Frequently Asked Questions for Evaluators

Although these disabilities are lifelong, the impact they have on current functioning changes over time. In order for a determination to be made regarding reasonable accommodations, documentation should verify the functional impact of the disability as it relates to the current test-taking situation.

Una evaluación diagnóstica realizada en los últimos cinco años y/o cuando el participante tenía al menos 16 años de edad puede ser útil, al igual que la información sobre los antecedentes de discapacidad de larga duración del participante. Visite https://www.ets.org/disabilities/test-takers/disability-documentation.html para obtener información completa.

If an evaluation is necessary, ETS isn’t responsible for the cost of an evaluation, but resources are available that might be able to help. If the disability documentation is insufficient, the candidate may contact the local Division of Vocational Rehabilitation office and meet with a counselor. This is a free service available to any individual with a documented disability. If the test taker is a current student, their Disability Resource Professional on campus may be able to suggest options as some colleges and universities perform evaluations at a reduced fee.

ETS will send a letter of explanation if we do not approve a request. This letter will explain additional information the test taker should submit for reconsideration of their request which has not been approved. Whenever possible, ETS Disability Services staff will provide test takers with specific information about the ways in which their documentation is insufficient and how it should be updated or supplemented. The test taker may correct any insufficiencies outlined in the letter and resubmit the request. If the test taker has any questions about ETS's procedures, they may contact us.

The purpose of the COE is not to verify the test taker's disability or diagnosis.  It is to verify that the institution or place of employment granted the accommodations and that the test taker is using them. Thus, such verification requires that the COE be completed by an authorized representative from the Accessibility/Disability Office of the test taker's college, Human Resources Office of their employer, or their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

No. Sending disability documentation when it isn’t required may cause a considerable delay in processing a request due to the time needed to review documentation. A test taker who is eligible to be approved for accommodations on the basis of the COE alone should send only the appropriately completed COE without documentation.

En virtud de la Ley de Enmiendas de la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, ADAAA), no todos los deterioros son una discapacidad. Para que un impedimento se considere una discapacidad en virtud de la ADAAA, debe ser “sustancialmente limitante” a una actividad vital importante (p. ej., ver, hablar, oír, aprender, caminar, etc.). Por lo tanto, tener  un deterioro o un diagnóstico por sí solos puede no ser suficiente para respaldar la necesidad de adaptaciones para las pruebas. La documentación debe  verificar y reflejar que las limitaciones funcionales resultantes de una discapacidad afectan significativamente la forma en que una persona realiza una actividad vital importante, en comparación con la "persona promedio",  con el fin de determinar la adaptación.

Psychometric cognitive tests that measure reasoning, problem-solving and information processing, as well as memory, and executive functions under both standard timing and extended-time conditions, can be very helpful in supporting the need for the requested accommodations. Results from objective cognitive tests are especially helpful in determining the need for 100% extended test time. Depending on the type of accommodations requested, academic achievement testing may also be helpful. For example, if a reader is requested as an accommodation, achievement measures pertinent to reading provide important information.

Yes. ETS recognizes that tele-assessment may provide greater flexibility to test takers and will accept documentation from an evaluation conducted via tele-assessment or via a “hybrid” format, i.e., a combination of in-person and tele-assessment services. The evaluation should be conducted according to the best practices and standards of the profession of the clinician who conducts it. Tele-assessment involves special considerations and an evaluator conducting tele-assessment should have specific training in this domain. Please see the ETS Tele-Assessment Guidance (PDF) for additional information regarding tele-assessment.

It’s best to provide the most complete packet of information possible when multiple disabling conditions are identified. If a test taker has multiple disabilities, it is best to document functional limitations associated with each of their disabilities. However, if documentation is being submitted for only one disability, please be sure there is a discussion of functional limitations and a disability-related rationale for each requested accommodation.