Guide to Understanding Exam Accommodations
If you require exam accommodations, this guide will help you understand how accommodations are determined, what options may be available, and how to request the support you need.
What Is the Purpose of Exam Accommodations?
Legally, a disability may be defined differently by different countries and jurisdictions. Given that ICF is a global organization, we recognize that a disability can be defined as any impairment that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation. The purpose of accommodations is to remove barriers so that the individual with a disability may participate equally.
At the same time, ICF is committed to ensuring that the security, integrity, and validity of its exams are not compromised.
What Are Exam Accommodations?
Exam accommodations are adaptations that help ensure an exam measures what it is intended to assess. The purpose of accommodations is to provide full access to the exam, not to guarantee improved performance, a passing score, or exam completion. From extended time and additional breaks to adjustable workstations and private testing environments, accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. ICF provides approved accommodations at no cost to you.
Where and How Are Accommodations Administered?
ICF exams are administered at Pearson VUE testing centers (with other testing candidates present) and remotely (with no other test-takers present). Certain accommodations, such as private testing rooms, may only be appropriate in one of these test settings. To request an exam accommodation, you’ll need to provide evidence that your condition is a disability and provide information about the functional limitations you experience.
What Proof Is Required for an Exam Accommodation Request?
Please note that having a diagnosis or demonstrating that you meet the diagnostic criteria for a particular disorder does not automatically mean that you are disabled or that you qualify for an exam accommodation. ICF does not require a diagnosis. It does, however, require evidence that your disability has a significant impact on your ability to access an exam.
Individuals with a disability can usually demonstrate a significant impact in a variety of settings, such as school, the workplace, or in other daily life activities. If you are working in a job, for instance, it is helpful for us to see verification of your workplace accommodations that you require due to your disability.
Does ICF Provide Language Support?
We do not provide disability-related accommodations to individuals based on a lack of fluency in English or for those who speak English as a second language (ESL). However, ICF exams are available in multiple languages, and additional language support is offered. Select your exam to learn more: ACC Exam | ICF Credentialing Exam | Team Coaching Certification Exam.
Do Personal Medical Items Require a Request?
Pearson VUE’s Approved Comfort Aids list includes items like medical and mobility aids. These pre-approved items do not require supporting documentation or submission of an Exam Accommodations Request Form. Simply bring your personal items to the testing room — whether in person or online — and the testing staff will perform a quick visual check before your exam begins.
How to Request Exam Accommodations
The best time to make this request is while completing your ICF credential application. During the application process, you’ll have the option to indicate whether you intend to request exam accommodations.
Next, you’ll complete the appropriate request form and submit the necessary documentation. While a diagnosis is not required, you must provide evidence of your disability and how it affects your access to the exam. This could include examples from daily life activities like work or school where accommodations are already in place. Depending on your needs, you can choose from two streamlined documentation processes.
Short Request Process: For Minimal Accommodation Needs
If your accommodation needs are more minimal, the Short Request Process might be right for you. Simply provide documentation from professionals who know you well or organizations familiar with your needs.
Using this process, you can request:
- Up to an extra 45 minutes of testing time (which could be used for extra breaks).
- Use of diabetes testing and management supplies.
- Other accommodations that do not involve timing modification, a separate testing room, or the use of electronic devices or software.
Standard Request Process: For More Extensive Accommodation Needs
For complex or specialized accommodation requests, the Standard Request Process asks you to provide additional documentation so that we fully understand your access needs.
Through this process, you can request any combination of the following:
- More than 45 minutes of testing time.
- A separate testing room.
- Other unique accommodations, such as timing modifications, adaptive devices, or assistive technology.
Documentation Requirements for Short Request and Standard Request Processes
To support your ICF exam accommodation request, you can choose from four documentation categories:
- Category A: Documentation from a professional who knows you well.
- Category B: Proof of approved accommodations on a high-stakes exam or professional certification exam taken in the past five years.
- Category C: An individualized evaluation report.
- Category D: Evidence of formal accommodations or support services from a post-secondary academic setting within the past 18 months.
Short Request Process Documentation Requirements
For the Short Request Process, submit one of the following combinations of documents:
- 2 documents from Category A.
- 1 document from Category A + 1 document from Category B.
- 1 document from Category A + 1 document from Category D.
Standard Process Documentation Requirements
For the Standard Request Process, submit one of these document combinations:
- 2 documents from Category A.
- 1 document from Category A + 1 document from Category C.
- 1 document from Category B + 1 document from Category C.
- 1 document from Category D + 1 document from Category C.
- 1 document from Category A + 1 document from Category B + 1 document from Category D.
If Accommodation Request Is Incomplete
If your accommodation request is incomplete — meaning that your documentation doesn’t provide us with enough information to make a decision — we’ll notify you and outline the missing information. At that point, you’ll have the option to provide the missing materials or choose to take the exam without accommodations.
If Accommodation Request Is Approved
If ICF approves an exam accommodation, here’s what you can expect next:
If Accommodation Request Is Not Approved
If your exam accommodation request is not approved in full, here’s what will happen:
Communication Regarding Your Accommodation Request
At ICF, we respect your privacy and are committed to handling all accommodation requests with the utmost care and professionalism. To ensure a smooth process, here are a few important communication guidelines: