Testing Accommodations

The American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) adheres to ADA guidelines when considering requests for testing accommodations. This ensures that individuals with disabilities can take the examination under conditions that accurately reflect their aptitude or achievement levels.

Requested modifications to the examination environment due to a documented disability must be reviewed and approved before an application is submitted. This requirement allows the applicant to know if their requested accommodation(s) is approved prior to paying the application fee. In addition, scheduling an examination appointment at a Pearson testing center that meets the applicant’s needs may require additional time.

As application fees are not refundable, requests for testing accommodations will not be accepted once a candidate has submitted a paid application.

Required Documentation

Testing accommodations are individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis. Consequently, no single type of accommodation (e.g., extra time, auxiliary aids and services) would necessarily be appropriate for all individuals with a documented disability. Simply demonstrating that an individual meets diagnostic criteria for a particular disorder does not automatically entitle the person to modifications to the examination environment. 

The burden of proof lies with the applicant to provide sufficient documentation detailing a documented diagnosis and the current need for a reasonable testing accommodation.

This applicant must submit a written request, including appropriate documentation, to testaccommodations@ascp.org before submitting their application.

Candidate requests for accommodations must include:

  • acceptable documentation of their condition and how it is expected to affect their ability to take the examination under standard conditions.
  • a signed and dated letter of diagnosis from a physician or qualifying professional specifying the need for accommodation(s).
  • supporting documentation may include proof of past testing accommodations for other high-stakes examinations.
  • All documentation must:
    • be on professional letterhead.
    • contain handwritten signatures; electronic signatures are not acceptable.
    • be scanned and attached in PDF format.

All information and documentation regarding a candidate’s testing accommodation request will be kept confidential. Communication regarding accommodation requests will be between the applicant and the ASCP BOC points of contact, unless all parties agree otherwise. 

Approved Accommodations

If accommodations are approved, the ASCP BOC office will notify the applicant and Pearson to allow the applicant to schedule their examination appointment with modifications to the testing environment.