Types of Digital Accommodations

Many accommodations for paper testing, such as extended testing time or extra breaks, are the same for digital tests.

Some accommodations differ for digital testing because there are no paper testing materials. For example, students approved for large-print test books can take the digital test with an increased font size. All students can use the zoom function, which doesn’t need to be set up in advance. Some digital accommodations must be managed in TIDE, however. Learn how to configure settings at Delivering Digital Tests with Accommodations.

If a student has already been approved for an accommodation that's applicable to paper testing, they don't have to request a new accommodation to use the digital alternative.

Jump down to the digital alternative tables.

Testing on Paper

Some students have conditions that prevent them from testing digitally or are uncomfortable using the digital alternative to their approved accommodation. In these cases, their SSD coordinator can request College Board approval for an accommodation to take the test on paper.

Test coordinators may need to order materials. Order PSAT 8/9 materials on the test ordering website. For other tests, follow the instructions provided in your school's training materials or by your department of education.

Universal Tools

The following digital features, available for all digital test takers to use without approval, may eliminate the need for other accommodations:

• Calculator: Available onscreen for calculator-allowed questions
• Clock: Counts down the time left for each section and gives a 5-minute warning
• Highlighter: Available for marking text, questions, and answer options
• Line focus: Combines line reader with masking to guide students as they read
• Mark for review: Allows students to flag questions for later review
• Notes: For digital note-taking; students also receive scratch paper
• Reference: Allows students to view standard mathematical formulas
• Strikethrough: Allows students to eliminate answer options
• Zoom in/zoom out: Enlarges the text and images on a test page

Test Settings and Tools That Require Approval

Students who need any of the following tools should work with their SSD coordinator to submit a request for accommodations:

• Assistive technology: Including screen readers and refreshable braille (RBDs)
• Color contrast: Displays the test with different background or font color
• Font size: Adjust text content font size, up to 8 times the original size.
• 4-function calculator: Allows students to use the Desmos 4-function calculator on the Math Test – No Calculator portion.
• Mouse pointer: Adjusts the mouse/cursor to match color and size preference
• Permissive mode: Allows students to use any preapproved hardware or software with the secure browser (macOS and Windows only).
• Streamlined mode: Linear presentation; eliminates split screen.
• Test time and breaks: Various timing scenarios based on documented need.
• Text-to-speech: Allows parts of the test to be read aloud.

Digital Alternatives

Use the tables below to identify digital alternatives to accommodations for paper testing. With the exception of zoom, these features need to be configured in the student's Test Settings and Tools section in TIDE. Find out how in Delivering Digital Tests with Accommodations.

Home testing isn't supported.

For more information about how to configure accommodations for digital test takers in the Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE), see the Guide for Adjusting Test Settings in TIDE for Accommodations and Supports (.pdf/2.49 MB).