Testing Accommodations: What Parents Need to Know
Testing accommodations are adjustments to the way a test is administered that allow students with disabilities or documented learning differences to demonstrate their knowledge on a more level playing field. Accommodations don’t make a test easier — they remove barriers created by the disability itself.
Who Is Eligible for Accommodations?
Students with a formally documented disability or learning difference may qualify for accommodations. The two main legal frameworks that establish this right in public schools are:
- IEP (Individualized Education Program): Created under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), an IEP covers students who qualify for special education services. It specifies accommodations for both instruction and testing.
- 504 Plan: Created under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a 504 plan covers students with disabilities who need accommodations but do not qualify for special education services. It focuses specifically on removing barriers to access.
For a detailed look at both, see IEP and 504 Testing Accommodations Explained.
Common Types of Testing Accommodations
| Accommodation | Description | Who It Typically Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Extended time | 50% or 100% additional time to complete the test | Students with processing speed issues, ADHD, anxiety |
| Separate testing room | Testing in a smaller, quieter space | Students with ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing issues |
| Text-to-speech / reader | Questions read aloud by a person or software | Students with dyslexia or visual impairment |
| Scribe | Student dictates answers; scribe writes them | Students with dysgraphia, fine motor difficulties |
| Calculator | Allowed on non-calculator portions | Students with dyscalculia, processing difficulties |
| Large print | Enlarged test materials | Students with low vision |
| Frequent breaks | Scheduled breaks during testing | Students with ADHD, chronic health conditions |
Do Accommodations Apply to Standardized Tests?
Yes, but the process varies by test. For most state standardized tests, accommodations documented in a student’s IEP or 504 plan automatically apply, though the school must submit the proper documentation. For the SAT and ACT, students must apply separately through College Board or ACT, Inc. — approval is not automatic even if accommodations are in place at school.
See our guides to SAT accommodations and ACT accommodations for details on those processes.
How to Request Accommodations
If your child does not currently have an IEP or 504 plan and you believe they need accommodations, the process begins with a written request to the school for evaluation. You can submit this request to the principal, special education coordinator, or school psychologist. The school is required to respond to your request and, if appropriate, conduct an evaluation at no cost to you.