Frequently Asked Questions for Test Takers

ETS grants reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, or ADAAA. ("a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities") A diagnosis alone does not necessarily warrant approval of requested accommodations. 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.

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," you may write in the accommodations not listed in the "Other Accommodations" section.

Are there any items I can take into the Prometric^® test center?

Yes, view the list of Testing Accommodations Pre Approved Personal Items (PDF) which can be taken into the Prometric^® test center.

Yes, you may monitor your blood sugar levels during a designated rest break. However, it is generally best to apply for the accommodation of extra breaks in advance in case you need to monitor your blood sugar levels unexpectedly during a test.  This way you'll be permitted to take breaks as needed. Approved extra breaks don’t count against the testing time; the clock is stopped during approved extra breaks.

Snacks and beverages aren’t routinely permitted in test centers for security reasons. If you have a medical condition that might warrant eating snacks and/or having a closed beverage container in the testing center, then you’ll need to get prior approval. Please review the Bulletin Supplement for information regarding required documentation and how to request accommodations.

Minor accommodations are available to those with documented health-related needs, including individuals who are pregnant or nursing. Such minor accommodations may include extra breaks for trips to the restroom, access to medication, snacks/beverage and pumping. A separate room isn’t available as an accommodation to nursing mothers due to constant video recording, surveillance and open access windows that are an integral component to a secure testing environment in every separate room. We recommend that you reach out to your test center in advance of your test appointment to inquire about any areas available to pump.

Please review the Bulletin Supplement for information regarding required documentation and how to request accommodations.

Documentation for pregnancy should include the expected due date so we may determine how long the requested accommodations will be needed.

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.

You 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 or 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.

ETS isn’t responsible for the cost of an evaluation, but resources are available that might be helpful. If your disability documentation is insufficient, you 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. If you are a current student, your Disability Resource Professional on campus may be able to suggest options as some colleges and universities perform evaluations at a reduced fee. Also, many colleges and universities perform evaluations at a reduced fee.

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

If you’re requesting the same accommodations previously approved by ETS or another standardized testing agency, you 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 you submit your request as early as possible to ensure receiving a decision before the test date.

ETS will send you a letter of explanation if we don’t approve a request. This letter will explain additional information you should submit for reconsideration of your request which has not been approved. Whenever possible, ETS Disability Services staff will provide test takers with specific information about the ways in which their documentation is insufficient and how it should be updated or supplemented. You may correct any insufficiencies outlined in the letter and resubmit your request. If you have any questions about ETS's procedures, you may contact us.

The COE, available in the Bulletin Supplement, should be completed by an authorized representative from the Accessibility/Disability Office of your college or the Human Resources Office of your employer or your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; it may not be completed by your healthcare professional. It serves to verify any accommodations that you’re currently using or have 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.

The purpose of the COE is not to verify your disability or diagnosis.  It is to verify that the institution or place of employment granted you the accommodations and that you’re using them. Per above, such verification requires that the COE be completed by an authorized representative from the Accessibility/Disability Office of your college or the Human Resources Office of your employer or your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

No. Sending disability documentation when it isn’t required may cause a considerable delay in processing your request due to the time needed to review your documentation. If you’re eligible to be approved for accommodations on the basis of the COE, 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 or a diagnosis 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.

Psychometric cognitive tests that measure reasoning, problem-solving and information processing, as well as memory, and executive functions under both standard timing and extended-time conditions, can be very helpful in supporting the need for the requested accommodations. Results from objective cognitive tests are especially helpful in determining the need for 100% extended test time. Depending on the type of accommodations you request, academic achievement testing may also be helpful. For example, if you request a reader as an accommodation, achievement measures pertinent to provide important information.

Guidelines for Writing Diagnostic Reports discusses in greater detail what comprehensive documentation might look like.

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. Test takers should be aware that tele-assessment involves special considerations and an evaluator conducting tele-assessment should have specific training in this domain. Please see the ETS Tele-Assessment Guidance (PDF) for additional information regarding tele-assessment.

It’s always best to provide the most complete packet of information possible when multiple disabling conditions are identified. If you have multiple disabilities, it is best to document your functional limitations associated with each of your disabilities. However, if you are submitting documentation of only one of your disabilities, please be sure there is a discussion of your functional limitations and a disability-related rationale for each requested accommodation.