We specialize in comprehensive psychological evaluations to support students seeking AP exam accommodations. We provide comprehensive assessments for individuals with ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, anxiety disorders, and other conditions that may impact test performance. The goal is to ensure they receive the necessary documentation for AP test accommodations. Our evaluations meet the specific requirements of educational institutions and testing organizations, ensuring a smooth and effective process. Please note that we cannot guarantee that you will qualify, but if you do, we will make every effort to help you get them. Later in this post are examples of testing for accommodations for AP exams.
Other posts cover LSAT, GMAT, GRE, and MCAT accommodations.
AP Exam Accommodations Overview 
Who Qualifies for Accommodations for AP Exams?
Students with documented disabilities that impact their ability to take tests under standard conditions may qualify. This includes:
- ADHD (Inattentive, Hyperactive, Combined Type)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia)
- Anxiety Disorders (if they significantly affect test-taking)
Common AP Test Accommodations
- AP Exam Extended Time (e.g., 1.5x or 2x time)
- Distraction-Reduced or Private Testing Environment
- Use of Assistive Technology (speech-to-text, screen readers)
- Breaks
- Alternative Testing Formats (oral exams, typed instead of handwritten responses)
- Permission to Use Fidgets, Earplugs, or Noise-Canceling Headphones
Process to Get AP Exam Accommodations
Step 1: Obtain Documentation of Your Disability
You will need a psychological evaluation or medical documentation proving your condition affects your academic performance. This can come from:
- A licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or neuropsychologist. This is what we provide.
- A primary care doctor or specialist (for medical conditions affecting test-taking). This letter alone may not be enough.
Step 2: Submit Documentation to the Correct Administrators
- Note the deadlines and suggested timelines the college board publishes for accommodations for ap exams.
Step 3: Receive a Letter Approving Your Accommodations for AP Exams
- If approved, you’ll get an official letter listing your AP test accommodations.
Accommodations for AP Exams by Type
Exams can be particularly challenging for students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and mental health conditions. These conditions can impact focus, memory, processing speed, and emotional regulation, making traditional testing environments difficult. Here’s how each can affect performance and what AP test accommodations can help:
AP Exam Accommodations for ADHD
Effect:
- Executive Dysfunction: Trouble with planning, organization, and time management.
- Working Memory Issues: Difficulty retaining and recalling information under pressure.
- Impulsivity: Rushing through questions without reading instructions carefully.
- Focus Problems: Easily distracted, leading to missed or incomplete answers.
- Time Perception Issues: Underestimating how long tasks take, leading to unfinished tests.
AP test accommodations solution:
- Extended time (1.5x or 2x) to allow for slower processing and checking work.
- Distraction-reduced testing environment (quiet room, noise-canceling headphones).
- Use of assistive technology (text-to-speech, speech-to-text).
- Breaks during the exam to reset focus.
Learning Disorders Accommodations for AP Exams
Dyslexia (Reading-Based Learning Disability)
Effect:
- Slow reading speed, difficulty understanding complex questions.
- Trouble decoding words under time pressure.
- There is a higher likelihood of misreading or skipping important details.
AP test accommodations solutions:
- Extra time on AP exams for reading-intensive tests.
- Oral test options or text-to-speech software.
- Simplified or untimed directions to reduce confusion.
Dysgraphia (Writing-Based Learning Disability)
Effect:
- Difficulty organizing thoughts into written responses.
- Poor handwriting or slow writing speed.
- Physical discomfort from prolonged writing.
AP test accommodations solutions:
- Use of a laptop instead of handwriting.
- Speech-to-text software for written responses.
- Extra time on AP exams for the written portions.
Dyscalculia (Math-Based Learning Disability)
Effect:
- Difficulty with number processing and calculations.
- Struggles with word problems and multi-step equations.
- Memory issues with formulas and math rules.
AP test accommodations solutions:
- Use of a calculator (if allowed).
- AP exam extended time for math problems.
- Step-by-step breakdowns of problems provided by instructors.
AP Exam Accommodations for Anxiety
Effect:
- Test anxiety can cause panic attacks, mental blocks, or racing thoughts.
- Overwhelming self-doubt may lead to second-guessing and slow progress.
- Physical symptoms (sweating, nausea, dizziness) make concentrating hard.
Accommodations for AP exams and coping strategies:
- Extra time on AP exams to reduce pressure.
- Breaks during the test to manage anxiety.
- Access to a private, low-stimulation testing environment.
- Breathing exercises or grounding techniques before/during.
Depression Accommodations for AP Exams
Effect:
- Fatigue and low energy make it hard to focus or recall information.
- Low motivation can lead to lack of preparation.
- Brain fog and slow processing speed can cause difficulty in completing tests.
Accommodations for ap exams and coping strategies:
- Testing in a quiet, low-pressure environment.
- Counseling services to address emotional challenges.
Case Example 1: AP Test Accommodations for Anxiety
Emma, a 17-year-old high school junior, has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and test anxiety. She excels in school but experiences severe anxiety during timed tests, leading to panic attacks, trouble concentrating, and mental blocks.
She is taking APs in U.S. History and Calculus and wants to request AP exam accommodations through the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).
Step 1: Gathering Documentation Regarding Anxiety
Since AP exam accommodations require formal documentation, Emma works with her school’s SSD Coordinator and us to submit a request.
Documentation Submitted:
- Psychological Evaluation Report:
- Our full psychological battery confirms her generalized anxiety disorder and test anxiety.
- It includes results from standardized anxiety assessments (e.g., Beck Anxiety Inventory, GAD-7).
- We describe how anxiety impairs her test performance (panic attacks, inability to focus, difficulty processing questions under stress) and how this affects her ability to have an equal opportunity to perform well as compared to her peers.
- We describe specific AP exam accommodations that would help
- Medical Letter from Therapist/Psychiatrist:
- Confirms ongoing treatment for anxiety.
- School Records & Prior Accommodations:
- Documentation of her 504 Plan (which provides extra time on school tests).
- The teacher’s statements support her need for AP exam accommodations.
Step 2: Requesting AP Exam Accommodations for Anxiety from the College Board
Emma’s SSD Coordinator submits a request through the College Board SSD Online system.
Requested AP Exam Accommodations:
- 50% extra time on AP exams to allow for anxiety regulation and cognitive processing.
- Breaks as needed (stop-the-clock breaks to manage panic symptoms).
- Small-group testing environment (to reduce performance anxiety).
- Permission to use noise-canceling headphones or white noise to minimize distractions.
Step 3: College Board Decision
- The College Board reviews her request (typically 6–8 weeks).
- Her request is approved since she has a 504 Plan and a history of accommodations.
Step 4: AP Exam Accommodations for Anxiety That Day
On test day, Emma:
- Takes her tests in a small, quiet room with only a few other students.
- Has 50% extra time on AP exams, allowing her to pace herself and manage anxiety.
- She uses breaks when she feels overwhelmed, which helps her regain focus.
- Completes her exams with reduced anxiety and improved performance.
Outcome & Key Takeaways
- Early planning is key. AP test accommodations requests must be submitted months beforehand.
- Strong documentation (from a psychologist or psychiatrist) is required.
- Approval of AP exam accommodations is more likely if a student already has an IEP or 504 Plan.
- The SSD Coordinator helps students submit requests, so they don’t have to apply alone.
Case Example 2: AP Exam Accommodations for ADHD
Liam, a 16-year-old high school sophomore, has been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Presentation (ADHD-C). He is bright and creative, with strong verbal reasoning skills, but struggles with sustained attention, working memory, and impulsivity during lengthy tests. He often rushes through questions, skips instructions, and loses focus halfway through, leading to errors and incomplete work.
He is preparing to take APs in Biology and English Language and Composition, and he wants to request AP exam accommodations through the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).
Step 1: Gathering Documentation Regarding ADHD
Since AP exam accommodations require formal documentation, Liam’s parents work with his school’s SSD Coordinator and our testing services to prepare and submit his request.
Documentation Submitted:
- Our Comprehensive Psychological & Neuropsychological Evaluation Report:
- Includes results from cognitive and executive functioning measures (e.g., WAIS-IV Working Memory Index, Conners-4, BRIEF-2, CPT-3).
- Documents clear deficits in sustained attention, working memory, and self-monitoring that significantly affect test performance.
- Describes specific impacts during timed tests (skipping questions, rereading items multiple times, forgetting instructions, needing extra time to organize thoughts).
- Links deficits directly to how accommodations will help provide an equal testing opportunity.
- Medical/Clinical Letter from Treating Psychiatrist or Psychologist:
- Confirms ADHD-C diagnosis.
- Notes ongoing treatment, including therapy and medication management.
- School Records & Prior Accommodations:
- Documentation of his IEP that provides extended time, reduced-distraction testing environments, and prompts to stay on task during school exams.
- Teacher input detailing his distractibility, difficulty sustaining attention, and improvement when given extra time and fewer distractions.
Step 2: Requesting AP Exam Accommodations from the College Board
Liam’s SSD Coordinator submits the request through the College Board SSD Online system.
Requested AP Test Accommodations:
- 100% extra time on AP exams (double time) to compensate for slowed work pace due to attention lapses and need for re-reading.
- Small-group testing environment to minimize distractions and reduce impulsive behaviors caused by environmental stimuli.
- Separate testing room if possible, to allow proctor-provided reminders to refocus.
- Stop-the-clock breaks help manage attention fatigue, allowing him to reset his focus without losing testing time.
Step 3: College Board Decision
The College Board reviews the request (typically 6–8 weeks). Liam’s request is approved, as he has an established IEP and long-standing accommodations in place.
Step 4: AP Exam Accommodations That Day
On test day, Liam:
- Takes his exams in a distraction-reduced room with only a few other students.
- Receives 100% AP exam extended time, allowing him to work methodically, review answers, and reread complex passages without rushing.
- Uses stop-the-clock breaks to refresh attention and manage mental fatigue.
- Benefits from occasional proctor cues to stay on task.
Outcome & Key Takeaways
- Long-standing accommodations in school strengthen the case for AP test accommodations.
- For ADHD, objective testing data showing working memory, processing speed, and attention deficits is critical.
- Requests should be specific, tying each recommended accommodation to documented functional impairments.
- Collaboration between parents, the SSD Coordinator, and the evaluating psychologist ensures a thorough and well-supported submission.
Case Example 3: Dyslexia Accommodations for AP Exams
Sofia, a 17-year-old high school junior, has been diagnosed with Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in reading (dyslexia). She is highly motivated and performs well in class discussions and project-based work, but struggles significantly with reading fluency, decoding unfamiliar words, and sustaining comprehension during long passages. Timed tests amplify these challenges, causing her to rush, skip text, and make errors despite knowing the material.
She is preparing to take APs in World History and English Literature, and she wants to request AP test accommodations through the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).
Step 1: Gathering Documentation Regarding Dyslexia
Since dyslexia accommodations for AP exams require formal documentation, Sofia’s parents work with her school’s SSD Coordinator and our testing services to compile the necessary evidence.
Documentation Submitted:
- Comprehensive Psychoeducational Evaluation Report:
- Includes standardized reading assessments (e.g., WIAT-4, Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Achievement, CTOPP-2).
- Documents below-average scores in reading fluency and decoding, along with average comprehension when given extra time.
- Highlights the significant gap between her verbal reasoning skills and her timed reading performance, demonstrating the functional impact of dyslexia.
- Provides a clear rationale for each recommended accommodation, tying it to her documented impairments.
- Letter from Treating Educational Specialist or Neuropsychologist:
- Confirms the dyslexia diagnosis.
- Notes her history of intervention and the ongoing need for accommodations in timed testing situations.
- School Records & Prior Accommodations:
- Documentation of her IEP providing extended time, use of text-to-speech software, and a reduced-distraction testing environment.
- Teacher statements note her improved performance when allowed extra time or when questions are read aloud.
Step 2: Requesting AP Exam Accommodations for Dyslexia from the College Board
Sofia’s SSD Coordinator submits the request for accommodations for ap exams through the College Board SSD Online system.
Requested AP Test Accommodations for Dyslexia:
- 100% AP exam extended time to allow for slower decoding and rereading to ensure comprehension.
- Computer-based testing with screen reader/text-to-speech for all reading passages and questions.
- Small-group testing environment to minimize distractions while using assistive technology.
- Use of a word processor for essay responses to reduce the impact of spelling and handwriting difficulties.
Step 3: College Board Decision
The College Board reviews the request (typically 6–8 weeks). Sofia’s request for accommodations for AP exams is approved, as she has a long-standing IEP, a well-documented history of dyslexia, and objective evidence from her most recent psychoeducational evaluation.
Step 4: AP Exam Accommodations for Dyslexia That Day
On test day, Sofia:
- Takes her exams in a quiet room with a small group of students.
- Uses the text-to-speech function to have passages and questions read aloud via computer.
- Has 100% AP exam extended time, allowing her to process text at her own pace and verify her understanding before answering.
- Types her essays on a computer, which helps reduce the stress of handwriting and spelling under time pressure.
Outcome & Key Takeaways
- A clear link between test results, diagnosis, and the functional impact on timed test performance is essential for approval.
- For dyslexia, objective evidence from reading fluency, decoding, and comprehension measures strengthens the request.
- Requests should specify both timing accommodations and assistive technology needs.
- Maintaining consistent accommodations in school (via an IEP or 504 Plan) increases the likelihood of approval for College Board exams.
Managing Exam Stress and Mental Health
Major tests can be overwhelming, especially if you have ADHD, autism, or anxiety. Time pressure, information overload, and high expectations can affect mental well-being. Regardless of accommodations, here’s how to manage stress and protect your mental health.
Understanding Test-Taking Stress and Mental Health
This stress can show up in different ways:
- Physical: Headaches, nausea, muscle tension, fatigue
- Emotional: Anxiety, frustration, irritability, self-doubt
- Cognitive: Racing thoughts, trouble focusing, forgetfulness
- Behavioral: Procrastination, avoidance, burnout
For neurodivergent students, stress can be intensified by sensory sensitivities, executive dysfunction, or difficulty regulating emotions.
Strategies to Reduce Stress
Study Smarter, Not Harder
- Use structured study plans: Break work into small, manageable tasks with specific goals.
- Pomodoro technique (25-minute focus + 5-minute break): Helps with ADHD-related focus struggles.
- Active recall & spaced repetition: Instead of re-reading, use flashcards or teach the material aloud.
- Use assistive tools: Speech-to-text, audiobooks, or apps like Quizlet & Notion can help with organization.
Regulate Anxiety & Overwhelm
- Grounding techniques: 5-4-3-2-1 (name five things you see, four things you hear, etc.).
- Deep breathing: Try box breathing (inhale 4 sec, hold 4 sec, exhale 4 sec, hold 4 sec).
- Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and release different muscle groups to reduce tension.
Prioritize Sleep & Self-Care
- No all-nighters! Sleep strengthens memory—aim for 7–9 hours.
- Avoid cramming the night before: Do a light review and relax.
- Stay hydrated & eat brain-boosting foods: Protein, complex carbs, and Omega-3s help focus.
Move Your Body
- Short walks or stretching between study sessions boost energy and focus.
- Exercise (even mild movement like yoga or dancing) releases endorphins and reduces stress.
Coping with Anxiety
Exam stress and mental health in the room:
- Read instructions carefully before jumping in.
- Start with easier questions to build confidence.
- Use positive self-talk: Replace “I’m going to fail” with “I’ve prepared, and I’ll do my best.”
- Take deep breaths when overwhelmed to reset your nervous system.
When to Seek Support for Exam Stress and Mental Health
If exam stress leads to panic attacks, excessive worry, or impacts daily life, reach out for help:
- College counseling centers often offer free or low-cost therapy.
- A clinical psychologist or therapist can provide expert help and a toolkit of therapeutic techniques.
- We can help with academic accommodations.
- Mental health apps like Headspace, Calm, or Finch can support relaxation.
Conclusion: Why Choose Us & Next Steps
We aim to empower every student to perform at their best by providing high-quality psychological assessments and expert guidance throughout the AP exam accommodation process. We offer personalized support, timely evaluations, and clear documentation to help you secure the information you need to qualify for accommodations for ap exams. We cover other types of tests, such as GMAT, MCAT, GRE, and LSAT accommodations elsewhere.
Contact us today or schedule a consultation to learn how we can assist you in applying for accommodations for AP exams.
