IEP and 504 Testing Accommodations: What Parents Need to Know
If your child has a disability or learning difference, they may be entitled to testing accommodations at school, on state standardized tests, and even on college admissions tests like the SAT and ACT. The two main legal frameworks that establish these rights are the IEP and the 504 Plan.
What Is an IEP?
An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a legally binding document created under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It is designed for students who qualify for special education services — meaning the disability significantly affects educational performance and the student needs specialized instruction, not just accommodations.
An IEP includes goals for the student, the specific services the school will provide, the setting in which instruction will be delivered, and the accommodations and modifications for assessments and instruction. IEP teams include parents, teachers, a special education coordinator, and often other specialists.
What Is a 504 Plan?
A 504 Plan is created under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It covers students with a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities (such as learning, reading, concentrating) but who do not require specialized instruction under IDEA.
A 504 plan specifies accommodations that remove barriers to access — such as extended time, preferential seating, or a distraction-reduced testing environment — but does not include specially designed instruction or IEP-style academic goals.
IEP vs. 504: Key Differences
| IEP | 504 Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | IDEA | Section 504 / ADA |
| Eligibility | 13 specific disability categories; impacts on education | Any disability that limits a major life activity |
| Services | Specialized instruction + accommodations | Accommodations only |
| Annual reviews | Required annually | Periodic review (varies) |
| Parent rights | Extensive procedural safeguards under IDEA | Fewer formal procedural safeguards |
How Accommodations Transfer to Standardized Tests
For state tests: Most state education agencies allow students to use their documented IEP or 504 accommodations on state standardized tests. The school typically handles the paperwork.
For the SAT: Students must apply separately through College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). Accommodations in a current IEP or 504 plan are usually approved, but the application must be submitted well in advance. Visit College Board’s SSD page for details.
For the ACT: Similar to the SAT, a separate application through ACT, Inc. is required. Visit ACT’s accommodations page for current requirements.
How to Request an Evaluation
Any parent can request a school evaluation in writing at any time. The school must respond to the request and, if the child is found eligible, complete an evaluation within the timelines required by their state (typically 60 days). Evaluations are conducted at no cost to the family.