GRE Testing Accommodations (2026)

Who Qualifies for GRE Accommodations?

ETS provides GRE accommodations for test-takers with documented disabilities or health conditions that substantially limit one or more major life activities in the context of standardized testing. The functional impact — not the diagnosis alone — determines eligibility.

Learning Disabilities

• Dyslexia — reading fluency, phonological processing, and decoding deficits
• ADHD / ADD — attention and executive function impairments with documented functional impact; note that most GRE test-takers are adults and ETS requires adult-appropriate documentation
• Dysgraphia — written expression difficulties affecting typed or written responses
• Processing speed disorders — significantly below-average processing speed on standardized assessments

Physical and Sensory Disabilities

• Visual impairments — low vision, legal blindness, total blindness
• Hearing impairments — partial or total hearing loss
• Physical disabilities — conditions affecting use of hands, keyboard, or general mobility
• Motor disabilities — conditions affecting typing speed or manual task performance

Medical and Psychiatric Conditions

• Chronic illness — MS, lupus, fibromyalgia, Crohn's disease, or similar conditions affecting stamina or concentration
• Psychiatric conditions — anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, or similar with documented functional impact on test performance
• Neurological conditions — TBI, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, or similar
• Diabetes — requiring additional breaks for blood glucose management

Available GRE Accommodations

Documentation Requirements by Disability Type

Because most GRE test-takers are adults applying to graduate programs, ETS has specific and stricter requirements for adult documentation compared to SAT/ACT. Childhood records alone are generally insufficient.

ADHD / ADD (Adult Requirements)

• Comprehensive evaluation by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist completed within the past 5 years — adult-normed assessments required
• Adult-normed standardized rating scales (Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales, Brown ADD Rating Scales, or equivalent)
• DSM-5 criteria documentation: evidence of symptoms before age 12, current functional impairment in multiple settings
• Evidence of current functional impairment in academic/professional settings — the evaluator must describe how ADHD impairs your ability to perform under timed conditions
• Professional recommendation for specific testing accommodations with clear rationale
• High school IEP/504 plans may be submitted as supporting evidence but are not sufficient alone for adult applicants

Dyslexia and Reading-Based Learning Disabilities

• Comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation using adult-normed assessments (WAIS-IV, WJ-IV, WIAT-III, or equivalent)
• Standardized reading assessments: reading fluency, phonological processing, and decoding subtests
• Processing speed scores (typically below 85–90 on standardized measures)
• Professional diagnosis and explicit accommodation recommendation for extended time, screen reader, or oral administration
• For international test-takers: equivalent assessments using adult-normed tools appropriate to your country

Visual Impairments

• Ophthalmology or optometry report documenting visual acuity (e.g., 20/200 or worse) and functional impact on reading standard computer screens
• For screen reader: documentation of dependence on assistive technology for computer-based tasks
• For large print: documentation stating optimal font size

Hearing Impairments

• Audiology report documenting degree and type of hearing loss (in dB, frequency range)
• Documentation of hearing aids or cochlear implants currently used
• Note: the GRE General Test does not include audio content — hearing accommodations primarily affect test instructions and administrative procedures
• For GRE Subject Tests in fields that do not involve audio: same policy applies

Physical / Motor Disabilities

• Medical letter from licensed physician on official letterhead describing diagnosis and specific functional limitations on typing or computer use
• For scribe approval: documentation must specifically describe why independent typing is not feasible and for how long the condition has been present
• For wheelchair or mobility setup: specify equipment specifications so ETS and Prometric can coordinate the correct physical setup

Psychiatric Conditions (Anxiety, Depression, PTSD)

• Letter from licensed psychiatrist or psychologist with DSM-5 diagnosis, duration, current treatment, and documented functional impact in academic settings
• Must describe how symptoms specifically impair performance in a standardized, timed testing environment
• Test anxiety alone does not qualify — the diagnosis must be a recognized DSM disorder with documented functional impairment beyond standard performance anxiety
• For separate room requests: documentation should explain why the standard multi-person testing environment exacerbates symptoms

Chronic Illness and Medical Conditions

• Medical letter from treating physician on official letterhead with diagnosis, current treatment plan, and description of endurance/concentration limitations
• For diabetes / insulin-dependent conditions: documentation of need for food, drink, or medication access and frequency
• For MS, fibromyalgia, or fatigue-related conditions: description of how fatigue limits sustained cognitive performance in a 4-hour test session

How to Apply for GRE Accommodations

GRE accommodations are processed through ETS Disability Services. The process is applicant-driven — you apply directly through your ETS account, without requiring a school intermediary.

1. 1
   Create an ETS account

   Go to ets.org/gre and create an account if you do not already have one. You can use the same ETS account for GRE and TOEFL registration and accommodations requests.

2. 2
   Log in and navigate to Accommodations Request

   From your ETS account, select the GRE program and find the 'Request Accommodations' option. Complete the Accommodations Request Form, specifying the accommodations you need and providing a description of how your condition impacts your ability to take the GRE under standard conditions.

3. 3
   Upload documentation

   Upload all supporting documentation directly through the ETS portal. ETS requires documentation from a licensed professional (licensed psychologist, physician, psychiatrist, or other relevant specialist) that describes your diagnosis, assessment results where applicable, functional impact, and professional recommendation for specific accommodations.

4. 4
   Submit at least 6 weeks before your test date

   ETS Disability Services recommends submitting your request at least 6 weeks (approximately 45 days) before your intended test date. Complex requests or cases requiring additional information may take longer. Submitting early provides buffer if ETS requests additional documentation.

5. 5
   Await ETS review

   ETS will review your request and documentation. They may contact you for clarification or additional information. Once a decision is made, you will be notified via your ETS account and email.

6. 6
   Register for the GRE with accommodations

   Once approved, your accommodations will be linked to your ETS account. When you register for a GRE test date, your accommodations will be automatically applied. Verify that the accommodations appear correctly on your registration confirmation.

ETS Disability Services Contact

Required Documentation Overview

Because most GRE test-takers are adults (graduate school applicants), ETS has specific requirements for adult documentation. Childhood records alone are generally insufficient for adult applicants.

Adult documentation requirements for ADHD and learning disabilities

• Comprehensive evaluation completed within the past 5 years (for adults, recent assessment reflecting current functioning is preferred)
• Adult-normed standardized test scores (e.g., WAIS-IV, WJ-IV, WIAT-III) — childhood-normed tests are not acceptable for adult test-takers
• Evidence of current functional impairment in academic settings, not just historical diagnosis
• Professional recommendation for the specific accommodations requested
• Clinician's credentials and licensure information

Accepted documentation types

Denial & Appeals Process

If ETS denies your GRE accommodations request, you will receive a decision letter explaining the reason. Most denials can be resolved by obtaining or updating documentation.

Common reasons for denial

• Documentation too old — psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluation is more than 5 years old
• Childhood-normed vs. adult-normed assessments — evaluation used norms for children or adolescents, not adults
• Missing functional impact statement — diagnosis is documented but evaluator did not describe how it impairs timed testing performance
• Insufficient ADHD evidence — diagnosis letter without standardized rating scales or functional evidence
• Unlicensed evaluator — documentation from someone who is not a licensed clinician in their jurisdiction
• Accommodation not supported by diagnosis — requesting spell check for a condition that does not involve documented spelling impairment

How to appeal

1. Read the denial letter carefully and identify the specific reason ETS cites.
2. Contact ETS Disability Services at stassd@ets.org or 1-609-771-7780 to clarify exactly what documentation gap needs to be addressed.
3. Work with your evaluator or physician to obtain supplemental documentation: an updated evaluation, additional adult-normed test scores, a more detailed functional impact statement, or a clarification letter from your clinician.
4. Resubmit through your ETS account with the new documentation, referencing your original request.
5. For formal appeals: if you believe ETS made an error and your documentation was complete and appropriate, submit a written appeal to the ETS Appeals Committee. Describe the documentation provided and why it meets ETS requirements. The Appeals Committee conducts an independent review.

Test Day Expectations

Before you arrive (Prometric center testing)

• Print or save your ETS Confirmation showing approved accommodations
• Bring valid government-issued photo ID — the name must match your ETS account exactly
• Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled start time; accommodated sessions may have additional check-in procedures
• For medication or diabetes management: inform the Prometric center administrator during check-in; keep supplies in a clear bag
• For wheelchair or physical setup: call the Prometric center in advance to confirm accessibility arrangements

During the test

• Extended time is reflected in the on-screen timer — you will see a different countdown from standard test-takers
• For a separate testing room: a Prometric proctor will be in the room or will check in periodically
• For extended breaks: breaks are built into your session schedule; inform the proctor when you need to use a break
• For screen reader / text-to-speech: the software should be pre-installed on your workstation; test it during the check-in period before starting the exam
• For spell check on the Analytical Writing section: this should be enabled automatically if approved; check before starting the first essay
• If anything appears wrong (timer incorrect, accommodation missing), notify the proctor immediately before beginning the test

GRE structure and accommodations by section

Application Timeline

GRE at Home and Accommodations

ETS offers a GRE at Home option (GRE General Test at Home) that allows you to take the exam from your own space with an online proctor. Some accommodations are compatible with the at-home format; others require an in-person testing center.

Compatible with at-home format

• Extended time (automatically applied to at-home sessions)
• Extended breaks (administered within the ProctorU online proctoring system)
• Large print (via screen zoom on your own monitor — confirm with ETS whether this satisfies your large-print approval)
• Text-to-speech / screen reader (if your approved assistive software is permitted — must be confirmed with ETS in advance)

May require in-person testing

• Scribe (cannot be administered remotely)
• Oral administration by a human proctor (not available through online proctoring)
• Sign language interpreter (not available in the at-home format)

Contact ETS Disability Services before registering for at-home testing to confirm which specific accommodations are supported in that format. The at-home format's inherently private, quiet room requirement satisfies many of the conditions that separate-room accommodations are designed to provide.

International Students

GRE accommodations are available worldwide. ETS Disability Services handles all requests globally, regardless of where you are taking the test.

• Documentation from licensed professionals outside the US is accepted; non-English documentation may require certified translation
• IEPs and 504 plans are US-specific — provide equivalent documentation from your country's educational or healthcare system
• Prometric testing centers that deliver the GRE are located in most countries; ETS will coordinate with the center regarding your accommodations
• Some international centers may have limited capacity for certain accommodations — ETS will advise on center options
• Allow additional lead time (8+ weeks) for international cases, especially where documentation translation is needed

Country-specific notes

• UK: Reports from BPS-chartered psychologists or Patoss-registered SpLD assessors are accepted
• Australia: Reports from AHPRA-registered psychologists using adult-normed assessments are accepted
• India: RCI-licensed professional evaluations are generally accepted; disability certificates under RPWD Act may supplement but do not replace professional evaluations
• China, South Korea, Japan: ETS processes requests from these regions regularly; documentation in local languages typically requires certified English translation

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Common Questions

Will graduate programs know I used accommodations?

No. GRE score reports sent to graduate programs do not indicate whether you received testing accommodations. Programs receive only your section scores — Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing — identical in format to any other applicant's report.

I already have TOEFL accommodations approved — does that apply to GRE?

Not automatically. Although the same ETS Disability Services office handles both, accommodations are test-specific. You must submit a separate request for GRE accommodations. However, if your documentation is already on file with ETS, the review process may be faster.

What if my documentation is more than 5 years old?

ETS will evaluate it, but old documentation significantly increases the risk of denial for learning disabilities and ADHD, particularly for adult test-takers. Updated documentation that reflects your current functioning is strongly recommended. For stable physical disabilities or permanent sensory impairments, older documentation may be acceptable with a supplemental letter confirming the condition is ongoing.

Can I use accommodations on GRE Subject Tests?

Yes. GRE Subject Tests (Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology) use the same ETS accommodations process. Submit your request specifying that you are taking a Subject Test. Subject Tests are paper-based, which may affect which specific accommodations apply — confirm with ETS Disability Services.

Can I combine the GRE at Home format with extended time?

Yes. Extended time is compatible with the GRE at Home format. Once approved, your extended time accommodation is applied to your at-home session just as it would be at a Prometric center. The ProctorU online proctoring system can accommodate extended time sessions.