Available exam accommodations and associated documentation requirements
All accommodations listed below must be requested before scheduling your exam. Note that some require documentation to avoid unfair advantage to someone who doesn’t need the accommodation or to prevent security risks. It's a bit inconvenient, but we're committed to a fair and valid exam experience.
| Accommodation | Documentation required for test center | Documentation required for online proctoring | Why do you need to request this accommodation in advance? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra time | Yes | Yes | Adding extra time requires a reconfiguration of the exam. Note: Microsoft has added 5 minutes to exam time for unscheduled breaks. You do not need to request an accommodation for this time to be added. Visit Unscheduled breaks on exams. |
| Reader and Reader/Recorder | Yes | Yes | Extra time will be provided. For test center deliveries, you’ll test in a separate room. For online deliveries, the proctors need to know that another adult will be in the room. |
| Personal Care Assistant (PCA) | No | Yes | For test center deliveries, you’ll test in a separate room. For online deliveries, the proctors need to know that another adult may enter the room. |
| Ability to read aloud | No | Yes | In test centers, this is a distraction to others, so you’ll be given a separate room. For online deliveries, the proctors need to know you’ll be reading aloud. |
| Moving during the exam | No | N/A | In test centers, this is a distraction to others, so you’ll test in a separate room. For online deliveries, you may move around within your work area as long as your face stays in view of the camera and all prohibited items remain out of arm’s reach. If you need to leave your work area or the view of the camera, initiate a break. |
| Noise cancelling headphones | No | Yes | Bluetooth must be disabled. |
| Screen Reader Software (i.e., Dragon Speak (STT), JAWS, or NVDA) | No | No | The exam must be configured to allow this software to run. At test centers, you’ll be provided with a separate room. For online deliveries, the proctor must be aware that audio will occur during the exam. |
| Sign Language Interpreter | No | No | For test center deliveries, you’ll test in a separate room if the sign language interpreter is needed during the exam. If they are only needed for the check-in and exit process, you may test in the primary testing area. For online deliveries, the proctors need to know that another adult may be in the room with you. |
| ZoomText (Screen Mag Only) | No | No | The exam must be configured to allow this software to run. |
| Wheelchair Accessible Test Center | No | N/A | Not all test centers are wheelchair accessible. |
| Adjustable Workstation | No | N/A | Not all test centers have adjustable workstations. |
| Sit/Stand | No | N/A | Not all test centers have a sit/stand desk, and this requires a separate room. |
| Additional lighting | No | No | At test centers, you may require a separate room. |
| Chewing gum or snacks permitted | No | N/A | In test centers, this is a distraction to others, so you’ll test in a separate room. |
| Other | Yes | Yes | Anything not expected under typical exam conditions requires an accommodation so the proctor is aware something will be different, so others are not distracted, and to ensure any changes to the exam configuration are available during delivery. |
Types of documentation accepted
For accommodations that require documentation, please review the accepted document types below.
NOTE: You’ll need only one form of documentation when requesting accommodations. Our disability experts will let you know if they need additional documentation to reach a decision. Acceptable documentation includes but is not limited to:
Professional evaluations, such as:
- Letter or written recommendation from your health professional (e.g., physician, therapist, mental health counselor, psychologist, naturopath, etc.)
- Results of psycho-educational or other professional evaluations
Proof of past accommodations, such as:
- Previous testing or training accommodations
- Workplace accommodations related to the request
School/education related accommodation records, such as:
- Records showing participation in special education services (e.g., an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 plan, etc.)
- Note from an educator or school administrator on school letterhead describing accommodations provided to you in school
Proof of other accommodations, such as:
- Accommodations provided by government or public entities (e.g., access to public transportation for a physical disability)
- Accommodations provided at a conference, convention, or similar event.
Worldwide Learning Healthcare Provider Form
- This form is optional, but if you prefer to provide limited information specific to your accommodation, ask your health professional (e.g., physician, therapist, mental health counselor, psychologist, naturopath, etc.) to complete it.
- If you aren’t sure your documentation meets the requirements, submit anything that might help us understand your needs.
Other documentation. If you have something not listed here that demonstrates your need for the requested accommodation, please provide it.
Other assistance
For testing centers, some types of equipment, such as hearing aids and inhalers don’t require pre-approval. It may be necessary for test center staff to inspect these items before you bring them into the testing room. For a full list, review the Pearson VUE document.
You don’t need to request an accommodation for pets, service animals, or comfort animals to be present during online exams. However, only service animals are permitted in test centers; comfort animals are not. No advance notice is required.
You don’t need to request an accommodation to have a beverage during an online proctored exam if it’s in a transparent spill-proof container. Beverages aren't allowed in most test centers (to avoid spills, damage, and distraction). Be sure to ask in advance.
You don’t need to request an accommodation for most medical supplies unless they require a connection to a cell phone or other monitoring device. If they do, you will need to submit a request if a cell phone must be within view.
If you have any questions about the process, please contact the Pearson VUE accommodations team to learn more. If you’ve contacted Pearson VUE but need additional assistance with accommodations, please contact the Microsoft Exam Accommodations Support team.
English as a second language
If the exam is not available in your native language, use the English as a Second Language form to request additional time to read and answer the questions. If the exam is available in your native language, you may take the exam in a different language; however, you will not be given extra exam time to do so.