How to Get Accommodations on the MCAT, USMLE, and COMLEX: What Future Physicians Need to Know
If you’re preparing to take the MCAT, USMLE, or COMLEX and have a diagnosis of ADHD, autism, a learning disability, or a mental health condition, you may qualify for testing accommodations. A psychological evaluation is often the first step.
These medical exams are among the most demanding and time-intensive tests students will ever face. Without the right supports, even the most capable future physicians can struggle to show their full potential. Fortunately, testing accommodations for medical students are available and a thorough evaluation can help you document your need and secure the accommodations you deserve.
Why Medical Exams Require Psychological Testing for Accommodations
Organizations such as the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) for the MCAT, the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) for the USMLE, and the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) for the COMLEX have established processes for requesting testing accommodations.
These may include:
Extended time
Extra or stop-the-clock breaks
Reduced-distraction or private testing environments
Assistive technology (e.g., screen readers or speech-to-text)
Permission to bring medical items or food into the testing room
To receive these accommodations, you’ll need comprehensive documentation explaining why the support is necessary. Most applicants must submit a recent psychological, psychoeducational, or neuropsychological evaluation that demonstrates how their diagnosis affects their ability to take standardized exams under typical conditions.
Common Conditions That May Qualify You for MCAT, USMLE, or COMLEX Accommodations
• ADHD or ADD: Difficulty sustaining attention, organizing tasks, and maintaining pace during timed exams.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder: Sensory sensitivities, social or environmental overwhelm, and changes in routine can make long exam sessions challenging.
• Specific Learning Disorders (SLD): Dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia can affect reading, writing, or processing speed.
• Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, or Other Mental Health Diagnoses: Symptoms may reduce focus, endurance, or memory during prolonged testing.
These conditions are not barriers to success; they simply require equitable supports so your results reflect your true knowledge and ability.
What a Psychological Evaluation for MCAT, USMLE, and COMLEX Testing Accommodations Includes
A psychological, psychoeducational, or neuropsychological evaluation for medical exam accommodations assesses whether you meet diagnostic criteria for a disability and how it impacts your academic and testing performance.
Your evaluation typically includes:
A clinical interview exploring your developmental, academic, and mental health history
Cognitive testing (e.g., WAIS-IV or WAIS-5) to evaluate reasoning, working memory, and processing speed
Academic achievement testing in reading, writing, and math (e.g., WIAT-4)
Timed reading and processing speed measures to document the need for extended time
Symptom inventories for ADHD, anxiety, or depression
Review of previous records, such as IEPs, 504 plans, or earlier evaluations
The resulting report includes specific diagnoses, test data, and well-supported recommendations aligned with AAMC, NBME, or NBOME documentation standards.
What Accommodations Can Be Requested on the MCAT, USMLE, and COMLEX?
Each testing organization has distinct procedures, but the following supports are commonly approved for qualified applicants:
• 25%, 50%, or 100% extended testing time
• Extra or stop-the-clock breaks between sections
• Reduced-distraction or private testing rooms
• Computer use for essay or written portions
• Assistive technology, such as screen readers or dictation software
• Permission to bring snacks, water, or medical supplies
Each board - AAMC for the MCAT, NBME for the USMLE, and NBOME for the COMLEX, has specific deadlines and documentation formats. Be sure to follow their requirements carefully and plan several months in advance.
Why It’s Important to Plan Ahead for MCAT, USMLE, and COMLEX Accommodations
Testing agencies can take 4–12 weeks to review accommodation requests and may ask for additional documentation. If you plan to take your exam in the next year, it’s best to begin your evaluation now.
Starting early allows you to:
• Schedule and complete testing with a qualified Psychologist
• Collect prior records or academic documentation
• Submit paperwork before the registration deadline
• Respond to any follow-up questions or appeals
For medical students juggling rotations and studying, early preparation reduces stress and ensures your testing accommodations are ready well before exam day.
Testing for MCAT, USMLE, and COMLEX Accommodations Near Me
At Zephyr Care, we provide comprehensive psychological evaluations that meet or exceed AAMC, NBME, and NBOME documentation criteria. We are located in Tennessee with offices in Nashville and Murfreesboro, but we can also provide virtual psychological evaluations for medical students across PSYPACT states.
We specialize in tailoring evaluations for the AAMC, NBME, and NBOME, ensuring that your report meets every technical and diagnostic requirement for your exam.
Our virtual psychological evaluations are available to clients in:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
*We also see a limited number of clients annually in California and Massachusetts.
Refer a Friend Preparing for the LSAT, MPRE, or Bar Exam
If you have friends or classmates pursuing law instead of medicine, let them know we also provide psychological evaluations for legal testing accommodations. We help future lawyers secure the supports they need for exams like the LSAT, MPRE, and Bar Exam, following the same neurodiversity-affirming, evidence-based approach we use for medical exam accommodations.
Final Thoughts: A Fair Testing Experience for Future Physicians
Preparing for a medical career takes extraordinary commitment. Your testing environment should never be an additional barrier.
If ADHD, autism, a learning disorder, or a mental health condition affects your test performance, a psychological evaluation for testing accommodations can help ensure your results truly reflect your ability, not the obstacles in your way.
At Zephyr Care, we’re here to help you navigate this process with compassion, expertise, and professionalism. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and take the next step toward securing your MCAT, USMLE, or COMLEX accommodations.
Contact Zephyr Care today to schedule your evaluation and take the next step toward securing the accommodations you need for success on the MCAT, USMLE, or COMLEX exam.
Author: Heather Joppich, PhD
Dr. Joppich is a Licensed Psychologist and owner of Zephyr Care Mental Health. She specializes in neurodiversity-affirming assessments for autism, ADHD, and mental health concerns.
