5Rev WCAG – Focused on WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 success criteria
- VPAT 2.5Rev EU – Designed for European EN 301 549 procurement
- VPAT 2.5Rev INT – Covers all major international accessibility standards
Each version is available in Word format and includes a tracked-changes file to compare updates from VPAT 2.4.
VPAT 2.4 vs VPAT 2.5: What's the difference?
Table1: Difference between VPAT 2.4 and VPAT 2.5
What Organizations Should Do Now
If your company is preparing a VPAT ACR in 2025, switching to the VPAT 2.5 template is essential. It will avoid delays or rejections during procurement evaluations.
Immediate steps to take:
- Download the correct VPAT 2.5 template from itic.org.
- Review WCAG 2.2 updates.
- Ensure your notes are descriptive and reflect real testing.
- Replace any older VPAT 2.4 or VPAT 2.3 documentation.
It’s time to act
The VPAT 2.5 reflects a global shift in accessibility reporting. The new requirements on transparency and testing disclosure position this VPAT template for the next generation of digital compliance.
Now is the time for tech vendors, compliance officers, or accessibility consultants to act. Need help updating your VPAT ACR to version 2.5? Click here for free expert assistance from ADACP for reliable, Section 508–aligned documentation.
A major development in digital accessibility compliance was announced by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) with the release of VPAT 2.5 on April 24, 2025. This update to the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) arrives nearly two years after the launch of VPAT 2.4, which had been in use since August 2023.
The VPAT 2.5 update introduces support for WCAG 2.2, along with improved instructions for reporting conformance. Organizations can now expect more transparent documentation standards. The new version is a significant advancement for meeting the accessibility requirements of U.S. Section 508, EN 301 549 (Europe), and WCAG 2.2 global standards.
The new template is now publicly available on itic.org and is already being adopted by government vendors, enterprise tech companies, and compliance consultants across the U.S. and internationally.
If VPAT ACRs, federal contracts, or enterprise software compliance are your concern areas, here is what you need to know about the changes in VPAT 2.5.
What is VPAT and Why this update matters now
The VPAT is a standardized document used by vendors to report the accessibility of their digital products. A completed VPAT becomes an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR). It is a key requirement for selling software or services to government agencies, educational institutions, and large enterprises.
VPAT 2.5 replaces VPAT 2.4, which had been the standard since 2023. This new version introduces an updated structure, improved clarity and support for the latest WCAG 2.2 success criteria.
What's New in VPAT 2.5?
The VPAT 2.5 template brings the most significant update to the VPAT format since 2021.
1. WCAG 2.2 Support Added
This is the first VPAT edition to include coverage for WCAG 2.2, which was finalized by the W3C in 2023. Organizations can now reflect their conformance with the most current web accessibility standards.
2. Testing Disclosure Now Encouraged
Vendors are now encouraged to describe how accessibility was evaluated. Description of manual audits, automated tools, or assistive technology will improve transparency and build trust in ACRs.
3. Expanded Notes & Clarifications
The Notes section now offers space for more detailed explanations, especially for “Partially Supports” and “Does Not Support” statuses. With this, compliance teams can gain better understanding of product limitations.
4. Improved Formatting and Section Headings
Refined formatting and section titles make the template easier to read and align it more clearly with EN 301 549 and Section 508 requirements.
VPAT 2.5 Editions Available Now
As of April 2025, the following VPAT 2.5 editions are available for download:
- VPAT 2.5Rev 508 – For U.S. Section 508 compliance
- VPAT 2.5Rev WCAG – Focused on WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 success criteria
- VPAT 2.5Rev EU – Designed for European EN 301 549 procurement
- VPAT 2.5Rev INT – Covers all major international accessibility standards
Each version is available in Word format and includes a tracked-changes file to compare updates from VPAT 2.4.
VPAT 2.4 vs VPAT 2.5: What's the difference?
Table1: Difference between VPAT 2.4 and VPAT 2.5
What Organizations Should Do Now
If your company is preparing a VPAT ACR in 2025, switching to the VPAT 2.5 template is essential. It will avoid delays or rejections during procurement evaluations.
Immediate steps to take:
- Download the correct VPAT 2.5 template from itic.org.
- Review WCAG 2.2 updates.
- Ensure your notes are descriptive and reflect real testing.
- Replace any older VPAT 2.4 or VPAT 2.3 documentation.
It’s time to act
The VPAT 2.5 reflects a global shift in accessibility reporting. The new requirements on transparency and testing disclosure position this VPAT template for the next generation of digital compliance.
Now is the time for tech vendors, compliance officers, or accessibility consultants to act. Need help updating your VPAT ACR to version 2.5? Click here for free expert assistance from ADACP for reliable, Section 508–aligned documentation.
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