The short answer
Assistive technology accommodations let you take a standardized exam with tools such as a screen reader, text-to-speech, speech-to-text dictation, magnification software, a refreshable braille display or adapted input devices. Most exams are now digital, so many of these work inside the testing software, but each one still needs approval in advance, and you can only use what was approved. On College Board's digital tests, for example, students request each device or software separately and may not use any additional functions that weren't approved. Practice with the exact setup before test day.
A student who reads with a screen reader, writes by dictation or navigates with an adapted mouse every day shouldn't have to give those tools up for the SAT, ACT or a graduate exam. Assistive technology accommodations make that possible. This guide explains what's available on the major exams, how digital testing has changed things, and how to request and prepare. For braille, large print and paper formats, see our guide to alternative test formats.
What counts as assistive technology on a standardized exam
- Reading tools: text-to-speech, screen readers and magnification software.
- Writing and response tools: speech-to-text dictation software, and word processing where a test isn't already digital.
- Braille devices: refreshable braille displays and braille writing software.
- Input devices: adapted keyboards, trackballs, alternative mice and adjustable-height workstations.
- Other devices: College Board lists electronic or talking calculators and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) among assistive technology (College Board).
Some features are available to everyone. On College Board's digital tests, tools such as zoom and color contrast are built into Bluebook for all students (College Board). Assistive technology accommodations go beyond those built-in tools.
Assistive technology by exam
| Exam | Assistive technology the organization describes | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| SAT, PSAT, AP (College Board, Bluebook) | Embedded text-to-speech; your own screen reader (College Board supports NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, ChromeVox and Windows Narrator); speech-to-text for students approved for dictation or a scribe; refreshable braille display; other approved assistive technology | Students using a screen reader or text-to-speech must bring wired, non-Bluetooth headphones. |
| ACT | Screen-reader compatibility and text-to-speech are available with approval through online special testing | ACT offers free practice tests in screen reader, text-to-speech and other formats. |
| GRE and other ETS tests | JAWS with or without a refreshable braille display, screen magnification, selectable colors, ergonomic keyboard, keyboard with touchpad, trackball | Accessible practice tests are available. |
| LSAT (LSAC) | JAWS, ZoomText and Dragon speech recognition at Prometric test centers | The LSAT works with keyboard-controlled screen readers, not mouse-controlled text-to-speech. |
Sources: College Board Bluebook, College Board, ACT, ACT, ETS, ETS GRE, LSAC.
SAT, PSAT and AP in Bluebook
College Board says all Bluebook exams are configured to work for students who test with accommodations or assistive technology (College Board). Some accommodations are built into Bluebook, including embedded text-to-speech, and students may also be approved to use screen readers or other assistive technology that isn't built in (College Board). Students approved for a human reader or screen reader use the screen reader on their device or their own screen reader software; students approved for a scribe or dictation use speech-to-text on their device or other approved dictation software (College Board). Students approved for braille test digitally with their own refreshable braille display or screen reader (College Board).
Three practical points. Students who need assistive technology must request each device or software separately, and may not use additional functions or software that College Board hasn't approved (College Board). Students using a screen reader or text-to-speech must bring wired, non-Bluetooth headphones, and should configure their technology for Bluebook before test day (College Board). And College Board's practice tests let students try their assistive technology in Bluebook first (College Board).
Questions about your own request?
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ACT, GRE and LSAT
ACT. Screen-reader compatibility and text-to-speech are available with approval through online special testing (ACT). ACT also offers free practice tests in alternate formats, including screen reader and text-to-speech versions, so students can practice in the format they'll use (ACT). See our ACT guide for how requests work.
GRE. ETS lists ergonomic keyboards, keyboards with touchpads, screen magnification, selectable colors and trackball mice among its accommodations for computer-delivered tests (ETS), and the GRE General Test can be taken with JAWS, with or without a refreshable braille display (ETS).
LSAT. LSAC provides JAWS, ZoomText and Dragon at Prometric test centers as approved accommodations. Because test text can't be selected, the LSAT works with screen readers controlled by the keyboard, not text-to-speech tools controlled with a mouse (LSAC).
Anti-glare screens, left-handed mice and adjustable-height tables may be available at Prometric test centers, which deliver the GRE and LSAT, with advance approval from the exam sponsor (Prometric). Confirm availability at your chosen location when scheduling.
How to request assistive technology
- Name each device or software you need. On College Board tests, each must be requested separately.
- Explain what the tool does for you and which barrier it addresses, such as reading print, writing by hand or using a standard mouse.
- Include records of using the same technology in school or at work, if you have them.
- Check that your tool is compatible with the exam's testing software, or ask which supported alternative to use.
- Practice with the exam's own practice tests and your exact setup.
- On test day, bring what the exam requires, such as wired headphones, and set up your technology before testing starts.
If a request is denied or only partly approved
If the testing organization offers a built-in tool in place of your requested software, consider whether it lets you complete all parts of the exam. If a barrier remains, explain which task you still can't complete, how your requested software would address that barrier, and what evidence supports your request. See our guide to appeals for each organization's process.
Common questions
Can I use my own screen reader on the digital SAT?
Yes, if approved. College Board supports leading screen readers including NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, ChromeVox and Windows Narrator, and students approved for a screen reader can use their device's screen reader or their own software. Bring wired, non-Bluetooth headphones.
Is text-to-speech built into the SAT?
Yes. Bluebook includes an embedded text-to-speech tool for students with an approved reading accommodation. Students must bring their own headphones.
Can I use speech-to-text on the SAT or AP?
If you're approved for dictation or a scribe, you can use speech-to-text on your device or other approved dictation software. College Board lists Dragon, Apple Voice Control, Chromebook Dictation and Windows dictation among supported applications.
What assistive technology is available on the LSAT?
LSAC provides JAWS, ZoomText and Dragon at Prometric test centers as approved accommodations. The LSAT works with keyboard-controlled screen readers.
Do I need approval for each piece of technology?
On College Board tests, yes: students request each device or software separately and may not use unapproved functions. Other organizations also require approval in advance.