Exam Accommodations
Qualified Applicants
The ADA defines an individual with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a "major life activity"; has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such impairment. "Major life activities" include functions such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. A "qualified" individual with a disability is one who meets the essential eligibility requirements for the exam. The Board will consider a request for testing accommodation from a qualified applicant who has taken the exam previously without a testing accommodation if the documentation requirements are met.
Individuals with temporary conditions such as pregnancy, sprains or fractures, which are not disabilities as defined by the ADA, are not eligible for testing accommodations.
Requesting an Accommodation
The applicant must submit the required documentation prior to the Board's approval of the applicant's registration for the national exam. Review of the request takes approximately one week. An incomplete or inaccurate application will require additional information and review by the Board.
The required documentation includes:
- the Request for Accommodation form;
- the Consent to Release Information form;
- the Academic Program Verification of Accommodations, if the applicant received accommodations in school; and
- the Professional Documentation of Disability Form completed by the licensed health professional who tested the applicant for the disability. This form must be mailed or faxed by the diagnostician directly to the Board. Documentation must include adequate information on tests and measures used to diagnose the disability, and the results of those tests and measures. If you need more information about appropriate tools for the diagnosis of various conditions, examples can be found here and here.
NOTE: If the applicant is seeking accommodation for a psychological, behavioral or learning disorder, the Board recommends finding a diagnostician who professionally specializes in testing and assessment. Professionals in the field of testing and assessment are familiar with accommodation requirements. An accommodation cannot be granted if appropriate documentation is not provided.
If the applicant has more than one disability for which he/she is seeking accommodation, separate documentation is required for each disability.
