• Follow the instructions to initiate a request for accommodations.

• Provide a written statement describing the disability for which you are requesting accommodations.
  • Include specific information about the disability-related symptoms and how they affect your academic, occupational, social and other important areas of functioning.
  • Describe the extent to which your daily functioning is impaired and how that impairment interferes with your ability to access the examination under standard conditions.
  • Provide a clear rationale for the requested accommodation(s) and describe how each requested accommodation will alleviate the functional limitations caused by your disability.

• Documentation from the evaluating or treating professional should be comprehensive and provide specific evidence of impairment.
• In most cases, the professional evaluation should have been conducted within the past three years. More recent documentation may be necessary for relapsing-remitting conditions or conditions that can change as a result of time or treatment (e.g., visual, neuromuscular, psychiatric impairments).
• The evaluating professional should have training and direct experience in the diagnosis and treatment of adults in the specific area of disability.
• The diagnostic methods used should be appropriate to the specific disability and current professional practices within the field. The evaluation report should adhere to current professional standards.
• The qualified professional should provide their full name, professional credentials, current title, mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone number.
• A comprehensive report of evaluation should include:
  • A description of the onset, frequency, intensity, and duration of relevant symptoms as well as the extent to which the symptoms impact your daily functioning across multiple environments (e.g., social, academic, occupational, etc.).
  • A statement of the presenting problem and background history.
  • A description of the assessment procedure as well as specific diagnostic tests administered.
  • A detailed analysis and interpretation of the findings.
  • Actual results (e.g., scores) of all diagnostic procedures and tests utilized in the evaluation.
  • If a diagnosis is indicated, the evaluator should describe a professionally recognized diagnosis based on criteria outlined in the most current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD).
  • A description of the full extent of the individual's functional limitations due to the disability and how it impacts the individual’s access to the examination under standard testing conditions.
  • A description of the functional impact on physical, perceptual, and cognitive abilities in the context of the specific examination setting and format (e.g., computer-based examination; clinical or performance-based examination) compared to most people in the general population.
  • A clear rationale for the recommended accommodations and/or assistive devices.
• Informal or non-standardized assessment methods, if used, should be described in enough detail that other professionals in the field can understand their significance in the diagnostic process.
• If there is no prior history of accommodations, the qualified professional should describe why accommodations have not been required or provided in the past and why they are needed for this examination.

• Objective records of functioning should be submitted to document the real-world current impact of the disability and demonstrate how a major life activity relevant to the setting and context of the specific examination is substantially limited.
• Examples of supporting documentation include but are not limited to:
  • Prior clinical evaluations, diagnostic reports, treatment and/or educational plans, or other relevant medical records.
  • Written feedback from teachers or supervisors.
  • Official academic records and transcripts.
  • Official score reports for nationally normed standardized tests (e.g., SAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, professional licensing or certifying exams, etc.).
  • Performance evaluations from training programs, military service, or employment settings (e.g., part-time/full-time volunteer/paid jobs, clerkship/internship/residency, etc.).
  • Official records verifying approved accommodations from schools or other testing agencies listing the specific accommodations approved and dates that they were provided.

In addition to the information described in the General Guidelines, a request for test accommodations on the basis of a Specific Learning Disorder should include the following:

1. A report of evaluation by a qualified professional
   • A comprehensive psychological, psycho-educational, or neuropsychological evaluation that adheres to current professional standards. It is up to each evaluator to determine an appropriate assessment battery for any given evaluation.
   • The report of evaluation should generally include the following:
     • Relevant aspects of the individual’s developmental, family, medical, and other history including linguistic history, if English is not the first language.
     • A summary of the individual’s educational history, experiences, and achievements, quality of instruction, and language of instruction at each level, and trends in academic performance.
     • History of prior academic interventions and classroom or test accommodations.
     • A review of documentation from third-party sources when available (e.g., academic records; scores from prior standardized exams; previous evaluations; feedback from teachers/faculty, tutors, academic advisors, or others; etc.).
     • Data and information from a comprehensive battery of standardized, norm-referenced tests and measures used to assess the individual’s cognitive and academic functioning.
       • The Nelson-Denny Reading Test (NDRT) and Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) are not comprehensive diagnostic measures of achievement and therefore neither is considered acceptable if used as the sole measure of reading ability or academic skills.
     • Actual scores obtained for each subtest and/or measure administered reported as age-based standard scores when available from the test publisher.
     • The specific version of each test (e.g., 4th Edition, etc.) along with the specific norms used for scoring (e.g., age-based norms).
     • A summary integrating the obtained test and assessment data with relevant background/historical information, previous and current manifestations of the learning impairment, and current academic, occupational, and other life functioning.
     • A differential diagnosis with discussion of how each possible alternative explanation for the learning difficulty has been systematically ruled out (e.g., inadequate match between the individual's ability and instructional demands; cultural or linguistic factors; poor motivation and/or study skills; problems of attention, mood, or anxiety; sensory impairments; etc.)
     • An explanation of how the specific area of impairment is relevant to the examination setting and context and how the standard conditions present a barrier to the individual’s access the examination.
     • A rationale for each recommended test accommodation.
     • If there is no prior history of classroom or test accommodations, an explanation of why accommodations have not been required/provided in the past and why they are necessary at this time.
2. Objective records of impaired functioning
   • While historical records of childhood learning difficulties may not be obtainable in every case, providing objective documentation demonstrating a history of academic impairment (e.g., reading, writing) is useful to demonstrate the developmental nature and course of the impairment(s).
   • Objective records that reflect current/recent academic, occupational, or other functional impairment that demonstrate how a major life activity is substantially limited relevant to test taking. Refer to the General Guidelines for examples of supporting documentation.

In addition to the information described in the General Guidelines, a request for test accommodations on the basis of ADHD should include the following:

1. A report of evaluation by a qualified professional

• It is up to each professional to determine an appropriate assessment battery for any given evaluation.
• The professional report should generally include the following:
  • Relevant aspects of the individual’s developmental, educational, family, medical, psychosocial, educational, occupational, and other personal history.
  • A history of the individual's presenting symptoms, with detailed information about how the symptoms have manifested in the home, school, work, and other settings over time.
  • Self-report symptom checklists, behavior rating scales, and continuous performance tests may be useful in diagnosing ADHD. Since adult recall of childhood symptoms tends to be unreliable, the evaluator should seek ancillary information from other sources (e.g., parent, teacher, spouse) as well as examples of current functional impairment in more than one setting.
  • A review of documentation from third-party sources, when available, to establish a history of impairment that goes beyond self-report (e.g., review of academic records; scores from prior standardized exams; previous evaluations or treatment records; feedback from teachers/faculty, advisors, supervisors; etc.).
  • A differential diagnosis with a discussion of how each possible alternative explanation for the identified problem(s) has been systematically ruled out.
  • A rationale for each recommended test accommodation.
  • If the report includes a comprehensive psychological, psycho-educational, or neuropsychological evaluation, it should adhere to current professional standards and include:
    • Actual scores obtained for each administered subtest and/or measure reported as age-based standard scores when available from the test publisher.
    • The specific version of each test (e.g., 4th Edition, etc.) along with the specific norms used for scoring (e.g., age-based norms).
    • A summary integrating all obtained test and assessment data with available clinical presentation, behavioral observations, relevant background/historical information, and current functioning to support the diagnostic conclusion.
  • If there is no prior history of classroom or test accommodations, an explanation of why accommodations have not been required/provided in the past and why they are necessary at this time.

2. Objective records of impaired functioning
   • While historical records of childhood difficulties may not be obtainable in every case, providing objective documentation demonstrating a history of functional impairment in more than one setting is useful to demonstrate the developmental nature and course of the impairment(s) due to ADHD.
   • Records of current/recent real-world functional impairment in academic, social, and/or vocational settings and in daily adaptive functioning demonstrating how a major life activity is substantially limited.

In addition to the information described in the General Guidelines, a request for test accommodations on the basis of a visual impairment should include the following:

1. A report of evaluation by a qualified vision professional
   • Include a detailed discussion of how the specific symptoms and assessment results meet professionally recognized diagnostic criteria for the identified visual impairment.
   • Include relevant history and course of the presenting symptoms and whether the condition is stable or could be expected to change over time.
   • Where relevant to the diagnosis and the examination for which accommodations are requested, comprehensive documentation should include detailed information about the health of the eye(s), visual fields, binocular functioning, accommodative functioning, oculomotor functioning, and other pertinent information. Examples of such data include:
     • visual acuities (best-corrected for near and distance);
     • visual field print-outs;
     • specific tests of accommodation (e.g., relative accommodation, amplitudes, facility, dynamic or nearpoint retinoscopy);
     • specific tests of vergence (e.g., nearpoint of convergence, cover test, prism vergences, facility);
     • specific tests of reading eye movements (e.g., Developmental Eye Movement test, photo-electric oculogram)
   • Include actual scores and results from all tests, procedures, measurements, and scales administered to demonstrate the level of impairment to visual functioning.
   • Detailed information about what therapy, medication, and low-vision aids are being used to treat the impairment, and the effectiveness of these interventions, including all relevant post-therapy data.
   • A specific recommendation for all accommodations requested, including low vision aids, and an explanation of how the accommodations will reduce the impact of the identified functional limitations relevant to the specific examination setting and context.
2. Objective records of impaired functioning
   • Include objective records demonstrating how the visual impairment substantially limits functioning relevant to the specific examination for which accommodations are requested.
   • Visual impairment in only one eye can often significantly impact the ability to perform three-dimensional tasks. However, monocular conditions, in and of themselves, have not been shown to cause a substantial limitation in the ability to read or perform other two-dimensional tasks at near. Therefore, requests for accommodations for computer-based tests based on visual impairment in only one eye need to provide data to demonstrate reduced functioning in the fellow eye, such as accommodation (focusing) or reading eye movements (saccades).

In addition to the information described in the General Guidelines, a request for test accommodations on the basis of hearing impairment should include the following:

1. A report of evaluation by a qualified professional (e.g., audiologist, otolaryngologist)
   • Actual scores and results from all tests, procedures, measurements, and scales administered.
   • Information concerning the current impact of the hearing impairment on the individual’s daily life functioning.
   • A statement about whether the hearing loss is static or changing and how the impairment is expected to impact the individual’s ability to access the examination.
   • Detailed information about what therapy, assistive devices, or communication strategies are being used to treat or ameliorate the impairment, and the effectiveness of these interventions.
   • A rationale for each recommended test accommodation relevant to the specific examination setting and context (e.g., for computer-based vs. clinical skills examinations).
2. Objective records of impaired functioning
   • A copy of the most recent audiogram or audiometric study that was conducted. Documentation should ideally reflect the examinee’s audiologic functioning within the past year. Older documentation may be sufficient for a hearing loss that is considered static in nature. Recent documentation (e.g., within the past 6 months) may be needed for hearing impairments that are variable in course and expected to change over time.

Assistive Devices

• Hearing aids and cochlear implants without Bluetooth/wireless capability enabled are considered pre-approved personal items and are permitted in the secure testing facilities upon inspection by the test center staff. Individuals do not need to request permission to use these personal amplification devices, but should be prepared to show the item(s) to test center staff when checking in for their examination.
• Use of Personal Amplification NOT ON THE PRE-APPROVED LIST
  • If you require an amplification/assistive listening device that is not on the Personal Item Exception pre-approved list, send a written request via email to pie@nbme.org at least four weeks prior to your anticipated test date. The request should include a letter from a qualified treatment professional explaining the necessity of the item; detailed information about the device including the make and model number; and a photo of the device. The photo should be of your own personal device that you requesting to bring into the examination, not a generic photo of the make/model.
  • For additional information and instructions regarding requesting a Personal Item Exception (PIE), contact the PIE Coordinator at 215-590-9700 or pie@nbme.org.

In addition to the information described in the General Guidelines, a request for test accommodations on the basis of a psychiatric disorder should include the following:

1. A report of evaluation by a qualified professional
   • A comprehensive psychiatric or psychological evaluation should adhere to current professional standards (e.g., the current version of the American Psychiatric Association’s Practice Guidelines for the Psychiatric Evaluation of Adults) and should include the following:
     • A description of the presenting problem(s) and symptoms, with details about the onset and history of symptoms, as well as their current frequency, severity, and duration, etc.
     • Information about the individual’s current daily life activities (e.g., school, working, home, social, etc.) and day-to-day functioning relative to most people.
     • Relevant aspects of the individual’s history, with details regarding any past or present impact of psychiatric symptoms on academic, occupational, and social functioning.
     • It is up to each evaluator to determine an appropriate assessment battery for any given evaluation. Provide assessment data and findings from all diagnostic tests and measures administered. Examples of common tests and measures include:
       • Structured diagnostic interviews/clinical interviews (e.g., Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)).
       • Standardized norm-referenced measures of cognitive or neuropsychological functioning.
       • Behavior or symptom rating scales (e.g., current versions of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Multiscore Depression Inventory for Adolescents and Adults (MDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales 21, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), Conners’ Adult Rating Scale, Achenbach Adult Self Report for Ages 18-59, Achenbach Behavior Checklist for Ages 18-59, Clinical Assessment of Depression, Test Anxiety Inventory, or other scales for anxiety, mood, trauma, or related symptoms).
         • Rating scales and other diagnostic instruments are not meant to be used in isolation; no one measure is considered sufficient by itself to make a psychiatric diagnosis.
       • Symptom severity indices.
       • Objective tests of effort (e.g., symptom validity tests).
   • A thorough summary that integrates test and assessment data with clinical presentation, behavioral observations, relevant background/historical information, and current functioning.
   • Evidence of a differential diagnosis and a description of how each possible alternative explanation for the identified problem has been systematically ruled out.
     • For example, symptoms of the diagnosed psychiatric disorder must be distinguished from normal adult reactions and behaviors such as test anxiety, academic underachievement or failure, bereavement, personality traits, or low self-esteem.
   • A specific diagnosis based on criteria for psychiatric disorders consistent with the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and related Health Problems (ICD).
   • A clear description of how the identified impairment and related symptoms are relevant to the specific examination setting and context.
   • A rationale for each recommended test accommodation.
2. Objective records of impaired functioning
   • Records that reflect the individual’s functioning in daily life activities (e.g., social, academic, occupational environments, etc.) since the onset of the psychiatric disorder and at the present time.
   • A report of evaluation or treatment summary completed within the past six (6) months is necessary to establish the extent of current impairment and need for accommodations at the present time.