SSAT Testing Accommodations
Ensuring test-takers with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations when taking the SSAT. Please note that accommodations have to be approved before students register for the SSAT.
Ensuring test-takers with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations when taking the SSAT. Please note that accommodations have to be approved before students register for the SSAT.
Testing accommodations are practices and procedures designed to limit or eliminate the effects of a student’s disabilities on their test performance so that they can demonstrate their true academic and intellectual abilities.
Any student with an identified disabling condition or impairment that substantially limits their ability to perform a major life activity is eligible. Major life activities include, but are not limited to: seeing, hearing, speaking, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and learning.
Religious considerations are also made for head coverings, recordings, and Sunday testing.
Please note: SSAT accommodations expired on July 31, 2022. Students granted accommodations prior to this date need to reapply and be approved before registering for tests beginning August 1, 2022.
It is the family’s responsibility to provide all equipment, materials, and personnel necessary to support a student’s approved accommodations on test day for all computer-based AND paper-based SSAT administrations.
This policy is focused on minimizing stress for the student on test day, and giving them the ability to work with individuals and equipment with which they are comfortable and familiar.If you have any concerns about your family’s ability to provide anything needed for your student to successfully complete testing, please contact EMA immediately, and well in advance of your scheduled test date, at ta@enrollment.org.
As is the same for all test mode options, any student wishing to take a computer-based SSAT At-Home with accommodations is required to apply and be approved for their needed accommodations prior to registering for testing. With some SSAT accommodations being unnecessary when taking the computer-based test versus a traditional paper-based test, it is recommended that any student seeking accommodations for a computer-based test, apply for accommodations with the possibility of taking a paper-based test in mind. By doing so, you will ensure that your student is approved for any and all accommodations that may become necessary for any mode of testing. For a better understanding of the differences of how each accommodation will be provided on test day for each mode of testing, please view our “common” accommodation descriptors in the appendix below. If you have questions or concerns about any particular accommodations or a mode of testing, please do not hesitate to email EMA at info@enrollment.org.
When completing the SSAT At-Home, students may not wear a mask unless they have been approved for accommodations that include a support individual. Support personnel include either one or a combination of the following; a reader, a scribe, a sign language interpreter or some other required support individual needed to successfully complete testing. For students that have been approved for a support individual, both the student and the support individual are permitted to wear a mask throughout testing. During testing, the student and their support person will need to temporarily remove their mask so they can be visible to the camera at the start of testing and following each break. For students with approved support individuals, social distancing is permitted, when possible, and both the student and support individual may also possess and use sanitizing wipes and gloves.
Students only need to be approved for testing accommodations ONCE per testing year.
All approved accommodations will expire at the end of a given testing year (July 31st). If your student will need to complete an SSAT after this date, you will be required to submit a new application for accommodations and await their approval prior to registering for any accommodated SSAT offerings.
Any student identified with or suspected of having any disabling condition(s) or impairment(s) that substantially limits their ability to perform a major life activity. Major life activities include, but are not limited to: seeing, hearing, speaking, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and learning.
If you are unsure of your student’s educational testing needs, EMA recommends contacting professionals from your student’s current school to discuss appropriate testing accommodations.
Additionally, it may also be beneficial to contact any medical professionals involved in your student’s care or treatment.
Lastly, you may choose to contact EMA directly at ta@enrollment.org for consultation regarding the appropriateness of particular testing accommodations for your student.
If you have a question or concern, contact ta@enrollment.org right away! We are here to work with you to facilitate the approval of all necessary and reasonable accommodations for testing.
After your student’s accommodations are approved, have a conversation with him or her about what to expect on test day and what testing accommodations will be permitted. This will go a long way toward decreasing test day stress and enabling the best performance.
To avoid unnecessary delays, please touch base with your approver after submitting any application for accommodations to confirm receipt of our automated request for approval email.
To be eligible for Direct Access and NOT be required to submit documentation, your student’s approver MUST be a representative at your student’s school.
Sometimes emails sent to approvers get stuck in their spam filters. If your approver seems delayed in responding to your request, call them to make sure they received the necessary approver email.
Please be sure to provide the BEST parent/guardian email address when creating your student’s SSAT account so we can easily contact you with any questions or issues related to your student’s account.
To remain eligible for Direct Access, select from the existing categories whenever possible.
If you are required to submit documentation to substantiate your student’s need for accommodations, remember that submitting a full copy of an IEP, 504 plan, or other documentation provides EMA the most complete information and best supports a student application.
Please review our step-by-step guide to applying for accommodations.
1. Log in to your student’s account, click the “SSAT Testing” button and then the “Apply for / View My Accommodations” tab.
2. Next, click the “Click to Apply for Testing Accommodations” button to be taken to the online application. There you will indicate your student’s disability, select the needed accommodations, and other related information.
3. Provide contact information for an approver who is able to attest that:
Based on the information provided within your student’s application for testing accommodations, the form will indicate whether or not you are required to provide us with documentation to substantiate your student’s request for testing accommodations.
Then, your approver submits their online approval and approver ID form. After submitting your application, the approver will receive an email with a link to complete the secure online approval form for your student's accommodations. This will allow your student’s approver to:
1. Confirm/deny each requested accommodation.
2. Confirm that documentation meeting our requirements is on file.
If applicable, EMA will review the information provided by your approver and the documentation you submitted. After a final decision is made, you will be notified that either:
(*If no documentation was required, you will skip this step.)
Since Flex administrations are managed by an EMA member school or consultant, registration for Flex tests with approved accommodations may be completed until the day of the test. However, it is important to note that the availability of FLEX testing is dependent upon the administrator’s ability to provide any approved accommodations and also allows enough time between registration and test day to ensure EMA is able to provide any special materials, as needed, to the appropriate test center (i.e. large print test materials, braille materials, etc.).
For some accommodated testing needs, it may be required of you to contact the Prometric Test Center where your student is registered to schedule testing to ensure that the test center staff is aware of all testing needs and are able to allot enough time for testing on test day.
As a result, it may not be possible to modify an existing registration to add or remove any accommodations after any test is scheduled.
Similar to Prometric testing with accommodations, following the completion of registration for an SSAT At-Home offering, the registration will become locked; however, this type of registration is slightly more flexible.
On test day, the virtual proctor overseeing a student's test administration will NOT confirm all accommodations approved for testing. If there is confusion regarding what is approved or what will be permitted during testing, the parent/student should ask the proctor during the check-in process. It is best to double-check approved accommodations and the rules and regulations for each in advance of test day. All rules for common accommodations can be found below in the Appendix section of this site.
Documentation supporting your student’s need for testing accommodations must always be on file with your indicated approver.
Please contact us if you have other forms of documentation to be considered.
Your student’s request may not require documentation submission. Check below to see if your request qualifies for Direct Access.
EMA has a firm commitment to facilitate the approval of all testing accommodations for students with disabilities without undue delay. In many cases, Direct Access allows us to approve your student’s request without needing to submit formal documentation. Please remember that valid documentation must always exist on file with your indicated approver and we reserve the right to request this documentation for review.
If your student’s request meets ALL THREE of the following criteria, you do NOT need to submit documentation when applying for testing accommodations:
A. Your student’s indicated approver is a representative from her/his school
B. The documentation your approver has on file is one of the following:
C. All requested testing accommodations are associated with your student’s disabilities (see association tables below)
*Important: During the application process, if your student’s disability or requested accommodations are listed as “other” they will be automatically deemed INELIGIBLE for Direct Access. This is because requests containing testing accommodations for low-incidence disabilities require more time for review and planning for the provision of testing accommodations.
It will depend upon your approver. If your student’s request qualifies for Direct Access, the approval time depends upon how quickly your student’s indicated approver completes the online approval form and submits the required approver identification form. Most often, this portion of the approval process will take at least a few business days.
EMA sends reminder emails to approvers who have not completed online approval or submitted approver ID within a specified period of time.
To utilize Direct Access, use these tables to see if your requested accommodations are associated with your student’s disability. See the examples below the tables.
Student A: Student A is diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and requests 50% additional time and testing in a small group setting of ten (10) or fewer students. Since both of these accommodations are associated with ADD/ADHD in the table above, all of the accommodations are associated and may be eligible for approval through Direct Access if all other EMA requirements are met.
Student B: Student B is diagnosed as visually impaired and a medical or chronic health condition (for the purposes of this exercise, Student B is diagnosed with diabetes). Student B requests large print test materials and permission for access to and use of their diabetic supplies. Since all of these accommodations are associated with either the visual impairment or the medical or chronic health conditions tables outlined above, all the accommodations are considered to be associated with the student’s disabilities.
Student C: Student C is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and submits a request for access to large print test materials and the use of a hearing aid/device. Since neither of these accommodations are associated with a diagnosis of ASD in the second table on page 10, this request for testing accommodations would require documentation to be submitted and reviewed before the student may be approved or able to register for testing with the requested accommodations.
From additional testing time to supportive technology to medical equipment and more, EMA accommodates a variety of testing needs.
*Additional breaks between sections 1 & 2 and sections 3 & 4 of the SSAT will be provided ONLY to those students approved for any amount of additional time as a testing accommodation when completing a paper-based SSAT or SSAT at Home. Due to test programming differences between the computer-based and paper-based tests, students testing with 50% additional time at a Prometric test center will only receive breaks following the writing sample and Reading sections. Please review the computer-based testing schedule above for exact break timings.
**Due to time constraints, students completing the paper-based SSAT with additional time are NOT required to complete the experimental portion of the SSAT; however, any student completing the computer-based version of the SSAT will be required to complete this section due to test design.
This timing information is applicable for those students taking the Middle (grades 5-7) or Upper (grades 8-11) Level SSAT. Please contact EMA if you would like more information regarding the additional time accommodation as it pertains to the Elementary Level (3rd and 4th grade) SSAT.
EMA recognizes the uniqueness and individuality of each student’s disability and accommodation needs. All requests for “other” testing accommodations will be considered and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
We may require additional time to work with testing locations to provide uncommon or “other” testing accommodations. EMA will work diligently to provide all such accommodations; however, certain requests may cause delays in testing so that we may procure the necessary facilities and staffing to meet your student’s testing needs.
On rare occasions, there may be testing accommodations requested which are deemed unreasonable and cannot be provided. It is important to note that we cannot (and are not required by law to) provide any testing accommodation that will:
In some cases, it may be necessary for EMA to work with the family to provide an equally effective testing accommodation in lieu of a requested accommodation. Recommendations for the use of an alternate testing accommodation will be made only when required to ensure the integrity and security of the SSAT are not compromised and when determined to be equally effective in meeting the student’s educational testing needs.
Nondisclosure Agreement: Individuals planning to serve as a student’s reader on test day will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) prior to the start of testing. The NDA is a legal agreement indicating that the adult assistant will not disclose or disseminate any exposed SSAT test content.
An approver is a qualified individual who can affirm that valid documentation meeting our requirements is on file with their school or organization, and that the student is known to have a disability requiring testing accommodations.
Any professional approving accommodations for a student must be a non-family member, regardless of credentials possessed by a family member. Identified professionals must be able/willing to affirm that:
If your student’s approver is unresponsive to your student’s request for testing accommodations, even after multiple contact attempts, you may choose to select a different approver to serve in this role for your student.
If you wish to change the approver associated with your student’s application for accommodations, you may do so within your parent/guardian online SSAT account by returning to the pending application for accommodations and clicking the “Change Approver” button. You will be asked to provide all contact information for the new approver before submitting.
If your student’s request for testing accommodations is denied by their designated approver, you may choose to:
In the event your student’s requested accommodations are approved, but EMA determines that the supporting documentation provided does not substantiate the requested testing accommodations and/or meet our requirements, we will notify you of the decision and provide a rationale, including:
2021-2022 Step-by-Step Guide for Approving Accommodations
Once you have been designated as an approver by a student, a few simple steps complete the process.
This code will be emailed and after entering the code, the form will be unlocked for completion.
Complete the online form, indicating:
As part of the form, you’ll also be asked to print an Approver ID Form, sign it, and add a business card.
If you don’t have a business card, you can provide a brief statement on your company’s letterhead indicating your name, address, job title, responsibility for maintaining accommodation documentation, and that you are submitting the letter as verification of your identity for SSAT testing accommodations.
You can also follow the instructions on the form to mail or fax; however, we highly recommend sending as quickly as possible.
If no other documentation needs to be submitted by the student, they will be alerted that they are approved and able to register with accommodations. Otherwise, if documentation is required, EMA will await its submission by the student for further review.
This means that you will only need to submit ID once, regardless of the number of students you approve. Your status as a known approver continues through three testing seasons. In other words, if you become a known approver in the 2021-2022 testing season (August 1, 2021-July 31, 2022) you will not need to submit your ID again until August 1, 2024. When accessing future online approval forms as a known approver, the form recognizes your email address and will not require submission of identification for approval validation.
Documentation supporting a student’s need for testing accommodations must always be on file with your school or organization.
Please contact us if you have other forms of documentation considered.
While IEP and 504 documents tend to be relatively structured in their format and include all necessary elements to meet SSAT documentation requirements, private school documentation may not be as consistent. Generally, private school documentation is considered to be formal documentation created by the school which outlines diagnostic impressions, as well as educational needs and services provided in the school setting for a given student. Provided below is a sample document which fulfills EMA requirements.
All students will be recorded when completing the SSAT At Home. Recordings will be kept for up to one year for review, as needed. If you object to the photo/video requirements as set forth by EMA due to any religious beliefs or affiliations, please compose a letter citing such concerns and email the letter as an attachment to EMA at ta@enrollment.org. An EMA staff member will be in touch to discuss the matter and explore test options in your area.
Any student may wear a head covering due to religious affiliation or belief when completing the SSAT without pre-approval from EMA. During the test day check-in process, SSAT administrative staff may confirm and review with the student and/or their parent(s) that the head covering is being worn for religious purposes. It is permissible for SSAT administrative staff to ask for the student to show their religious head covering by turning their head left and right, notably for the SSAT at Home. At no time will a student be asked to remove a head covering indicated to be worn for religious purposes. Head coverings and hats that are not worn due to religious affiliation/beliefs are prohibited.
1. Log in to your student’s account, click the “SSAT Testing” button and then the “Apply for / View My Accommodations” tab.
2. Next, click the “Click to Apply for Sunday Testing” button to be taken to the online application.
3. Provide contact information for an approver who is able to attest that:
Any student utilizing any type of non-approved accommodation(s) on test day will be cited for an irregularity. Irregular tests are considered invalid and will NOT be scored. Additionally, no refunds are provided for any test cited as an irregularity.
If you or your student has a physical disability and you need to confirm physical access to the testing location (ramps, elevators, accessible parking, etc.), you do not need to request testing accommodations (i.e. use of a wheelchair, use of elevator, etc.). Instead, please email ta@enrollment.org so that we can ensure your access to the testing location.
If your student has been diagnosed with a temporary condition, such as a broken arm, broken hand, or concussion, and you have concerns regarding their ability to complete testing, please email ta@enrollment.org before requesting accommodations or registering for a test.
In general, it is our recommendation that students who experience an unexpected accident resulting in temporary impairment postpone testing until after they are fully recovered to ensure test performance is an accurate reflection of their true abilities.
If your student is considered to be limited English proficient or an English Language Learner, they are not eligible to receive testing accommodations when completing the SSAT as such accommodations are strictly prohibited for any student that does not require them as the result of an identified or suspected disability or impairment.
If you did not request a particular accommodation with your student’s original application and you would like to have additional accommodations considered/approved, please email ta@enrollment.org for assistance.
It may be possible for additional testing accommodations to be added/approved for your student without the need to submit an additional application or documentation; however, in some cases this is necessary. Depending upon factors specific to the situation, including the test date, your student’s needs, and the additional accommodations requested, it may be necessary to reschedule testing. Please contact us as soon as possible.
If you have any questions or concerns about your family’s ability to provide anything needed for your student to complete testing, please contact EMA immediately and well in advance of your scheduled test date.