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. Find out how in the Manage Student Settings Guide (pdf/4.46 MB).

If a student has already been approved for an accommodation that is 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, which are available for all digital test takers to use without approval, may eliminate the need for other accommodations:

• Clock: Counts down the time left for each section and gives a 5-minute warning
• Mark for review: Allows students to flag questions for later review
• Calculator: Available on-screen for calculator-allowed questions
• Notepad: For digital note-taking; students also receive scratch paper
• Highlighter: Available for marking text, questions, and answer options
• Line reader: Uses highlighting to guide students as they read
• Strikethrough: Allows students to eliminate answer options
• Zoom in/zoom out: Enlarges the text and images on a test page

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
• Color contrast: Displays the test with different background or font color
• Mouse pointer: Adjusts the mouse/cursor to match color and size preference
• Streamlined mode: Linear presentation; eliminates split screen.
• Timing: Various timing scenarios based on documented need.
• Text-to-speech: Allows parts of the test to be read aloud.
• Font size: Adjust text content font size, up to 8 times the original size.
• Masking: Allows students to block off answer choices, or any part of the question or prompt.
• Four-function calculator: Allows students to use the Desmos four-function calculator on the Math Test – No Calculator portion.

Digital Alternatives

Use the tables below to identify digital alternatives to accommodations for paper testing. Home testing is not supported.

Accommodation for Paper Testing	Digital Alternative
Large-print test book (14 point or higher)	Zoom, magnifier tool, and/or bigger font size*
Magnifier/Magnifying Machine	Zoom, magnifier tool, and/or bigger font size*
Computer for Essay only	No need for accommodation
Colored overlay	Color contrast**

Accommodation for Paper Testing	Digital Alternative
Braille	Use of a compatible screen reader and/or refreshable braille device with paper-based braille supplements**
Braille graphs	Use of a compatible screen reader and/or refreshable braille device with paper-based braille supplements**
MP3 audio test form	Text-to-speech (TTS)/use of compatible screen reader software**
Human reader	Text-to-speech (TTS)/use of compatible screen reader software**
Assistive Technology Compatible (ATC) format	Use of a compatible screen reader and/or refreshable braille device with paper-based braille supplements**

*The zoom and magnifier tools don’t require setup, but a bigger font size must be managed in TIDE.

** Requires management of student’s Test Settings and Tools section in TIDE.