Are you taking a high-stakes test in the near future?

Securing testing accommodations for adults with ADHD is critical in post-graduate exams, where time limits, focus requirements, and the testing environment itself can make exams especially challenging. The evaluations for accommodations provided by SoCal Educational Evaluations aims to level the playing field for adults with disabilities, allowing adults with ADHD or other qualifying disabilities to perform their best without the added strain of managing symptoms. Below are the most common accommodations that you can receive for many of these high-stakes tests, such as the MCAT, LSAT, GRE, or GMAT and the steps required to secure them.

1. Extended Time

One of the most commonly approved accommodations for individuals with ADHD is extended time. This accommodation generally adds 50% or even 100% more time to complete each section of a test. The primary benefit is to reduce the anxiety and processing speed challenges that can arise in a timed environment.

People with ADHD often struggle with time management, so extended time allows them to fully read and understand each question without feeling pressured to rush, which can result in more accurate responses.

In the application process for extended time, it’s crucial to provide documentation from a qualified professional, such as a psychologist, detailing how ADHD specifically affects the test-taker’s processing speed and attention under time constraints.

2. Separate Testing Room

Another commonly requested accommodation is a private or low-distraction testing room. Adults with ADHD often find it challenging to concentrate in environments with multiple people, noises, or other potential distractions. By testing in a separate room, they can focus better and limit the external distractions that might otherwise derail their thought process.

To secure this accommodation, candidates usually need to provide evidence from a clinical evaluation demonstrating how their ADHD affects their ability to concentrate in standard testing environments. This is typically documented in a psychological assessment that explains the individual’s unique needs related to attention span and focus.

3. Breaks During Testing

Frequent or extended breaks are also commonly provided to test-takers with ADHD, particularly for exams lasting several hours. These breaks are intended to prevent the mental fatigue and loss of focus that can arise during long test periods.

Adults with ADHD may benefit from structured breaks that allow them to re-center, take a walk, or engage in calming techniques before returning to the test.

These breaks can be invaluable on exams that have multiple sections, as they allow test-takers to approach each section with renewed attention. Documenting the need for breaks can be supported by clinical notes that outline difficulties in sustained attention and describe how frequent breaks can help mitigate this issue.

4. Omission of Experimental Section

The omission of the experimental section is a testing accommodation provided for individuals with disabilities who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). On exams like the LSAT, the experimental section is an unscored portion used to test new questions for future exams. This section can add time and cognitive load, potentially disadvantaging test-takers with disabilities such as ADHD, anxiety disorders, or learning disabilities. To obtain this accommodation, candidates must submit comprehensive documentation of their disability, and have a correlation between their disability and omission of this section. This accommodation is not indicated on the LSAT website specifically, but a recent client of mine asked for it to be included in his Qualified Professional form, and because of his anxiety, I indicated it as appropriate.

How to get Testing Accommodations

Adults seeking these accommodations should start by consulting with a healthcare provider or professional licensed to evaluate for disabilities, such as ADHD. The process generally involves a comprehensive evaluation to gather the necessary documentation, which should outline how ADHD impacts test performance. At SoCal Educational Evaluations, our Licensed Educational Psychologists can provide both educational eligibilities and clinical diagnosis of ADHD, Dyslexia, Anxiety, and other disabilities that may qualify you for testing accommodations.

Testing companies often have specific requirements and deadlines for accommodation requests, so applicants should familiarize themselves with these early to avoid delays. Securing the right accommodations can help ensure that adults with ADHD are tested in a way that accurately reflects their skills and knowledge.

By taking the time to understand and pursue these accommodations, candidates can significantly improve their chances of success on their post-grad exams to secure that they are progressing towards their career goals.

If you need help with getting evaluated for your accommodations application, SoCal Educational Evaluations can help. We offer both in-person and virtual evaluation options.

Once the evaluation is completed, our evaluators will help complete any forms or documentation needed for your application. Click HERE to learn more about our accommodations testing and payment options.

References

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
2. Smith, K. (2021). “Navigating Testing Accommodations for ADHD.” Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 34(1), 29-40.
3. U.S. Department of Education. (2022). “Accommodations for Students with Disabilities.” Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov