The short answer
A reader accommodation has test content read aloud to a test taker whose disability limits reading print. On today's mostly digital exams, that usually means one of three things: text-to-speech built into the testing software, the test taker's own screen reader, or a human reader. They aren't interchangeable. They differ in how much control you have, whether they come with extra time, and where you test, and some organizations ask you to choose one for each need. Pick the one that matches how you read in school or at work, and practice with it.
For a student with dyslexia, low vision or another disability that affects reading print, having the test read aloud can be the difference between a score that reflects what they know and one that reflects how fast they decode. The SAT, ACT, GRE and other exams all offer reading support, but the form it takes has changed with digital testing. This guide explains the three main options, how to choose, and what a request should show.
The three options at a glance
| Built-in text-to-speech | Screen reader | Human reader | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A read-aloud tool inside the testing software | Software on the device, such as JAWS, NVDA or VoiceOver, controlled by the test taker | A trained person who reads the test aloud |
| When it may help | The student can navigate the exam visually and needs the text read aloud, as some students with dyslexia do. ACT and Bluebook describe their built-in tools as providing brief descriptions of graphics. | The student needs spoken access to the exam's controls and layout as well as its text. This may suit a student who is blind or has low vision, especially if they already use a screen reader that works with the testing platform. | The student needs a person to read exam material aloud because the available technology does not provide effective access. The reader follows the exam sponsor's instructions. If a graph or diagram remains inaccessible, the student may also need tactile graphics. |
| Setting | Can be used in a regular room with headphones | Headphones; may need special setup | Usually one-to-one, since reading aloud would disturb others |
| Practice | Exam practice tests | Practice with the exact software and exam interface | Ask how the reader will work: what they can and can't say |
General comparison; each organization's rules differ. See our guides to assistive technology and alternative test formats for exam-by-exam details.
How the options work on College Board exams
College Board's digital tests offer embedded text-to-speech, either for math sections only or for the entire test, and non-embedded screen readers on the same basis. College Board says most students approved for a human reader on paper AP exams are approved for embedded text-to-speech or a screen reader on digital tests (College Board). A human reader may be approved for digital tests on rare occasions (College Board SAT Suite test coordinator manual). Students using text-to-speech or a screen reader must bring wired, non-Bluetooth headphones (College Board; Bluebook).
Timing can differ by option. On digital AP Exams, students approved for a human reader or a screen reader receive an exam format with up to time and one-half; students approved only for embedded text-to-speech don't receive extended time unless they're also approved for it or for another accommodation that provides it (College Board).
College Board also asks families to choose one accommodation when several address the same need, giving a human reader versus a screen reader as an example (College Board), and it generally assumes a student will use only one reading or seeing accommodation during a test (College Board).
Other exams
ACT: screen-reader compatibility and text-to-speech are available with approval through online special testing, and a human reader is given one-to-one (ACT). GRE and other ETS tests: ETS lists a human reader among its accommodations, and the GRE General Test can be taken with JAWS (ETS). LSAT: the test works with keyboard-controlled screen readers, not text-to-speech tools controlled with a mouse (LSAC). Our exam guides cover each organization's process.
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How to choose
Start with how the student reads now, and check whether that method gives them access to the exam's text, graphics and controls. If they already use a screen reader, check whether it works with the exam platform. If they navigate the screen visually and mainly need text read aloud, try the exam's built-in text-to-speech in a practice test. If the available technology still leaves parts of the exam inaccessible, consider requesting a human reader where the exam offers one. Check how much time comes with the reading accommodation, and request any additional time the student needs. On the digital SAT, for example, an approved human reader comes with up to time and one-half, while built-in text-to-speech and screen-reader approval don't automatically include extra time.
What the request should show
- How the disability affects reading print on a timed exam, for example decoding speed, comprehension when reading silently, or vision.
- Which reading support the student uses now, in school or at work, and for how long.
- Why that option works and, if requesting a human reader, why technology isn't enough.
- Whether extended time is also needed, with evidence, since it may not come with the reading support.
- For College Board requests, follow its documentation guidelines for reading and seeing accommodations.
- Practice in the approved format before test day.
College Board's documentation guidelines for reading and seeing accommodations are a useful reference for any exam (College Board).
If the organization approves a different option
If the testing organization approves a different reading support than the one you requested, consider whether it lets you complete all parts of the exam. If a barrier remains, explain which task you still can't complete, how the requested option would address it, and what evidence supports your request. See our guide to appeals.
Common questions
What is a reader accommodation?
An accommodation that has test content read aloud for a test taker whose disability limits reading print. On digital exams it can be built-in text-to-speech, the test taker's own screen reader, or a human reader.
Can I get a human reader on the digital SAT?
Yes, in rare cases. College Board must specifically approve a human reader for digital testing. If built-in text-to-speech and a compatible screen reader don't meet your needs, explain which parts of the exam you still can't access and how a human reader would help.
Does text-to-speech come with extra time?
Not automatically. On the digital SAT, an approved human reader comes with up to time and one-half, but built-in text-to-speech and screen-reader approval don't automatically include extra time. Check what comes with your reading accommodation and request any additional time you need.
Can I request both a human reader and a screen reader?
College Board asks families to choose one accommodation when several address the same need, using a human reader versus a screen reader as an example. If you truly need more than one, explain why.
Do I need my own headphones?
On College Board's digital tests, yes: students using text-to-speech or a screen reader must bring wired, non-Bluetooth headphones.