Testing Accommodations

Candidates with special needs may receive formally prescribed testing accommodations provided that the accommodations fit the scope of the online exam and do not compromise assessment security. The accommodation(s) must be documented by the test site through Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or other similar, valid documentation. When the test site submits the Test Site Approval Agreement, the Test Site Administrator’s electronic signature indicates that they will abide by any documented formally prescribed accommodations. Thus, the test site administrator is taking responsibility for ensuring that those modifications are provided and do fit within the testing parameters.

A list of accommodations and their use in the administration of the AAFCS Pre-PAC assessments are outlined in the chart below.


Accommodation/Modification   Acceptable
(Fits within
Scope of
Exam)		   Not
Acceptable
(Does not fit
within scope
of exam)		   Notes
Provision of additional or extended
testing time		   X Pre-PAC assessments are NOT timed; therefore, additional time requested is not a problem. Network security should be set to allow an "open" and inactive internet connection for the test duration. The assessment must be completed in one session.
Large Print   X No paper administration is available.  The online administration allows for the size of the print/font or screen size to be adjusted using the (1) assessment system text size options; (2) the computer’s display resolution properties; or (3) adjusting the font size in the web browser.
Use of a reader   X The reader would serve as the proctor and must meet all proctor requirements and follow proctor instructions.
Use of a non-programmable calculator   X The assessment navigator in the assessment platform includes access to the calculator tool which is permissible during testing.  No other calculators should be used. 
Assistive devices and/or software (i.e., text-to-speech, etc)   X These may be used as long as the technology is available at the test site and is compatible with the testing software platform. The testing
software does NOT have this capability or option.
Distraction-free testing location   X If available at the test site, a separate testing room, creating a distraction-free environment, may be used; however, a proctor must still be in the room. The exam can be administered individually
in a separate room as long as the proctor remains and supervises.
Preferential seating   X If the testing environment at the test site allows, candidates may be seated in the front of the room near the proctor or facing the proctor.
Administration over several testing sessions   X   Pre-PAC assessments must be completed in one sitting/session.
Reducing the number of items on the assessment   X   All Pre-PAC assessments have 80 items (70 scored, 10 non-scored).
2 or 3 choice responses on multiple-choice items   X   All Pre-PAC multiple-choice items have 4 choice responses.

As long as the ELL accommodations/modifications are documented and approved at the school/district level, testing in another language is acceptable.  However, please note that AAFCS testing systems DO NOT translate the exam.  It is only provided online and in English.  Thus, a reader/translator would be needed. If the computer has translation software that can be used.  The reader/translator must meet and follow the same guidelines as a proctor.  If the accommodation plan is on file and includes the documentation of the use of the dictionary with word-to-word translation rather than definitions, candidates may reference it during the exam with the oversight of the proctor.

Available Monday - Friday from 9 AM - 5:30 PM EST.

Submit Questions by Email to Pre-PAC

Direct Telephone Line: 703-636-7641

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