Alternative testing arrangements that are reasonable in the context of this licensing test, as approved by ISBE and supported by documentation, will be provided for examinees who are unable to take the tests under standard conditions.

If you wish to request alternative testing arrangements, you must a) complete your test registration and submit correct payment, b) mail or fax a completed Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form, and c) mail or fax any required documentation. The Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form is available to download as a PDF document by selecting " Print Bulletin and Forms (PDF)" on the ICTS Web site. Write your name and telephone number on each piece of correspondence that you provide.

The deadline for submission of requests and all necessary documentation for alternative testing arrangements is the regular registration deadline. Because of space, staff, and time constraints, there can be no assurance that requests received after this deadline can be accommodated.

Some accommodations (e.g., Braille tests) have specialized production requirements associated with them, and more time for production may be required than is available after the regular registration deadline. Although every effort is made to process all requests in a timely manner, the earlier you submit your request, the more time will be available for specialized production, if needed. Certain production requirements may necessitate rolling over your registration to a future test administration.

Requests and accompanying documentation are reviewed on a case-by-case basis upon receipt. In some cases, the documentation submitted may not be sufficient to make a determination with regard to the requested accommodation(s) or may not support the requested accommodation(s). Additional information or test results may be needed.

You must submit an Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form each time you register. However, you only need to submit all of the documents the first time you request alternative testing arrangements. Evaluation Systems will keep your documentation on file for one calendar year. If you register for subsequent test dates within that year, you will need to submit only your completed registration, correct payment, and a completed Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form as long as your condition and the recommended accommodations have not changed. Please be aware that your request form and supporting documentation may be shared with the Illinois State Board of Education in order to process your request. These documents will be kept confidential to the extent required by law.

In some cases, you may be contacted directly to discuss suitable testing arrangements. Before the test date, you will receive information regarding your request. You should contact Evaluation Systems at the time you receive this information if you have any questions or concerns about it.

Requests for additional time. Please note that the five-hour testing session is designed to allow sufficient time to complete any of the tests in the ICTS program. Examinees may find the five hours of testing time to be more than enough to complete their test, even if they have needed extra time on other tests they have taken in the past.

Please note that the number and type of tests for which you register as well as the test date for which you register will dictate how much extra time is available to you. Registering for fewer tests allows for more time to complete the tests on a particular test date. Registering for only one full-session or two partial-session tests per test date allows the second session to be used for additional time. Registering for two full-session tests, one full session and two partial-session tests, or for four partial-session tests limits the additional testing time that can be allowed.

If, however, you have a documented disability or if English is not your first language and you feel you need extra time, you may request extra time by registering for alternative testing arrangements. Please note that testing must be completed within one test administration day and that all requests for additional time require appropriate documentation (see “Persons with Alternative Needs” above) and are subject to approval by ISBE. If you are requesting additional time because English is not your first language, you should submit documentation, such as a copy of your birth certificate or visa or documentation from your institution, to support your request.

Documentation requirements. The following alternative testing arrangements may be requested because of a disability (e.g., visual impairment, hearing impairment, motor disability, illness, injury) and can be accommodated at all test sites:

• Wheelchair-accessible facilities



• Frequent breaks (e.g., for those with hypoglycemia or diabetes)



• Use of a magnifying glass, color overlays, or a straightedge (e.g., for those with a visual impairment)



• Use of a pen for a written assignment (e.g., for those with a motor impairment)



• Written copy of the oral directions (e.g., for those with a hearing impairment)

To request any of the alternative testing arrangements listed above, you must

1. complete your test registration and submit the correct payment; and
   
   
2. submit a completed Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form indicating the nature of and
   
   
reason for the request.

Required documentation for alternative testing arrangements consists of a signed statement from a medical or other licensed human services professional that indicates

1. your disability;
   
   
2. the specific recommended accommodations related to the disability.
   
   

Alternative test dates may be arranged for people whose religious practices prohibit them from taking tests on Saturday. These alternative test dates may be arranged only for religious reasons.

The alternative test date will be the Sunday after the regular Saturday test date. For all tests except the language proficiency tests for the Transitional Bilingual Certificate, Sunday administrations will be scheduled in the City of Chicago–central/downtown (004) and Normal/Bloomington (011) test areas only. Examinees who are registering for language proficiency tests and requesting the Sunday administration date due to religious practices should select 014 Chicago area as their test area.

To request an alternative test date, you must do all of the following by the regular registration deadline:

1. Complete your test registration and submit correct payment.
2. Complete and submit an Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form.
3. Submit a signed letter from a member of the clergy, written on that person’s professional letterhead, stating that your religious practices prohibit Saturday testing.