{"id":2464,"date":"2024-08-28T12:50:15","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T16:50:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/credentialing\/icf-credential-exams\/exam-accommodations\/"},"modified":"2025-06-04T12:16:35","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T16:16:35","slug":"exam-accommodations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/credentialing\/icf-credential-exams\/exam-accommodations\/","title":{"rendered":"Exam Accommodations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2>\n\t\t\tGuide to Understanding Exam Accommodations\t<\/h2>\n\t<p>If you require exam accommodations, this guide will help you understand how accommodations are determined, what options may be available, and how to request the support you need.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/icf-credentialing-exam-accommodations.jpg\" alt=\"A man learns more about the ICF Exam Accommodations through Pearson VUE\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"1350\" width=\"1800\" title=\"icf-credentialing-exam-accommodations\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" loading='lazy' \/>\n<h3>\n\t\t\tWhat Is the Purpose of Exam Accommodations?\t<\/h3>\n\t<p>Legally, a disability may be defined differently by different countries and jurisdictions. Given that ICF is a global organization, we recognize that a disability can be defined as any impairment that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person&#8217;s full and equal participation. The purpose of accommodations is to remove barriers so that the individual with a disability may participate equally.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, ICF is committed to ensuring that the security, integrity, and validity of its exams are not compromised.<\/p>\n<h3>\n\t\t\tWhat Are Exam Accommodations?\t<\/h3>\n\t<p>Exam accommodations are adaptations that help ensure an exam measures what it is intended to assess. The purpose of accommodations is to provide full access to the exam, not to guarantee improved performance, a passing score, or exam completion. From extended time and additional breaks to adjustable workstations and private testing environments, accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. ICF provides approved accommodations at no cost to you.<\/p>\n<h3>\n\t\t\tWhere and How Are Exam Accommodations Administered?\t<\/h3>\n\t<p>ICF exams are administered at Pearson VUE testing centers (with other testing candidates present)and remotely (with no other test-takers present). Certain accommodations, such as private testing rooms, may only be appropriate in one of these test settings.<\/p>\n<p>To request an exam accommodation, you&#8217;ll need to provide evidence that your condition is a disability and provide information about the functional limitations you experience. provide documentation that describes your disability and explains how it specifically impacts your ability to take the exam. A diagnosis alone may not provide sufficient information to determine appropriate accommodations. While ICF does not require a formal diagnosis, we do need documentation from qualified professionals who know you well and can speak to your specific needs.<\/p>\n<h3>\n\t\t\tWhat Proof Is Required for an Exam Accommodation Request?\t<\/h3>\n\t<p>To request exam accommodations, please provide documentation that describes your disability and explains how it specifically impacts your ability to take the exam. A diagnosis alone may not provide sufficient information to determine appropriate accommodations. While ICF does not require a formal diagnosis, we do need documentation from qualified professionals who know you well and can speak to your specific needs.<\/p>\n<p>Individuals with a disability can usually demonstrate a significant impact in a variety of settings, such as school, the workplace, or in other daily life activities. If you are working in a job, for instance, it is helpful for us to see verification of your workplace accommodations that you require due to your disability.<\/p>\n<h3>\n\t\t\tDoes ICF Provide Language Support?\t<\/h3>\n\t<p>We do not provide disability-related accommodations to individuals based on a lack of fluency in English or for those who speak English as a second language (ESL). However, ICF exams are available in multiple languages, and additional language support is offered. Select your exam to learn more: <a href=\"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/credentialing\/icf-credential-exams\/acc-exam\/\">ACC Exam<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/credentialing\/icf-credential-exams\/pcc-mcc-exam\/\">ICF Credentialing Exam<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/credentialing\/icf-credential-exams\/actc-exam\/\">Team Coaching Certification Exam<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>\n\t\t\tDo Personal Medical Items Require a Request?\t<\/h3>\n\t<p>Pearson VUE&#8217;s Approved Comfort Aids list includes items like medical and mobility aids. These pre-approved items do not require supporting documentation or submission of an Exam Accommodations Request Form. Simply bring your personal items to the testing room &#8211; whether in person or online &#8211; and the testing staff will perform a quick visual check before your exam begins.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pearsonvue.com\/us\/en\/test-takers\/accommodations\/comfort-aid-list.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExplore What You Can Bring\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n<h2>\n\t\t\tHow to Request Exam Accommodations\t<\/h2>\n\t<p>The best time to make this request is while completing your ICF credential application. During the application process, you&#8217;ll have the option to indicate whether you intend to request exam accommodations.<\/p>\n<p>Next, you&#8217;ll complete the appropriate request form and submit the necessary documentation. While a diagnosis is not required, you must provide evidence of your disability and how it affects your access to the exam. This could include examples from daily life activities like work or school where accommodations are already in place. Depending on your needs, you can choose from two streamlined documentation processes.<\/p>\n<h3>\n\t\t\tShort Request Process: For Minimal Accommodation Needs\t<\/h3>\n\t<p>If your accommodation needs are more minimal, the Short Request Process might be right for you. Simply provide documentation from professionals who know you well or organizations familiar with your needs.<\/p>\n<p>Using this process, you can request:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Up to an extra 45 minutes of testing time (which could be used for extra breaks).<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Use of diabetes testing and management supplies.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Other accommodations that do not involve timing modification, a separate testing room, or the use of electronic devices or software.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>\n\t\t\tStandard Request Process: For More Extensive Accommodation Needs\t<\/h3>\n\t<p>For complex or specialized accommodation requests, the Standard Request Process asks you to provide additional documentation so that we fully understand your access needs.<\/p>\n<p>Through this process, you can request any combination of the following:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">More than 45 minutes of testing time.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">A separate testing room.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Other unique accommodations, such as timing modifications, adaptive devices, or assistive technology.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>\n\t\t\tDocumentation Requirements for Short Request and Standard Request Processes\u00a0\t<\/h3>\n\t<p>To support your ICF exam accommodation request, you can choose from four documentation categories:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Category A<\/b>: Documentation from a professional who knows you well.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Category B<\/b>: Proof of approved accommodations on a high-stakes exam or professional certification exam taken in the past five years.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Category C<\/b>: An individualized evaluation report.<\/li>\n<li><b>Category D<\/b>: Evidence of formal accommodations or support services from a post-secondary academic setting within the past 18 months.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/resource\/documentation-needed-for-icf-exam-accommodation-requests\/\" target=\"_self\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUnderstand Your Documentation Options\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n<h4>\n\t\t\tShort Request Process Documentation Requirements\u00a0\t<\/h4>\n\t<p>For the Short Request Process, submit one of the following combinations of documents:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">2 documents from Category A.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">1 document from Category A + 1 document from Category B.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">1 document from Category A + 1 document from Category D.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>\n\t\t\tStandard Process Documentation Requirements\t<\/h4>\n\t<p>For the Standard Request Process, submit one of these document combinations:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">2 documents from Category A.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">1 document from Category A + 1 document from Category C.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">1 document from Category B + 1 document from Category C.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">1 document from Category D + 1 document from Category C.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">1 document from Category A + 1 document from Category B + 1 document from Category D.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>\n\t\t\tStep-By-Step Guide To Requesting an Exam Accommodation\t<\/h2>\n\t<p>We&#8217;re here to support you every step of the way as you request the accommodations you need. Follow this simple, step-by-step guide to ensure your exam accommodations are processed smoothly and efficiently.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\"  id=\"fl-accordion--label-0\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-0\">1. Indicate a Need for Accommodation<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-0\"  tabindex=\"0\"><i title=\"Expand\">Expand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul>\n<li>Respond &#8220;Yes&#8221; to the question on your ICF credential or certification application that asks if you need or require accommodations to access your exam. You&#8217;ll then receive an email with further instruction.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">If the need for accommodations arises after you submit your application, please contact examaccommodations@coachingfederation.org.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\"  id=\"fl-accordion--label-1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-1\">2. Compile Supporting Documentation for Short or Standard Request Process<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-1\"  tabindex=\"0\"><i title=\"Expand\">Expand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul>\n<li>Decide whether you want to follow the Short Request Process or the Standard Request Process and gather the <a href=\"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/resource\/documentation-needed-for-icf-exam-accommodation-requests\/\"><strong>necessary supporting documentation<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Ensure that the documentation is clear, legible, and in English.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\"  id=\"fl-accordion--label-2\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-2\">3. Submit Your Materials<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-2\"  tabindex=\"0\"><i title=\"Expand\">Expand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul>\n<li>Submit your request as early as possible via either the Short Request Form or the Standard Request Form (which you will have received access to via email) to allow time for processing and to provide any additional needed information.<\/li>\n<li>We do not accept requests via mail or email.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">You will receive confirmation that your request has been received.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\"  id=\"fl-accordion--label-3\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-3\">4. Wait for Review<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-3\"  tabindex=\"0\"><i title=\"Expand\">Expand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul>\n<li>ICF and an independent exam accommodations expert will review your materials.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">You&#8217;ll typically hear back within 30 business days, although many requests will be processed within 10 days.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">To ensure fairness for all candidates, ICF does not expedite requests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\"  id=\"fl-accordion--label-4\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-4\">5. Ensure Complete Submissions<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-4\"  tabindex=\"0\"><i title=\"Expand\">Expand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul>\n<li>ICF cannot process incomplete requests.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">If your request is missing information, you&#8217;ll be notified of what&#8217;s missing. If you don&#8217;t provide the required information, your documents will be securely returned or destroyed at your request.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>\n\t\t\tIf Accommodation Request Is Incomplete\t<\/h3>\n\t<p>If your accommodation request is incomplete &#8211; meaning that your documentation doesn&#8217;t provide us with enough information to make a decision &#8211; we&#8217;ll notify you and outline the missing information. At that point, you&#8217;ll have the option to provide the missing materials or choose to take the exam without accommodations. <\/p>\n<h3>\n\t\t\tIf Accommodation Request Is Approved\t<\/h3>\n\t<p>If ICF approves an exam accommodation, here&#8217;s what you can expect next:<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\"  id=\"fl-accordion--label-0\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-0\">Notification of Approved Accommodations<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-0\"  tabindex=\"0\"><i title=\"Expand\">Expand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>ICF Credentials and Standards will send you a notification detailing the specific accommodations approved for your exam and any additional information you should know.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\"  id=\"fl-accordion--label-1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-1\">Scheduling With Accommodations<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-1\"  tabindex=\"0\"><i title=\"Expand\">Expand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Once you have this approval, you can then schedule your exam. Accommodations cannot be added to an already existing exam appointment.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\"  id=\"fl-accordion--label-2\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-2\">Coordination With Pearson VUE<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-2\"  tabindex=\"0\"><i title=\"Expand\">Expand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>ICF&#8217;s testing partner, Pearson VUE, will be informed of your accommodations to ensure that the approved exam accommodations are properly planned and implemented in advance for your scheduled appointment.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\"  id=\"fl-accordion--label-3\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-3\">Exam Day<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-3\"  tabindex=\"0\"><i title=\"Expand\">Expand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>On exam day, your approved accommodations will be ready for you.<\/p>\n<h3>\n\t\t\tIf Accommodation Request Is Not Approved\u00a0\t<\/h3>\n\t<p>If your exam accommodation request is not approved in full, here&#8217;s what will happen:<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\"  id=\"fl-accordion--label-0\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-0\">Notification of Decision<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-0\"  tabindex=\"0\"><i title=\"Expand\">Expand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>You&#8217;ll receive a notification from ICF Credentials and Standards explaining the reasons why some (or all) of your requested accommodations were not approved.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\"  id=\"fl-accordion--label-1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-1\">Options for Next Steps<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-1\"  tabindex=\"0\"><i title=\"Expand\">Expand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>You may appeal any adverse decision, but only one time per year. Please include a specific reason for the appeal and additional documentation beyond what was included with your original request. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\"  id=\"fl-accordion--label-2\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-2\">Proceeding With the Exam<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-2\"  tabindex=\"0\"><i title=\"Expand\">Expand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>If your accommodation request is not approved, you can still schedule and take the exam without accommodations. However, if your needs change or new documentation becomes available, you may be eligible to reapply for accommodations in the future.<\/p>\n<h3>\n\t\t\tCommunication Regarding Your Accommodation Request\t<\/h3>\n\t<p>At ICF, we respect your privacy and are committed to handling all accommodation requests with the utmost care and professionalism. To ensure a smooth process, here are a few important communication guidelines:<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\"  id=\"fl-accordion--label-0\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-0\">Submit All Inquiries in Writing<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-0\"  tabindex=\"0\"><i title=\"Expand\">Expand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Please email all accommodation-related questions to examaccommodations@coachingfederation.org.  To ensure confidentiality and clarity, We do not discuss accommodation requests or inquiries over the phone.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\"  id=\"fl-accordion--label-1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-1\">Direct Communication With the Candidate Only<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-1\"  tabindex=\"0\"><i title=\"Expand\">Expand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>We will only communicate directly with the candidate regarding accommodations. We do not discuss requests with third parties, including doctors, parents, or others.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\"  id=\"fl-accordion--label-2\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-2\">Professional Communication Is Essential<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-2\"  tabindex=\"0\"><i title=\"Expand\">Expand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>We expect all communications to be courteous and respectful. Any use of verbal abuse, profanity, or threatening language may result in forfeiting the right to participate in ICF services or programs, regardless of disability status.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Guide to Understanding Exam Accommodations If you require exam accommodations, this guide&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"parent":2418,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"ICF Exam Accommodations: Accessibility for ICF Credentials","_seopress_titles_desc":"Learn how to request accommodation for the ICF Credential Exams. 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