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2025 Update

If your child has a disability, you may worry about whether they’ll get the right support on big exams like the SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, or even professional licensing tests. The good news: U.S. law requires testing organizations to provide fair accommodations so students’ scores reflect their true ability—not their disability.

Here’s what parents should know:

The Basics

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act protect students and adults with disabilities.
• In 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued clear guidelines regarding testing accommodations. Those rules are still in place today.
• Learn more: DOJ Guidance on Testing Accommodations
• Even if your child has done well in school, they may still qualify for accommodations on standardized tests.

What Tests Are Covered?

These protections apply to most major exams, including:

• School entrance tests (SSAT, ISEE)
• College tests (SAT, ACT)
• Graduate/professional school exams (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT)
• High school equivalency tests (GED, HiSET)
• Licensing tests (bar exam, medical boards, cosmetology, electrician, etc.)

Key Takeaways for Families

Here are the most important points from the DOJ’s guidance:

• Prior school accommodations matter: If your child has an IEP or 504 Plan, those accommodations should usually carry over to standardized tests. But they must be applied for through the testing agencies, and this usually requires an update neuropsych report with adult test scores.
• No formal plan? Still eligible: Students who got informal help in school can still qualify if there’s documentation of need.
• Grades don’t disqualify: High grades don’t cancel out a disability. If extra time or other supports are needed, your child can still qualify.
• Past test accommodations count: If your child had accommodations on another standardized test (e.g., SAT), that’s strong evidence for getting them again.
• Reasonable paperwork only: Test companies can’t ask for endless medical records. Documentation should show the disability and why the support is needed.
• Trust qualified professionals: Reports from doctors, psychologists, or evaluators must be taken seriously.
• Timely response required: Testing groups must respond quickly so students don’t miss a test date.
• No “flagging” allowed: Scores cannot be marked to show that accommodations were used.

Learn more: Wrightslaw summary of DOJ guidance

Recent Updates (2022–2025)

• Still based on 2015 rules: No new federal guidance has replaced the DOJ’s 2015 rules, though they remain the standard.
• Government review (2022): A federal report found most accommodations given were extra time or changes to the test environment. But families still face hurdles with paperwork. GAO Report (PDF)
• Texas case (2024): The DOJ settled with the Texas Education Agency to expand accommodations in state testing—showing the rules are still being enforced. News report
• Guidance withdrawn (2025): The DOJ recently withdrew several ADA “guidance documents,” but the law and protections are still in effect. Families should continue using the 2015 testing guidance. AP News

Tips for Parents

• Start early – Don’t wait until the last minute. Documentation takes time to gather. Follow the procedures your high school, college, or testing agency outlines.
• Use prior records – Bring IEPs, 504s, or letters from past schools/tests.
• Check deadlines – Every testing body (SAT, ACT, LSAT, etc.) has its own rules.
• Appeal if denied – You can often appeal with stronger documentation.
• Remind your child – Their scores won’t be marked or flagged if they use accommodations.

Bottom line for families: The law is on your child’s side. Testing organizations must provide fair accommodations. The main DOJ rules date from 2015, but they are still active, and recent cases show they’re being enforced. Always check the latest policies for the specific exam your child is taking.