Frequently Asked Questions for Disability Service Professionals

Although some disabilities are lifelong, the impact they have on current functioning changes over time. In order for a determination to be made regarding reasonable accommodations, documentation should verify the functional impact of the disability as it relates to the current test-taking situation.

A diagnostic evaluation completed within the past five years and/or when the test taker was at least 16 years of age may be helpful as is information regarding the test taker's longer standing history of disability. Please visit https://www.ets.org/disabilities/test-takers/disability-documentation.html for complete information.

Yes, on Part II, "Requested Accommodations," one may write in the accommodations not listed in the "Other Accommodations" section.

Yes, a paper format test is available as an accommodation for test takers with documented disability-related functional limitations that support a need for a paper format. Relevant documentation that meets ETS's Documentation Criteria should be submitted. Please note paper-delivered tests may take up to 4–6 weeks from date of testing to score.

A candidate may request the use of assistive technology device(s) by submitting appropriate documentation to ETS for review. As with other requests for accommodations, there should be a disability-related rationale linked to current functional limitations for the request. ETS may be unable to grant such a request if it is determined that it infringes upon test security requirements or, in the case of computer-delivered tests, that it is incompatible with ETS's existing computer test delivery hardware and software.

ETS has discontinued flagging almost all scores for tests that are taken with accommodations. For example, if a test taker receives additional time or extra breaks, the score will no longer be flagged in the report. In rare instances, ETS will flag the score report as a "nonstandard administration" only if the test is significantly altered.

No, ETS doesn’t charge for testing accommodations.

If an evaluation is necessary, ETS isn’t responsible for the cost of an evaluation, but resources are available that might be helpful. If the disability documentation is insufficient, the candidate may contact the local Division of Vocational Rehabilitation office and meet with a counselor. This is a free service available to any individual with a documented disability. As the Disability Services (DS) Professional on campus, you may also be able to provide the test taker with resources available in your area or on your campus given some colleges and universities perform evaluations at a reduced fee.

The length of the review process depends upon the type of documentation submitted. If the test taker submits a properly completed Certification of Eligibility: Accommodations History (COE) without documentation and is eligible to be approved for accommodations through this process, it will take approximately 2–3 weeks to process the request. If the candidate must submit documentation for review, the process may take about 4–6 weeks.

If the candidate is requesting the same accommodations approved by ETS or another standardized testing agency, they can expedite the process. See how to request previously approved accommodations.

ETS strives to review requests for accommodations as quickly as possible. The review process is highly individualized and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Given the large number of requests we receive, it’s important that test takers submit their request as early as possible to ensure receiving a decision before the test date.

ETS will send a letter of explanation if we don’t approve a request. This letter will explain additional information the test taker should submit for reconsideration of their request which has not been approved. The test taker may correct any insufficiencies outlined in the letter and resubmit the request. If the test taker has any complaints about ETS's procedures, they may contact us.

The COE, available in the Bulletin Supplement, serves to verify any accommodations that the test taker is currently using or has recently used in college or employment.  For certain accommodations, it may also be used as a shortcut, which significantly reduces the wait time for a response from ETS. See Certification of Eligibility: Accommodations History.

No. Sending disability documentation when it isn’t required may cause a considerable delay in processing a request due to the time needed to review documentation. A test taker who is eligible to be approved for accommodations on the basis of the COE alone should send only the appropriately completed COE without documentation.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), not every impairment is a disability. For an impairment to qualify as a disability under the ADAAA, it has to be "substantially limiting" to a major life activity (e.g., seeing, talking, hearing, learning, walking, etc.). Thus, having an impairment alone may not be sufficient to support the need for testing accommodations. The documentation needs to verify and reflect that the functional limitations resulting from a disability significantly impact the way a person performs a major life activity, compared to the "average person," for the purpose of accommodation determination.

Yes. ETS recognizes that tele-assessment may provide greater flexibility to test takers and will accept documentation from an evaluation conducted via tele-assessment or via a “hybrid” format, i.e., a combination of in-person and tele-assessment services. The evaluation should be conducted according to the best practices and standards of the profession of the clinician who conducts it. Tele-assessment involves special considerations and an evaluator conducting tele-assessment should have specific training in this domain. Students and Disability Services staff may find it helpful to review the ETS Tele-Assessment Guidance (PDF) for additional information regarding tele-assessment.