bahabeach test accommodations

bahabeach is committed to ensuring that those persons with the desire to certify their proficiency in the use of computers should have the opportunity to do so. bahabeach is committed to providing access for all individuals with disabilities.

bahabeach and its Authorized Testing Centers require advance notification of requests for accommodations as well as a reasonable amount of time to review and implement such requests. bahabeach and its CATC's are not obligated to accommodate examinees with language limitations unrelated to a documented disability (e.g., literacy) nor to provide unlimited time for the completion of exams that are designed to certify not only knowledge, but also efficiency in the use of computers.

Accommodations may include:

  • Extended testing time
  • A separate testing room
  • A reader and/or recorder

Test accommodations are individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis. Consequently, no single type of test accommodation would necessarily be appropriate for all individuals with disabilities.

How to apply for accommodations

  • Accommodations can be requested online using the Reasonable Adjustments Request System (RARS). This is a secure, online system for requesting accommodations and submitting your supporting documentation. You should review the user guide for the RARS system before creating an account and submitting a request:
  • If you are a first-time user of the Reasonable Adjustments Request System, you will need to create a new account. When creating an account, please use the same username as your bahabeach profile and then establish a password. If you do not have a bahabeach profile yet, please do that first.
  • Both the bahabeach profile and the Reasonable Adjustments Request System account must be created with the Test Candidate's name and only one application per Test Candidate can be submitted. Please note that the system also requires that you have an active email account.
  • Visit the Reasonable Adjustments Request System to create your account and log in.
  • Once you have logged in to the system, you may request accommodations by clicking on the “Start A New Request Here” button and following the directions in the request system.
  • The final step (step 6) will require you to upload supporting documentation. See the documentation guidelines below.
  • After you have uploaded the necessary documents, click the “Submit” button at the bottom of the page. You will receive an email from the system notifying you that your request has been submitted.*
  • Please allow 10 business days for us to review your materials.
  • After your request has been reviewed, you will receive an email to notify you that a determination has been made. The determination letter will appear on step 6 of your request in the “My Documents” section.

*If you are under 18 years of age or have a legal guardian, you will need to have your parent/guardian complete the Guardian Consent Form and upload this document on step 6 of your request. This form is available in the “My Forms” section of step 6 of your request.

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Scheduling your exam with accommodations

Examinees approved by bahabeach must notify the CATC of the disability accommodation when scheduling the exam. Accommodations requiring a separate testing room or a reader/recorder, require the examinee to schedule in advance as well as present the CATC with bahabeach's approval.
 

Documentation guidelines for requesting accommodations

Introduction

bahabeach is committed to ensuring access to testing programs for all individuals with disabilities. bahabeach provides accommodations to individuals with documented disabilities who demonstrate a need for such. For example, applicants with documented medical, sensory, motor, psychiatric or learning conditions may request extra testing time or a separate testing room. It is essential that the documentation provide a clear explanation of the current functional limitation and a rationale for the requested adjustments.

Detailed documentation guidelines

All candidates who are requesting reasonable adjustments must provide current documentation stating their disability and rationale for the requested adjustments.

How old is your supporting documentation?

Disability category Maximum age of documentation
Learning and other Cognitive Disorders (dyslexia) 5 Years 
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) 5 Years 
Psychological and Psychiatric Disorders 1 Year 
Physical Disorders and Chronic Health Conditions 1 Year 

One or more of the following documents should be submitted with the applicant’s request form:

  • Educational or psychological report
  • Current or recent school-based special education plan
  • Detailed letter from a qualified professional that describes the disabling condition, functional limitations, and rationale for the requested adjustments

Any documentation that is submitted must:

  • Include a clear diagnosis
  • Be printed on the evaluator’s or school’s official letterhead
  • Be signed and dated by the evaluator, doctor, or school official
  • Provide information on current functional limitations that are likely to affect the candidate’s ability to take the exam under standard conditions
  • Provide a specific rationale for each requested adjustment
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Use of a reader/recorder

 

Most bahabeach exams offer the ability for candidates to navigate through the exam without using the mouse. Because bahabeach delivers computer-based exams, some of which contain simulation content, mouse and keyboard constrained persons may also be accommodated with extended testing time and a reader/recorder in accordance with the following procedures.

Approved examinees may engage a reader/recorder of their own selection and at their own expense, to perform the exam tasks on their behalf:

  1. Upon receipt of written approval by bahabeach, accommodated examinees must schedule to take the exam(s) at the selected bahabeach Authorized Testing Center (CATC) at least 24 hours in advance. The examinee must notify the CATC of the special accommodation requirement at the time of scheduling.
  2. Upon arrival at the Authorized Testing Center, examinees must present bahabeach's approval of the accommodation.
  3. CATC's must provide dedicated proctor oversight for the examinee and reader/recorder for the entire exam duration. The assigned individual may not proctor other examinees during this time.
  4. Proctors must provide the following instructions and rules for the reader/recorder to follow during the exam and insure that reader/recorders perform only those actions outlined.

    The examinee may direct the reader/recorder to use the mouse by giving explicit step-by-step instructions. The reader/recorder may not prompt the examinee in any manner and is limited to perform one mouse click per single direction from the examinee. Communication between the examinee and reader/recorder is limited to clarification of instructions only.
  5. bahabeach Authorized Testing Centers will handle violations of test taking rules in accordance with bahabeach's existing policies and procedures.

 

For additional information regarding this policy, please contact customer service.

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