Standardized Testing Accommodations

If you're preparing for a high-stakes exam and wondering whether you qualify for accommodations due to ADHD, autism, a learning disability, or a mental health condition—you’re not alone. Many bright and capable students and professionals find that standardized tests don’t reflect their true abilities without support. The good news is that psychological testing for accommodations can make a big difference.

At Zephyr Care, we specialize in providing comprehensive psychological evaluations to support accommodation requests for standardized exams. Whether you're in high school, college, graduate school, or pursuing a professional license, we can help you navigate this process with clarity and confidence.

Which Standardized Tests Offer Accommodations?

We regularly evaluate individuals seeking accommodations for a wide range of exams, including:

  • SAT (college admissions)

  • ACT (college admissions)

  • GRE (graduate school)

  • GMAT (business school)

  • LSAT (law school)

  • MCAT (medical school)

  • Bar Exam (law licensure)

  • USMLE & COMLEX (medical licensure)

  • NCLEX (nursing licensure)

  • PRAXIS (teacher certification)

  • Board certification exams in various fields

Each of these exams has its own documentation guidelines and timelines, so it’s essential to start early.

Who Might Qualify for Testing Accommodations?

If you have a diagnosis that significantly impacts your ability to take a test under standard conditions, you may qualify for accommodations. Common reasons for accommodation requests include:

Even if you've never had formal accommodations before, you may still qualify based on symptoms and history.

What to Expect During a Psychological Evaluation for Test Accommodations

At Zephyr Care, we conduct detailed evaluations that are tailored to meet the documentation requirements of each specific exam board. Here’s what the process typically includes:

Clinical Interview

We start by talking with you about your experiences—both current and past. We explore the challenges you’ve faced in school, work, and during previous testing situations. This helps us understand your symptoms in real-world context.

Review of Childhood History and Academic Records

Documentation of symptoms in childhood is essential for many conditions, especially ADHD and learning disabilities. We often review:

  • Report cards

  • IEPs or 504 Plans

  • Past testing reports

  • Records of previous standardized tests (SAT, ACT, etc.)

  • Teacher or parent input (when applicable)

Cognitive and Academic Testing

We assess a wide range of domains to understand your cognitive strengths and weaknesses. This may include:

  • IQ testing – Verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, processing speed

  • Neuropsychological testing – Attention, executive function, memory, and processing speed

  • Academic testing – Reading fluency and comprehension, writing, spelling, and math skills

These results help us determine if your performance is significantly impacted by a disability—even if you’ve been high-achieving.

Collateral Information

When required by the standardized test, we gather input from parents, teachers, or other professionals who can speak to your longstanding challenges. This provides context and helps support your request.

Completion of Required Forms

Most standardized testing organizations require very specific documentation, often including forms that must be completed by a licensed psychologist. We are experienced in filling out these forms in a way that meets the board’s standards, minimizing delays or denials.

Comprehensive Report

You’ll receive a detailed report that explains your diagnosis (if applicable), test results, functional limitations, and recommended accommodations. This report is designed to meet the documentation guidelines of your specific testing organization.

Common Accommodations That May Be Recommended

Accommodations vary depending on your needs, but some of the most frequently approved supports include:

  • Extended time (e.g., 50% or 100%)

  • Additional breaks between sections

  • Testing in a separate, quiet room

  • Use of assistive technology (e.g., speech-to-text)

  • Use of a computer for essays or written responses

  • Permission for snacks or medications during the exam

  • Testing over multiple days (for exams with long sessions)

Why You Need to Know the Test’s Specific Requirements

Each exam board has its own policies, timelines, and forms. Some require:

  • Testing completed within the last 1–3 years

  • A history of school accommodations

  • Specific types of psychological tests

  • Signatures from licensed Psychologists only

We always encourage individuals to research the requirements for their specific test before beginning the evaluation process, so we can ensure your documentation is compliant from the start.

Why Choose Zephyr Care for Your Evaluation?

Many psychologists do not offer evaluations specifically tailored to standardized testing accommodations. This is a highly specialized area of psychological testing, and documentation that doesn't meet board standards can result in denied accommodations—even for qualified individuals.

At Zephyr Care, we:

  • Stay up to date with documentation standards for major exams

  • Know what each testing board is looking for

  • Take time to understand your unique challenges

  • Provide comprehensive, board-compliant reports and documentation

Our goal is not only to assess whether you qualify for accommodations but also to advocate for your right to a fair testing environment.