Faculty Guide: Exam

Extended Time

Extended time for an exam is an available accommodation for some students. For instance, the act of reading Braille or large print takes longer than reading a standard typed page, as does use of print enlargers. Similarly, listening to a tape or dictating an answer takes longer than writing answers longhand. Extended time is frequently necessary, but there are no rigid rules in determining how much additional time should be given. Extended time should permit reasonable progress without dawdling. Many instructors find that allowing the student with a disability twice as long as other students to complete a test will fit most situations. Factors to be considered in determining a reasonable time extension include:

• type of accommodation (device, personal aid, other)
• exam format (short answer, multiple choice, open book, essay, paper)
• experience of student (prior education or onset of disability)
• purpose of the course (personal development, career preparation)

Note: The only instance when an instructor may refuse extended-time on an exam is when the factor being evaluated requires a time restriction. The time restriction must be a legitimate reason for evaluating the student in this manner. However, a means of accommodating the student's specific disability must be agreed upon by both parties. In some instances, the accommodation may be a lesser amount of extended time than is customary (i.e.: time and a half).