How Long Does a Website Accessibility Review Take
One of the first questions organisations ask before commissioning a review is how long the process will take. The answer is rarely a single number, because accessibility work depends on the size, complexity, and purpose of a website.
What matters more than speed is understanding what is involved and why time is needed to do the work properly.
Factors That Affect Timescales
The length of a review depends on several factors. A small brochure site with a handful of templates will take far less time than a complex platform with forms, transactions, dynamic content, and third party integrations.
Other factors include how much content needs to be reviewed, how many user journeys are critical, and whether the site relies heavily on custom components or off the shelf systems.
Accessibility reviews are not just page counts. They are about understanding how people actually use a service.
Automated Checks Versus Manual Testing
Automated checks can be run quickly, sometimes in minutes. However, they only identify a limited set of issues and cannot replace manual testing.
Manual testing takes longer because it involves navigating the site using assistive technologies such as screen readers, keyboard only navigation, and magnification tools. This work cannot be rushed without losing accuracy.
A proper website accessibility audit balances efficiency with depth, ensuring that findings are reliable and meaningful rather than superficial.
Planning And Scoping Properly
Good accessibility work begins with clear scoping. This includes agreeing which pages, templates, and journeys will be tested, and which standards are being used as a reference point.
Clear scoping helps manage expectations on both sides. It ensures the review focuses on what matters most to users and avoids unnecessary work that adds time without adding value.
This planning stage often saves time overall by preventing misunderstandings later.
Reporting And Review Time
Testing is only part of the process. Findings need to be written up clearly, prioritised correctly, and explained in a way that teams can act on.
High quality reporting takes time. It involves translating technical issues into practical guidance and explaining the impact on users in plain language.
This stage is essential if accessibility improvements are going to happen effectively.
Why Rushing Rarely Helps
Trying to rush accessibility work usually creates more problems. Important issues get missed, recommendations become vague, and teams lose confidence in the results.
A realistic timeline allows for thorough testing, thoughtful analysis, and clear communication. This leads to better decisions and more sustainable improvements.
Accessibility As An Ongoing Process
Accessibility is not a one off activity. Websites change, content grows, and new features are added. Understanding how long an initial review takes helps organisations plan for ongoing monitoring and follow up work.
When accessibility is approached as part of normal digital maintenance, timelines become predictable and manageable rather than stressful.