Special Accommodations on the SAT: How to Request Them from Outside the U.S.

Q: How far in advance should I request SAT accommodations?

Allow at least seven weeks — which is how long the College Board's review may take — and even longer if there is a possibility that additional documentation will be requested. The College Board publishes a request deadline for each SAT administration on its website.

Q: How do students in Spain request SAT special accommodations?

Spanish students can submit documentation from Spanish medical professionals and educational psychologists, provided it meets College Board's requirements. All documentation must be translated into English by a certified translator before submission. Students who already have an official dictamen de escolarización or documentation from their school's equipo de orientación may find this a useful starting point, but should confirm with College Board whether it satisfies their specific submission standards.

Students with learning disabilities, ADHD, or other documented special needs may take the digital SAT with special accommodations, such as extra time, additional breaks, or text-to-speech, provided that the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) department approves them before the test. Reviewing each request can take up to seven weeks, and if the College Board requests additional documentation, the process may take another seven weeks.

The impact on the test is significant. Under standard conditions, the SAT lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes. With one and a half times the standard time (+50%), it lasts 3 hours and 21 minutes; with double the standard time (+100%), it lasts 4 hours and 28 minutes, not counting breaks.

In this guide, we explain who is eligible to apply, how to apply from outside the U.S. (through your school or on your own), what documentation the College Board requires, and what happens if your application is approved or denied. The procedures may change at any time, so we recommend that you always check the official information at accommodations.collegeboard.org.

Who can request special accommodations on the SAT?

Any student with a documented specific need (such as dyslexia, ADHD, or a physical or sensory disability) that affects their ability to take the exam may request them. The College Board evaluates each request based on three criteria: that the student’s condition is documented, that it affects their ability to take the exam, and that the requested accommodation is truly necessary.

The College Board publishes specific documentation guidelines for learning disabilities (including dyslexia and dysgraphia), ADHD, psychiatric disorders, and physical or medical disabilities, among others.

Two important points to note:

Having accommodations in school does not automatically entitle a studentto them on the SAT. Students must request them from the College Board even if they already have them at their school.
What helps in class isn’t always needed on the SAT. The College Board reminds students that its exams are administered in a structured, quiet environment, so some accommodations that are useful at school or at home may not be necessary on test day.

What accommodations are available, and how long does the SAT take with extra time?

The College Board does not have a fixed list of accommodations: it considers any request justified by a documented need. The most well-known accommodations are extra time, additional breaks, text-to-speech, and alternative test formats.

How long does the SAT take with extra time?

With one-and-a-half times the standard time (+50%), the SAT lasts 3 hours and 21 minutes; with double the standard time (+100%), it lasts 4 hours and 28 minutes, plus breaks. Under standard conditions, the test lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes.

Extra time does not always apply to the entire exam:

Extra time for reading: This applies to the entire exam, because all sections of the SAT require reading.
Extra time for math only: Applies only to the Math section.
Extra time for writing, speaking, or listening: This has no effect on the SAT.

In addition, students approved for extra time are also granted extra breaks when they use it. Break time does not count as test time: the clock stops.

Which accommodations are provided at the test center, and which are provided at the school?

Most students, including those who receive accommodations, take the SAT at a standard test center. There, accommodations such as extra time (up to +50% or +100%) and additional breaks may be provided, among others.

Other accommodations can only be provided at the student’s own school (school-based accommodations), such as dictation, a screen reader, or a private testing room. Students who are not enrolled in school should contact SSD to arrange a date and location.

What has changed recently?

Starting in the fall of 2026, students with embedded text-to-speech (Text-to-Speech Embedded) will be able to take the SAT at any test center, rather than having to arrange for it at their school. This feature is built into Bluebook, the official SAT app, and students must bring wired headphones that do not have Bluetooth or recording capabilities. All other assistive technologies continue to be permitted at the school.

How are adaptations requested: through the school or on your own?

There are two ways to request a review: through the school’s SSD coordinator or directly by the family using a paper form. In both cases, the decision rests solely with the College Board, not the school, and the review process can take up to seven weeks.

Both paths converge on the same SSD review; only one approval allows registration with the SAT with adaptations.

What does it mean to request them through the school?

Only a school that has an SSD coordinator registered with the College Board can process the application. That coordinator is the only person with access to SSD Online, the application system; families and students cannot use it. According to the College Board, the process is as follows:

The student contacts the SSD coordinator at their school as soon as they know they will need accommodations.
A parent or guardian signs the Parent Consent Form, authorizing the school to share the information.
The coordinator creates the request in SSD Online with the student’s information, the requested accommodations, and details about their diagnosis.
SSD Online indicates whether documentation is required; if so, the coordinator gathers, reviews, and submits it.
The College Board communicates its decision, which the coordinator can view on SSD Online.

This approach has a significant advantage: according to the College Board, when a student requests the same accommodations that they already receive through a formal plan at their school, in most cases no additional documentation is required. The official references to these plans are U.S.-based (IEP or Section 504 plan), so it’s a good idea to check with the College Board to confirm whether the student’s school plan is considered equivalent.

What does this mean for a school that has never processed accommodations?

For a school without an SSD coordinator, the first step is to register, which is a rigorous administrative process. The school must designate a member of its staff, who needs a College Board professional account and written approval from school administration; the College Board then verifies that person’s affiliation with the school before granting access. In our experience, most schools outside the U.S. do not have access to SSD Online, either because they have not appointed a coordinator or because they have never submitted an application to the College Board. This is not due to a lack of willingness; it is a lengthy process, and it is important for families and schools to be fully familiar with all the steps before getting started.

How do you apply without going through the school?

The family can submit the application directly to College Board using the Student Eligibility Form , a paper form. College Board considers this option when the student is not enrolled in school, when the family does not want to involve the school, or when the school cannot access SSD Online. The steps are:

Download and print the Student Eligibility Form. If you can’t print it, SSD will mail it to you.
Fill it out and gather the required documentation. When applying this way, documentation is always required.
Send the form and all supporting documents by mail or fax to SSD.
Wait for the decision, which will be communicated via email and can be viewed on the College Board’s Accommodations and Supports Dashboard.

Three practical details:

This form is not an SAT registration. Requesting accommodations and registering for the test are two separate processes.
If your school does not have a College Board code, you must look up the code for students outside the U.S. on the College Board website.
An incomplete request will not be approved, and submitting a new one restarts the seven-week process.

Does the school have to get involved even if you apply on your own?

It is not required: anyone who submits the form without the school’s involvement should leave the school’s signature section blank. However, the school usually ends up playing an important role, for two reasons. The first is documentation. According to College Board guidelines, a student’s history of accommodations in high school and the information provided by the school—such as teachers’ observations recorded on the Teacher Survey Form—are among the most important pieces of evidence for supporting an application. In our experience, applications from students who have never received accommodations at their school are less likely to be successful, although the College Board does not publish data on this. The second is the day of the exam. If accommodations are approved that can only be provided at the school, the student will take the exam there. In addition, the College Board recommends that families confirm with the school’s SSD coordinator that everything is in order before the exam, especially if they submitted the request without going through the center.

What documentation does the College Board require?

The College Board requires documentation that confirms the diagnosis, explains how it affects the student during the exam, and justifies each requested accommodation. A simple doctor’s note is usually not enough: the documentation must reflect a comprehensive evaluation, including a summary of the results and the scores from the tests administered.

Its documentation guidelines are summarized in seven criteria:

A clear diagnosis, issued by a qualified professional.
Up-to-date information, within the validity period for each case.
Educational, medical, and developmentalhistory, including the use of accommodations at school.
Diagnosis supported by testing, with a narrative summary and scores.
Description of functional limitations: how the condition affects academic performance and participation in the exam.
Justification for each accommodation, linking it to the diagnosis. For example, a request for extra time must document the student’s difficulty with timed tests.
The evaluator’s credentials, including their degree and professional certification.

How long are the reports valid?

It depends on the condition: for learning disabilities, the evaluation must not be more than five years old. The College Board applies different time limits depending on the case:

Learning disorders (including dyslexia and dysgraphia): Educational evaluations and testing should not be more than five years old.
ADHD: In most cases, the educational evaluation should not be more than five years old. Cognitive tests may be older, although those administered before third grade may not be valid, and medical or psychiatric evaluations must have been updated within the last year.
Physical or medical disabilities: If the initial evaluation is less than one year old, it does not need to be updated.

What mistakes can lead to a denial?

One of the most serious mistakes is a lack of consistency between the diagnosis, the student ’sacademic record, and the accommodations requested. The College Board requires that the documentation explain the connection between the student’s condition and each requested accommodation.

It also recommends not requesting accommodations that the student will not use. Incomplete documentation, reports that are past their expiration date, and medical reports that do not include a comprehensive evaluation can also delay or prevent approval.

Does the documentation need to be translated into English?

The College Board does not state on any of its official pages that documentation must be submitted in English or that a certified translation is required. According to EPIC students who have requested accommodations, the standard practice has been to submit reports already written in English or to include a certified translation from the original language.

Even so, before submitting the documentation, we recommend contacting the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) directly to confirm whether the reports documenting the student’s disability need to be translated.

What happens if the College Board denies the accommodations?

If the College Board denies a request, in whole or in part, it sends a letter explaining the reason for the decision. Initiating the process does not guarantee approval, and it’s important to keep that in mind from the start. Once you receive that letter, there are several possible scenarios:

If the letter requests additional information, the family and the school can gather the missing documentation, following the College Board’s guidelines, and submit it.
If the documentation did not justify the accommodations, it is usually necessary to provide different or additional documentation to reapply for them. The College Board warns that requesting a different accommodation without new information will likely not change the decision—for example, requesting less extra time with the same documentation.
If the request is only partially approved, the College Board recommends first assessing whether the approved accommodations are sufficient. If they are not, you can submit new documentation to justify the accommodations that were denied.

Keep the deadlines in mind: any resubmissions or additional documentation can add another seven weeks to the process. If the decision does not arrive in time for the scheduled date, any accommodations approved at a later date may be used on future College Board exams. To address questions about a specific case, contact the SSD department directly through the College Board’s official contact page.

What happens if your accommodations are approved?

If the College Board approves the request, it sends a decision letter with a letter of eligibility that details the accommodations for each test and includes the student’s eligibility code, which is required to register for the SAT. From that point on, the accommodations are linked to the student: they can use them throughout high school without having to reapply, as long as they request the same accommodations.

When should you register for the SAT if you’re waiting for your accommodations to be approved?

Registering for the SAT and requesting accommodations are two completely separate processes: you can complete them in any order. It’s most common for students to register for a test date while the College Board is still reviewing their request. If you register before receiving approval, you’ll do so as a standard test-taker. Once the College Board approves your accommodations, contact SSD so they can be added to your existing registration. Then, verify that they appear on your admission ticket in Bluebook before test day. If you have approval before registering, you’ll confirm during registration whether you want to use them for that test date. In both cases, please note that accommodations cannot be added or canceled on the day of the exam: any changes must be requested from SSD at least five days in advance. If the accommodations have still not been approved five days before the exam, the College Board suggests considering rescheduling to a later date.

What do you need to do on test day?

Approved accommodations are listed on your registration and in the exam application. When you start the exam in Bluebook, you’ll see a screen with your name and the accommodations you’ve been granted. Even so, the College Board recommends bringing your eligibility letter to every test, even if you’ve used the same accommodations before. And there’s one important rule: you cannot add or waive accommodations on the day of the test. Any changes must be requested from the SSD at least five days in advance. For the rest of the day, you can check out our guide to SAT test day.

SAT Special Accommodations in Europe

The process for requesting SAT special accommodations is managed globally by College Board, which means the core steps are the same regardless of where you are. However, there are practical differences that students in Europe need to be aware of — from how supporting documentation is typically structured in each country’s educational system to the availability of test centers that can administer accommodated testing. Here is what you need to know, country by country.

How do students in Italy request SAT special accommodations?

Italian students requesting SAT special accommodations should be aware that documentation from Italian medical and educational professionals is accepted by College Board, but it must meet College Board’s specific requirements — a diagnosis from an Italian specialist alone is not always sufficient if it does not include a description of functional limitations and the specific accommodations being requested. All documentation must be translated into English by a certified translator before submission. Students with a certificazione di disabilità or a PDP (Piano Didattico Personalizzato) from their school may be able to use elements of that documentation, but should verify with College Board whether it meets the full requirements before submitting. The seven-week review window applies regardless of country, so Italian students should factor this into their registration timeline alongside SAT test dates available across Italy. EPIC Prep has an office in Milan — contact our team if you need guidance on how to structure your preparation around an accommodations timeline.

How do students in Spain request SAT special accommodations?

Spanish students requesting SAT special accommodations can submit documentation from Spanish medical professionals and educational psychologists, provided it meets College Board’s requirements for diagnosis, functional limitations, and requested accommodations. All documentation must be translated into English by a certified translator before submission — this applies to school reports, medical diagnoses, and any supporting materials regardless of their origin. Students who already have an official dictamen de escolarización or documentation from their school’s equipo de orientación may find this a useful starting point, but should confirm with College Board whether it satisfies their specific submission standards. Spain has SAT test centers across the country, including in Madrid and Barcelona and beyond — however, not all test centers are equipped to administer accommodated testing, so confirming availability at your preferred center is an essential step before registering. Start the process as early as possible: the seven-week review window, combined with registration deadlines and the time required for certified translation, means that delays in documentation can cost you your preferred exam date. EPIC Prep has offices in Madrid and Barcelona and has been supporting Spanish students since 2010.

How do students in Germany request SAT special accommodations?

German students requesting SAT special accommodations should prepare documentation that aligns with College Board’s requirements, even if it originates from German medical or educational sources. All documentation must be translated into English by a certified translator before submission — this includes any formal diagnoses, psychoeducational assessments, or school support reports. A formal diagnosis from a German specialist — such as a Fachärztliches Attest or a psychoeducational assessment — can form the basis of the submission, but must be accompanied by a clear description of functional limitations and the accommodations being requested. Students who have existing support documentation from their Gymnasium or international school should verify whether it meets College Board’s standards before relying on it for submission. With test centers available in multiple cities across Germany, including Berlin, confirming which centers can administer accommodated testing is an important practical step — not all locations offer this. Verify current availability directly with College Board and register well ahead of the deadline to account for both the certified translation process and the seven-week review period.

How do students in the Netherlands request SAT special accommodations?

Dutch students requesting SAT special accommodations should ensure their documentation meets College Board’s requirements regardless of its origin. All documentation must be translated into English by a certified translator before submission — including any school-based reports, medical diagnoses, or specialist assessments. Reports from Dutch medical professionals or school-based support documentation — such as an OPP (Ontwikkelingsperspectief) or a dyslexia declaration from a recognized Dutch testing body — may provide a solid foundation, but must include the functional limitations and requested accommodations that College Board requires. The Netherlands has SAT test centers available across the country, including in Amsterdam — verify directly with College Board which centers can administer accommodated testing before selecting your preferred location. Given that the seven-week review period, combined with the time needed for certified translation, can significantly affect your registration timeline, Dutch students targeting admission to programs at the University of Amsterdam, TU Delft, Erasmus, or VU Amsterdam should begin the accommodations process well before their target exam date.

How do students in Switzerland request SAT special accommodations?

Swiss students requesting SAT special accommodations face the same global College Board process but should pay particular attention to both documentation standards and translation requirements. Switzerland has a multilingual educational system, and documentation may come in German, French, or Italian depending on the canton — regardless of the original language, all documentation must be translated into English by a certified translator before submission. A formal diagnosis from a Swiss specialist combined with a clear description of functional limitations and requested accommodations is the standard requirement. Switzerland has SAT test centers available across the country, including in Zurich — verify which centers can administer accommodated testing directly with College Board, as not all locations offer this. For students targeting ETH Zurich or EPFL, where only very high scores are competitive, ensuring that accommodations are in place well before your exam date is especially important — any delay caused by the review process or the certified translation step that pushes you to a later sitting can affect your entire application timeline. EPIC Prep has an office in Zurich — get in touch with our team for guidance on planning your preparation alongside the accommodations process.

Can EPIC help you prepare for the SAT if you’re planning to request accommodations?

Yes. At EPIC Prep, we have tutors with extensive experience preparing students who have requested special accommodations for the SAT. During tutoring sessions, preparation strategies are tailored to each student’s specific needs, so they can approach the exam in a way that best suits their profile.

If you’d like to learn how we can help you, check out our resources or contact our team.

This article is an informative guide based on information published by the College Board and our students’ experiences. Requirements, deadlines, and procedures are subject to change at any time, so we recommend always consulting the official information at accommodations.collegeboard.org before beginning an application. The decision regarding accommodations rests solely with the College Board, and EPIC Prep is not responsible for the decisions it makes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I request SAT accommodations?

Allow at least seven weeks—which is how long the College Board’s review may take—and even longer if there’s a chance they’ll request additional documentation. The College Board publishes an application deadline for each SAT testing window on its website.

Does submitting the application guarantee that I’ll be granted accommodations?

No. The decision depends on whether the documentation meets the College Board’s criteria, and the request may be approved, partially approved, or denied.

What happens if I register for the SAT before the College Board approves my accommodations?

You can register without any problem: registration and accommodations are separate processes. If your accommodations haven’t been approved by exam day, you’ll simply take the exam under standard conditions, without them. The results are still valid. If approval is granted after you’ve already registered, contact SSD so they can add it to your record before the exam.

Does requesting accommodations automatically register me for the SAT?

No. These are two separate processes: first, you request accommodations, and once they’re approved, you register for the SAT using your eligibility code.

Do approved accommodations apply to all College Board exams?

Yes, as long as you request the same accommodations. Once approved, a student can use them throughout high school without having to reapply, and students who already have accommodations approved for the PSAT or AP exams do not need to request them again for the SAT. To request different accommodations, you must submit a new application.

Can I request the same accommodations I have at school?

Yes, but they are not granted automatically. The College Board only approves accommodations that are necessary for an exam administered in a structured, quiet environment, and only when supported by documentation.

What happens if I’m missing documentation?

SSD does not begin reviewing the application until it receives all the necessary documentation. An incomplete application will not be approved, and submitting additional documentation can add another seven weeks to the process.

Will colleges know that I took the SAT with accommodations?

No. According to the College Board, when colleges receive SAT scores, they do not know whether the student took the test with accommodations.

We hope this article has answered your questions. If you have any questions about your preparation, please contact us and we will be happy to explain how EPIC Prep can help you achieve your goals.

Jaclyn Caruana

Jaclyn Caruana is co-founder of EPIC Prep and one of Europe’s leading experts in international exam preparation. She is the author of the first books ever written worldwide on Digital SAT preparation, as well as the book Desmos SAT Hacks, and the creator of Boost Your Prep, the first European SAT preparation software developed by a test prep company. She holds a degree in Business and an MBA, and runs EPIC Prep’s YouTube channel, with over 30,000 subscribers, where she shares strategies and resources for students aiming to gain admission to the world’s top universities. Since 2010, she has helped hundreds of students in Italy, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands achieve their goals in the SAT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, and GED.