Requesting Alternative Testing Arrangements

Alternative testing arrangements that are reasonable in the context of this certification test and supported by documentation may be provided for

• examinees with disabilities who would not be able to take the test under standard conditions and
• nursing mothers.

All timely and complete alternative testing arrangements requests and accompanying documentation are reviewed on a case-by-case basis upon receipt. In some cases, the submitted documentation may not be sufficient to make a determination regarding the requested accommodation(s) or may not support the requested accommodation(s). Additional information or diagnostic test results may be needed.

Please be aware that your request form and supporting documentation may be shared with the New York State Education Department in order to process your request. Your documentation will be kept confidential to the extent required by law.

Some alternative testing arrangements may be accommodated at selected sites only.

Some alternative testing arrangements (e.g., Braille tests) have specialized production requirements associated with them. Although every effort is made to process all requests in a timely manner, the earlier you submit your request, the more time will be available for specialized production, if needed. Certain production requirements may necessitate scheduling your test appointment for a later date.

In some cases, you may be contacted directly to discuss suitable testing arrangements.

Procedure for Requesting Alternative Testing Arrangements

Overview

1. Review Required Documentation and collect any necessary documents.
2. Register for the test. Be sure to declare your intent to request alternative testing arrangements during registration.
3. Submit your completed Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form and supporting documentation.
4. Check your email for your notification of resolution (usually between 1–3 weeks after your completed request is received).
5. Follow the instructions provided in your resolution email to schedule your appointment with any approved alternative testing arrangements.

Initial requests for alternative testing arrangements. In all cases, candidates requesting alternative testing arrangements must (a) complete a test registration, (b) submit a completed Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form, and (c) submit any required documentation. Write your name and telephone number on each piece of correspondence you provide.

Subsequent requests for alternative testing arrangements. An Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form must be submitted each time you register. The first time that you request alternative testing arrangements, you will need to submit all of the required documentation to support your request for alternative testing arrangements. Evaluation Systems will keep your documentation on file for one year. If you register for subsequent test dates within that year, you only need to submit your completed registration, correct payment, and a completed Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form, as long as your condition and the recommended alternative testing arrangements have not changed.

Notification of Resolution

Examinees who wish to request alternative testing arrangements should register as early as possible in advance of their desired test date. After registering, you must submit a completed Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form and any required documentation as described on this website.

Most examinees will be contacted regarding the resolution of a request for alternative testing arrangements within three weeks after the request form and all required documentation have been received. When your request for alternative testing arrangements has been resolved, you will be contacted by email regarding the resolution and given important information about scheduling your test appointment.

You should wait to receive confirmation of your resolution before scheduling your test appointment. If you schedule your test appointment before receiving this confirmation, you will be required to cancel and reschedule it in order to ensure that your alternative testing arrangements will be appropriately applied. This could result in a delay of your desired test date.

Scheduling Your Test Appointment

Once your request for alternative testing arrangements has been resolved, you will be directed to sign in to your account for instructions on how to schedule your appointment with any approved accommodations. You may be instructed to schedule your appointment online or by telephone, as some accommodations require special arrangements for staff, space, and materials.

If you are instructed to schedule by telephone, you must identify yourself as a candidate who needs to schedule a testing appointment with accommodations. Failure to do so may result in an appointment that does not reflect any approved alternative testing arrangements.

You should be prepared to identify your preferred test date and test center. Please be aware that some alternative testing arrangements may require additional time prior to the date of your appointment to make the necessary arrangements. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please schedule your appointment as soon as possible after your request has been resolved in order to allow time for such arrangements to be made and to avoid a potential delay in your test date.