diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
deleted file mode 100644
index b41ac02a..00000000
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,22 +0,0 @@
-## Summary
-
--
-
-Closes #
-
-## Validation
-
-- [ ] `npm run lint`
-- [ ] `npm test`
-- [ ] `npm run build`
-
-## Accessibility
-
-- [ ] Interactive controls have accessible names
-- [ ] Keyboard and focus-visible behavior were preserved
-- [ ] New or changed UI has relevant Jest/RTL or jest-axe coverage
-
-## Security
-
-- [ ] No secrets, wallet keys, `.env` files, or generated artifacts are included
-- [ ] API or wallet trust-boundary changes are explained
diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..2995e341
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+## Summary
+
+-
+
+Closes #
+
+## Contributor Checklist
+
+- [ ] Tests were added or updated for the changed behavior.
+- [ ] Impacted code meets the 95% coverage expectation, or the gap is explained.
+- [ ] Accessibility was verified for UI changes, including keyboard flow, labels, focus states, and contrast.
+- [ ] Documentation was updated, or no docs change is needed.
+- [ ] `npm run lint`, `npm test`, and `npm run build` pass locally.
+
+## Review Notes
+
+- Testing guidance: [TESTING.md](../TESTING.md)
+- Accessibility guidance: [docs/accessibility.md](../docs/accessibility.md)
+- Contributor workflow: [CONTRIBUTING.md](../CONTRIBUTING.md)
+
+## Security
+
+- [ ] No secrets, wallet keys, `.env` files, or generated artifacts are included
+- [ ] API or wallet trust-boundary changes are explained
diff --git a/scripts/pr-checklist.test.tsx b/scripts/pr-checklist.test.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..638fb04a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/pr-checklist.test.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+import fs from "node:fs";
+import path from "node:path";
+
+describe("pull request checklist template", () => {
+  const repoRoot = path.resolve(__dirname, "..");
+  const templatePath = path.join(repoRoot, ".github", "pull_request_template.md");
+  const template = fs.readFileSync(templatePath, "utf8");
+
+  it("keeps the contributor checklist focused on review readiness", () => {
+    for (const requiredText of [
+      "Tests were added or updated",
+      "95% coverage",
+      "Accessibility was verified",
+      "Documentation was updated",
+      "`npm run lint`, `npm test`, and `npm run build`",
+    ]) {
+      expect(template).toContain(requiredText);
+    }
+  });
+
+  it("links contributors to testing, accessibility, and workflow docs", () => {
+    for (const requiredLink of [
+      "[TESTING.md](../TESTING.md)",
+      "[docs/accessibility.md](../docs/accessibility.md)",
+      "[CONTRIBUTING.md](../CONTRIBUTING.md)",
+    ]) {
+      expect(template).toContain(requiredLink);
+    }
+  });
+});