SAT and ACT Testing Accommodations: Eligibility and How to Request Them

Who can request accommodations

Testing accommodations are available to students with documented disabilities — including learning, attention, physical, sensory, psychiatric, and chronic-health conditions — so they can access the test on a fair basis. Both the College Board (for the SAT) and ACT have formal processes to review requests against their eligibility criteria.

Eligibility is decided by the testing organisation based on your documentation and the specific accommodation requested, not automatically by having a diagnosis or a school plan. Many students who receive accommodations at school (for example under an IEP or 504 plan) also qualify on the SAT or ACT, but each organisation makes its own determination.

• Available for documented learning, attention, physical, sensory, psychiatric, and health conditions
• The testing organisation, not your school, makes the final eligibility decision
• A school IEP or 504 plan often supports a request but does not guarantee approval
• Each accommodation is reviewed against the organisation's published criteria

Common accommodations you can request

Both programmes offer a range of accommodations matched to documented needs. The most familiar is extended time, but many others exist, including extra or extended breaks, a reader or scribe, large print or braille, assistive technology, and a separate testing room.

The accommodation must fit the documented need — you request what your disability requires, supported by your documentation. Review the current list of available accommodations on the official SAT (College Board SSD) and ACT pages, since options and how they are delivered on the digital SAT and current ACT format can change.

• Extended time (for example time-and-a-half or double time, per approval)
• Extra or extended breaks
• Assistive technology, screen readers, or alternate formats (large print, braille)
• Reader, scribe, or a separate, smaller testing setting

How to request SAT accommodations (College Board SSD)

SAT accommodations are handled through the College Board's Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). For students in school, requests are most often submitted by the school's SSD coordinator on the student's behalf, with the student's consent; families can also work directly with the College Board in some cases.

The College Board reviews the request and documentation and notifies you of the decision. Approved SAT accommodations generally also apply across College Board tests such as PSAT-related assessments and AP Exams, which is why starting early through your school is helpful.

• Work with your school's SSD coordinator to submit the request through the College Board
• Provide consent and any documentation the College Board requests
• The College Board reviews and issues a decision
• Approved accommodations typically extend across College Board assessments (PSAT-related tests, AP Exams)

How to request ACT accommodations (TAA)

ACT manages accommodations through its Test Accessibility and Accommodations (TAA) system. You first register for an ACT test date, then your school's test accommodations coordinator works with you to submit the accommodations request and supporting documentation through TAA. ACT separately offers English learner (EL) supports for eligible students, which are distinct from disability accommodations.

ACT reviews the request and documentation and informs you of the outcome. Because the steps and the way accommodations are delivered can change with the current ACT format, confirm the exact process and what documentation is needed on the official ACT accommodations pages.

• Register for an ACT test date, then submit the request through TAA with your school
• Provide documentation supporting the specific accommodation requested
• English learner (EL) supports are a separate track from disability accommodations
• Confirm current steps, documentation, and delivery on act.org before applying

Documentation and timing

Both organisations base decisions on documentation of the disability and the need for the requested accommodation. This can include professional evaluations and records of accommodations used at school. Requirements differ by organisation and by accommodation, so check exactly what each one asks for rather than assuming.

The single most important practical step is to start early. Reviews take time, additional documentation is sometimes requested, and you must have approval in place before your test date. Build the request timeline backward from your intended test date, and verify all deadlines on the official College Board and ACT sites.

• Gather documentation of the disability and the need for the specific accommodation
• School records and professional evaluations often support a request
• Start well before your test date — reviews and follow-up requests take time
• Confirm current documentation requirements and deadlines on the official sites

If a request is denied

If an accommodation request is not approved, both organisations provide ways to follow up — including submitting additional documentation or requesting reconsideration. A denial is often about insufficient documentation for the specific accommodation rather than a permanent bar, so review the reason given carefully.

Work with your school's coordinator and the official guidance to understand what more is needed. Because procedures and timelines for reconsideration are set by each organisation, follow the steps on the official College Board SSD and ACT accommodations pages.