Request AP Exam Accommodations
If you have a documented disability that affects how you test, you may be eligible for accommodations on the AP Exams such as:
- Braille exam format
- Large-print exam format
- Extended time
- Extra breaks
- Large-block answer sheets
- A computer to type an essay or free response
- Permission to use a magnification device (electronic or non-electronic)
- A human reader to dictate questions
- A writer/scribe to record responses
- A written copy of oral instructions
College Board must approve your accommodations in advance of the exam. To receive accommodations, you or your school’s SSD coordinator must request them from College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office. Find instructions below, and visit SSD Accommodations on College Board Exams for complete details.
Instructions
-
Determine if you’re eligible.
Most students who receive accommodations in school receive the same accommodations for College Board exams. Speak to your school’s SSD coordinator to determine if accommodations will be needed.
-
Ask your school to request accommodations for you.
Your school’s SSD coordinator will be able to place the request for you via our online portal. You are your own best advocate for ensuring that you receive the testing accommodations you need. Discuss your needs with your SSD coordinator as early as possible before the deadline and be sure to confirm with them that everything has been submitted. They’ll be able to alert you when your request is approved.
To submit a request without your school’s involvement, visit Requesting Without Going Through the School for details, and download this PDF form.
-
Provide documentation, if requested.
The online system will alert your SSD coordinator to what documentation is needed to process your request, if any.
-
Confirm your status.
Your SSD coordinator will alert you when your request is approved.
-
Bring verification of your accommodations to the exam.
If you have an approved exam accommodation, be sure to bring your SSD Decision Letter from College Board with you to every exam. Note that if you test using accommodations that haven’t been approved by us in advance, your scores will be canceled.
Link
Services for Students with Disabilities
Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for accommodations for the through-course assessment and the end-of-course exam. If you’re using assistive technology and need help accessing the PDFs in this section in another format, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 866-630-9305 or by email at [email protected]. For information about taking AP Exams, or other College Board assessments, with accommodations, visit the Services for Students with Disabilities website.
FAQ
I’ve been granted exam accommodations by College Board in the past. Do I need to apply again?
If you have previously been approved by College Board for testing accommodations (for example, when you took the PSAT/NMSQT or SAT), you do not need to submit a new request.
Once your accommodations are approved by College Board, they remain in effect until one year after high school graduation (with some limited exceptions) and can be used on the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and AP Exams.
However, keep in mind the following:
- Some accommodations are administered differently across College Board programs. For example, for AP, if you’re approved for extended time, you won’t be automatically provided extra breaks. Extra breaks would need to be requested as a separate accommodation for AP.
- AP Exam subjects have different components and what may be appropriate for one exam subject may not apply to another exam. For example, if you’re approved for extended time for math only, you wouldn’t receive extended time for an AP English Literature and Composition Exam.
- If you previously tested with a human reader, screen reader, or a human scribe, you may now be approved for text-to-speech (embedded) or dictation. Check with your SSD coordinator if you’re not sure which accommodation you’re approved for.
If you have any questions about whether your existing approved accommodations are applicable for AP, talk to your school’s SSD coordinator.
Can I take a digital AP Exam with accommodations?
Yes. If you’ve been approved for any accommodations by the College Board SSD office, you’ll be able to take a digital AP Exam with the necessary accommodations. Many accommodations work the same way for digital exams as they do for paper exams, but there may be some differences. Speak with your SSD coordinator or AP coordinator if you have questions about taking a digital AP Exam with accommodations.
I want to request accommodations without the help of my school. What should I do?
Your family can submit a paper request for accommodations without the participation of your school. Documentation must be provided for College Board to review. To download the form you’ll need and to learn more, visit How to Fill Out the Student Eligibility Form.
In most cases, however, students work with their school to request accommodations—the fastest and easiest method. At this time, the online system, SSD Online, is not available to parents or students.
Where can I find more information on which disabilities qualify for exam accommodations and how to place the request?
The Services for Students with Disabilities site offers in-depth resources for students, parents, and coordinators outlining what qualifies for accommodations, what documentation is required, how to place the request, and more.
I’m a transfer student. How can I ensure that I’ll receive exam accommodations at my new school?
If you transferred schools after being approved for testing accommodations, let the SSD coordinator at your new school know about the accommodations you were previously approved for. If you need different accommodations, your school’s SSD coordinator may submit an Accommodations Change Request form for you.
How do I know if I’m eligible for accommodations?
If you have a documented disability that limits your ability to participate on College Board exams, you may be eligible for accommodations. Some examples of disabilities include blindness and visual impairments; learning disorders; physical and medical impairments, such as cerebral palsy and diabetes; and motor impairments. There are many others.
If you already receive accommodations at your school, have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan, you will also likely qualify.
Key Dates
Deadline for SSD Coordinators to Request Testing Accommodations
Requests for testing accommodations must be submitted by this date.