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 and enable assistive technology at TIDE and AT Settings.
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.
Student Practice
It's especially important for students who use screen readers, refreshable braille displays, and other digital accessibility features to practice navigating digital tests. Learn how to help students practice.
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.
- Four-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.
- 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 TIDE and AT Settings.
Home testing isn't supported.
Digital Alternatives Used in a Standard Testing Room
Accommodation for Paper Testing |
Digital Alternative |
---|---|
Large-print test book (14 point or higher) |
Zoom and/or bigger font size |
Large print answer sheet (No bubbles) |
Zoom and/or bigger font size |
Magnification device (electronic or non-electronic) |
Zoom and/or bigger font size |
Computer for Essay only |
No need for accommodation |
Colored overlay |
Color contrast |
Linear presentation |
Streamline mode |
Pointing device |
Mouse pointer |
Digital Alternatives Used in a Nonstandard Testing Room
Accommodation for Paper Testing |
Digital Alternative |
---|---|
Assistive technology/assistive technology-compatible (ATC) test form |
Assistive technology (AT: JAWS, NVDA, Braille Display, etc.) with Braille Figure Supplement |
Braille with raised line drawings, contracted |
Assistive technology (AT: JAWS, NVDA, Braille Display, etc.) with raised line drawings |
Raised line drawings (formerly Braille graphs and figures) |
Assistive technology (AT: JAWS, NVDA, Braille Display, etc.) with raised line drawings |
Braille writer |
Assistive technology (AT: JAWS, NVDA, Braille Display, etc.) with raised line drawings |
Four-function calculator |
Desmos online four-function calculator |
Pre-recorded audio (MP3 via streaming) |
Text-to-speech (TTS)/use of compatible screen reader software |
Human reader |
Text-to-speech (TTS)/use of compatible screen reader software |
Extra/extended time and breaks |
Test time and breaks |
Extended time |
Test time and breaks |
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/2.14 MB).
Questions
If you have questions about digital test accommodations, call us at 844-255-7728 or email [email protected].