SAT exams don’t exactly make anyone jump for joy but they can be even more stressful for those with an illness, disability or a special education need.

If you are the parent of a student with need, you should be aware that accommodations from the College Board are available on request, and that your student has the right to utilize any support provided. However, organizing an accommodation with the College Board requires advance work and planning.

I already have an IEP/504, do I need to bother? YES! Scores will be cancelled if accommodations are used without College Board approval.

What exams can I get accommodations for? The College Board suite of exams includes the SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, SAT Subject Tests, and AP Exams.

What accommodations are available? Accommodations include extended time, being able to use a computer for essays, extra/extended breaks, reading/seeing support and many others. (If the accommodation needed is not listed, a request and documentation can be sent for the College Board to review.)

Who is eligible? Families must prove

• their student’s disability

• the degree to which the student’s activities are affected (functional limitation)

• the need for the specific accommodations requested

The College Board provides specific documentation guidelines for different situations, such as ADHD, learning disorders and visual impairments. Detailed information is available here.

Who should request accommodations?

• Schools: The College Board greatly prefers families to request accommodations via their schools. Authorized educators, called SSD Coordinators, can submit requests and documentation electronically which can speed up the process. The College Board outlines the benefits more fully on its website.

• Parents: Parents can use the paper Student Eligibility Form and provide documentation themselves. The College Board provides a list of tips for those submitting requests without their school.

• All accommodation request forms and instructions are available here.

How long does it take? A long time, so plan ahead. For example, those taking AP exams in May should apply by mid-January. According to the College Board website:

• The request process can take seven weeks and does not begin until all required documentation is received.

• If additional documentation is required or if a request is resubmitted, approval can take seven more weeks.

• A list of exam dates and accommodation request deadlines is available on the College Board website.

Are there any other College Board exams that offer accommodations? Accommodations are offered for all College Board exams, but the process of application may differ. Check here for details about how to request CLEP, ACCUPACER and PSAT 8/9 accommodations.

What about accommodations for the ACT? Yes, they are available, but as the ACT is completely separate from the College Board tests, that is a different process. The procedure for requesting accommodations and English Learner support is available on the ACT website.