Disability Accommodation For GRE Test Takers: Inclusions and Requirements

Student Progress / Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) / Dates / Disability

ETS is dedicated to helping test takers with disabilities and health-related needs by providing services and reasonable accommodations that are acceptable for the exam’s purpose. Test takers who fulfill ETS requirements may request testing accommodations.

Does the GRE accommodate people with special needs or health-related problems?

Yes, GRE accommodates people with disabilities and health-related needs. All test takers who require accommodations must only submit their requests and have their accommodations granted by ETS Disability Services.

What special abilities are accommodated by GRE?

The special abilities accommodated by the GRE include, but are not limited to:

  • Blind or legally blind
  • Low vision
  • Deaf
  • Hard-of-hearing
  • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
  • Learning disabilities
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Psychiatric disabilities
  • Physical disabilities
  • Chronic health-related conditions

Test takers who are requesting accommodations must first complete a Testing Accommodations Request Form and submit it to ETS Disability Services. The form may be submitted online, via email, mail, or courier service, but it is strongly encouraged to use the convenient online registration system.

How to request for GRE Disability Accommodation?

To request for GRE disability accommodation, follow these steps:

  1. Complete the Testing Accommodations Request Form.
  2. Complete the GRE Test Authorization Request Form for Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-related Needs (if not submitting your materials online).
  3. Gather your disability documentation.
  4. Submit the completed forms.

Detailed information regarding each of the steps is provided in the Bulletin Supplement for Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-related Needs pdf that is readily downloadable from the official ETS website.

How do I submit a GRE Accommodation Request?

The GRE accommodation request can be submitted through the following ways:

  • Through Online or the Test-taker’s ETS account. Test-takers can submit materials online through their ETS account at www.ets.org/mygre.
  • Through Email. The requests for accommodations should be sent to [email protected].
  • Mail or Courier Service. Test-takers can mail their material to ETS Disability Services, PO Box 6054, Princeton, NJ 08541-6054 (mail), or to ETS Disability Services, 225 Phillips Boulevard, Ewing, NJ 08628-1426 (courier service).

It is highly encouraged to use the convenient online registration system. Once accommodations are approved, test takers will receive an email from ETS Disability Services with instructions on how to register for the GRE test.

What are the common test-taking accommodations?

The following are the commonly requested accommodations:

  • Extended Test Time. The test taker could receive a 25% (time and a quarter), 50% (time and a half), or 100% (double time) time extension.
  • Extra Breaks. Breaks can be used for medication, snacks, restroom trips, and others. The testing clock stops for breaks and does not affect the testing time.
  • Accommodations for the computer-delivered General Test only. It includes screen magnification, selectable background and foreground colors, and/or a JAWS screen reader.
  • Assistance. Test takers can be accommodated with a human reader (only at test centers), human scribe (only at test centers), oral interpreter, sign language interpreter, Braille slate and stylus, or Perkins brailler.
  • Alternate Test Formats. This includes Braille, large-print textbook, large-print answer sheet, recorded audio, recorded audio with tactile figure supplement, and recorded audio with large-print figure supplement.

Test-takers can choose the accommodations they need in Part ll – Accommodations Requested form.

What are the requirements for minor accommodations?

If the test taker requires minor accommodations, they must submit:

  • Appropriate registration form. The test taker must complete and submit the required registration form from the Bulletin for the test they are taking (see “Registration Form” in the Bulletin Supplement for the test they will be taking).
  • Part I and Part II of the Testing Accommodations Request Form. Refer to the “Testing Accommodations Request Form” from the Bulletin Supplement.
  • Letter of Support. A letter of support from a medical doctor or other qualified professional describing the nature of the disease and the rationale for the desired accommodation must be submitted by the test taker(s). Please note that handwritten documents or a prescription pad note will not be accepted.
  • Registration Fee. If the test taker prefers to pay online, credit card information should not be included on the registration form. After their application has been received, they will receive an email with payment instructions.

Health-related needs are more generally those that affect digestion, immunological function, respiration, circulation, endocrine function, and other bodily functions, and they usually only necessitate minor accommodations. Diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and chronic pain are examples of documented health needs. Minor accommodations may include but are not limited to, extra breaks for medicine, snacks, beverages, or glucose testing materials that are required during the test session.

Who is eligible for minor accommodations?

Minor accommodations are available for test takers with these conditions, but are not limited to:

  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy
  • Chronic pain
  • Other health conditions
  • Pregnant women
  • Nursing women

Minor accommodations are available to those with health-related needs affecting digestion, immune function, respiration, circulation, endocrine functions, etc. Test takers having health conditions other than those listed above can indicate them on the Part l – Applicant Information form.

What are the accommodations provided for those with health conditions?

Minor accommodations include but are not limited to the following:

  • Extra breaks for medication
  • Snacks
  • Beverages
  • Glucose testing materials
  • Extended test time

Test takers requesting accommodations other than those listed above can also indicate it under the “Other Accommodations” section of the Part ll – Accommodations Requested form.

How do blind test takers get their score reports?

Test takers who are blind may contact ETS Disability Services by phone for their test scores.

What are the contact details of ETS Disability Services?

The contact Information for ETS Disability Services are the following:

  • Phone: 1-866-387-8602 (toll-free in the US, US Virgin Islands, Puerto RIco, and Canada)
  • Phone: 1-609-771-7780 (all other locations)

Monday through Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm, US Eastern Time (New York). All questions related to accommodations should be directed to ETS Disability Services.

How to prepare for the GRE for people with a Disability?

Preparing for the GRE with a disability requires thoughtful planning. Start by researching accommodations offered by ETS, the GRE test administrator. Register early to secure the necessary support. Familiarize yourself with the test format and content. Develop a customized study plan that caters to your learning style and pace. Utilize accessible study materials and consider enrolling in prep courses tailored to accommodate your needs. Practice time management and implement strategies to manage test anxiety. Reach out to disability services for guidance, and simulate test conditions to build confidence. Remember, success is attainable with the right approach and support.

Will a GRE prep course help people with a Disability?

Yes, GRE course prep can be beneficial for individuals with disabilities. These courses offer structured materials, practice exams, and tailored strategies to enhance test-taking skills. While accommodations might vary, many courses are designed to address diverse learning needs. Online options provide flexibility, and personalized support can address specific challenges. However, success depends on individual circumstances, and it’s crucial to choose a course that aligns with the specific needs of the disability.

References:

  • https://www.ets.org/disabilities/test_takers/accommodations/
  • https://www.miusa.org/resource/tipsheet/testaccommodations
  • https://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/bulletin_supplement_test_takers_with_disabilities_health_needs.pdf