To ensure that the GMAT is fair for all exam takers, GMAC provides certain provisions for people with special needs – ranging from facilities in the testing environment to accommodations such as extra time for the GMAT. In this article, we will cover the types of additional accommodations offered to GMAT test takers with disabilities. Accommodation requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by Pearson Vue (GMAC’s testing partner for the GMAT). The topics we will cover are:
- Most commonly cited disabilities – GMAT
- GMAT Accommodations for GMAT test takers with disabilities
- How to request an accommodation for your GMAT test appointment?
- The time required for the process
Most commonly cited disabilities on the GMAT:
- Attentional Disabilities (e.g. ADHD)
- Learning/Cognitive Disabilities (e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia)
- Physical/Systemic Disabilities (e.g. cerebral palsy)
- Psychological Disabilities
- Sensory Disabilities (e.g. vision and hearing impairments)
GMAT accommodations provided for disabled test takers:
Depending on the nature of the disability, a variety of accommodations may be possible. The most commonly requested GMAT accommodations for the disabled are:
- Additional testing time (50 percent or 100 percent more time)
- One additional rest break OR extended rest breaks
- Allowance of a medical device in the testing rooms
- A trackball mouse
- A reader who can read the test items to the test taker and record test taker responses
- A recorder to record test taker responses
- The enlarged font on the PC monitor
- A sign language interpreter
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Here’s a brief description of these accommodations:
1. Additional testing time (50 percent or 100 percent more time)
If you have significant difficulty in working under timed conditions and can provide evidence to that extent, then, you may request for additional testing time for your GMAT test appointment.
Note: If your request for 100% extra time is approved, your test appointment will be split over the period of 2 days. In each session you will be attempting 2 sections of the GMAT test. Please ensure you take this into account during your test day plans.
2. One additional rest break OR extended rest breaks
All GMAT exam takers may take up to 2 breaks of 8 minutes each between any 2 sections of the GMAT test. This accommodation provides additional or extended rest breaks between sections of your GMAT test.
3. A reader who can read items to you
A reader who can read test items to you would be provided at the GMAT test center for the duration of your appointment.
4. A recorder who can record your responses
A recorder to enter your test responses would be provided if this accommodation is availed.
5. JAWS software or Zoom Text
To enlarge the font on your PC monitor to 20 points (On a 24-inch computer screen)
There are certain comfort aids provided which DO NOT require the GMAT Test Accommodations Request Form:
- Eyeglasses and hearing aids
- Pillow for supporting the neck, back, or injured limb
- Neck braces or collars
- Insulin pump, if attached to your body (Medical equipment not attached to your body requires an accommodation request.)
As per GMAC, “Testing accommodations are available for test takers who meet certain eligibility criteria and properly document their request”.
Hence, if you have a disability and will be requesting accommodations for your GMAT test, make sure you follow the process detailed below and get approval for your accommodations from Pearson VUE. Only then move ahead to book your test date. Thus, ideally, you should start the process 3-4 months in advance of your target test date as getting approval for accommodations could take up to 30 days.
Disclaimer: By default, you will not be provided with any of the above testing accommodations. To avail an accommodation for your GMAT test appointment, follow the process below.
How to request accommodations for persons with disabilities at GMAT exam centers?
The GMAT provides certain accommodations to test takers with disabilities to ensure equal access to the GMAT exam. If you believe you have a disability that prevents you from taking the GMAT under standard conditions, you may request an accommodation by following the steps below:
- Create a GMAT profile in MBA.com. This captures your contact information and assigns you a GMAT ID number, but DO NOT register for a GMAT exam appointment until you receive an accommodation decision.
- Read both the GMAT® Handbook and the Supplement for Test Takers with Disabilities.
- Complete the GMAT Exam Accommodation Request Form included on pages 6-10 of the Supplement.
- Provide documentation as described below by disability type:
- Attentional Disabilities (e.g. ADHD)
- Learning/Cognitive Disabilities (e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia)
- Physical/Systemic Disabilities (e.g. cerebral palsy)
- Psychological Disabilities
- Sensory Disabilities (e.g. vision and hearing impairments)
- Send your completed GMAT Exam Accommodation Request Form and all supporting documentation to Pearson VUE at the fax number or one of the addresses below. Accommodation requests submitted by email are not accepted.
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Contact information
Fax: +1 (952) 681-3681 Attention: GMAT Disability Services
Postal mail:
Pearson VUE
Attn: GMAT Disability Services
PO Box 581907
Minneapolis, MN 55458-1907.
USA Express mail/Courier service
Pearson VUE
Attn: GMAT Disability Services
5601 Green Valley Drive,
Suite 220 Bloomington, MN 55437 USA
How long does the process take?
| Processing Time (in Business Days) |
Action |
| Day 1 | Test taker submits the accommodation application and supporting materials to Pearson VUE. |
| Days 2-4 | Pearson VUE uploads the application and supporting materials into a secure, encrypted database and sends a confirmation email to the test taker. |
| Days 5-7 | GMAC assigns the application for review in the in the order in which it is received. Depending on the nature of the condition described, the application may be submitted for review by an independent external expert. |
| Days 8-25 | The application is reviewed by GMAC Accommodations Specialists and/or an independent external expert, and a determination of eligibility is reached. GMAC tries to complete the review process within 25 business days of the application submission. |
| Days 26-30 | A written response is sent to the test taker from GMAC. Note: We cannot guarantee postal mail response time if you choose this option rather than email response. |
As per GMAC, the process for requesting accommodations may take up to six to eight weeks. To make sure that your accommodation request is approved in time before your target exam date, submit your request at least 6 weeks in advance.
To summarize, if you think you qualify for testing accommodations for your GMAT test appointment, ensure the following:
- Evaluate the accommodations you will be requesting for your GMAT test appointment.
- Submit relevant documentation at least 1 month in advance of your target test date via post to the address provided above
- Book test date only after receiving confirmation from Pearson VUE about requested accommodations.
- If requesting extra time, plan your test day activities in advance (Since testing may be spread out over a period of 2 days in case of 100% extra time)
If you want to know more about how to select a GMAT test center appointment read our article.
If you are planning to take the GMAT, we can help you with a personalized study plan and give you access to quality online content to prepare. We are the most reviewed GMAT prep company on gmatclub with more than 1800 reviews (as on Jan 05, 2019). Why don’t you take a free trial and judge it for yourself?
We hope this article helps you in understanding more about GMAT accommodations for the disabled. Please write to us with your questions at acethegmat@e-gmat.com.
