How Much Does a VPAT Cost?

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How Much Does a VPAT Cost?

Let’s examine what goes into the cost of a VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template): the audit and the ACR creation. These are two separate deliverables that work in tandem.

Note: When the VPAT document is filled in and completed, the resulting document is called an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).

Pricing by VPAT Edition

At Accessible.org, ACR pricing depends on the VPAT edition needed:

  • WCAG Edition: $350
  • Revised Section 508 Edition: $550
  • EN 301 549 Edition: $650
  • INT Edition (international): $950

Each edition reflects a different accessibility standard. The higher the standard complexity and length, the higher the price due to the additional time and precision required.

Why the Prices Vary

The Table: The Core of the VPAT

The bulk of the work involved in filling out a VPAT lies in completing the Accessibility Conformance Table. Each success criterion must be assessed and documented with supporting detail. This is not a simple transfer of audit results—it requires interpretation and judgment.

  • For each criterion, the conformance level is rated as:
    • Supports
    • Partially Supports
    • Does Not Support
    • Not Applicable
    • Not Evaluated (for AAA criteria only)
  • For all but “Supports,” clear explanations are required in the “remarks and explantions” column. And explanations may be added anyway, even if the product or service supports.

It takes time and expertise to fill out the accessibility table correctly. The more standards covered (e.g., combining WCAG + EN 301 549), the more table entries to complete, which increases labor and cost.

The Details Section

This is the administrative side of the ACR. It includes:

  • Company name
  • Product/version
  • Date
  • Contact info
  • Evaluation methods
  • Applicable guidelines

It’s quick to complete, but still important for documentation and verification purposes.

The Accessibility Audit: A Required Precursor

Before a VPAT can be filled out, a thorough accessibility audit must be conducted. You can’t accurately fill in a VPAT without verified data from a complete, manual audit. This step is separate and priced accordingly.

Typical audit pricing at Accessible.org ranges from $1,500 to $5,500, depending primarily on:

  • Number of pages or screens of your website or digital product
  • Complexity (e.g., interactive elements, dynamic content, unique content)

The audit results are what power the VPAT. Without the audit, there is no basis for completing the accessibility table.

What You’re Paying For

You’re not just paying for a form to be filled out. You’re paying for:

  • Manual audit data
  • Expert interpretation of conformance
  • Thorough completion of the VPAT

Whereas an incomplete, vague, inaccurate, or flawed ACR can delay or lose contracts or potentially expose you to legal risk, an accurate ACR issued by a reputable provider gives you confidence and improves your changes of procurement agents making a purchase (provided your product or service’s accessibility meets the buyer’s minimum threshold).

Summary

A VPAT costs between $350 and $950, depending on the edition and the prerequisite audit typically costs between $1,500 and $5,500.

Here’s the simplified pricing breakdown:

  1. Audit → $1,500–$5,500 (based on scope)
  2. VPAT / ACR →
    • $350 (WCAG only)
    • $550 (Section 508)
    • $650 (EN 301 549)
    • $950 (INT – all standards)

If you’re ready to get a quote or have questions about which edition you need, we’d love to help. Email me at kris@accessible.org or contact us at Accessible.org and we’ll create a proposal for services including quote and timeline.