Does NHA provide special accommodations?

NHA provides exam accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Candidates who have a documented disability may submit an accommodation form along with the necessary supporting documentation.

Please review the frequently asked questions below regarding accommodations.

When does a candidate need to submit an accommodation request?

NHA recommends submitting an accommodation request as early as possible and at least 30 days before the scheduled exam date. Candidates must complete their exam registration through their NHA account before submitting an accommodation request.

For Candidates Testing Through PSI: Candidates should not schedule an exam date and time with PSI until their accommodation request has been approved and NHA has provided instructions for scheduling the exam with the approved accommodation(s).

How long does it take to receive accommodations?

Candidates are encouraged to submit requests at least 30 days before their exam date. Review timelines vary based on the nature of the request and the documentation provided. Although NHA strives to complete accommodation reviews within 30 days of submission, review timelines may vary based on the individual circumstances of each request.

What you need to know about exam rescheduling?

Once accommodations are approved, a candidate may need to reschedule an exam through their institution if the approved accommodation could disrupt other candidates. There is no penalty or additional cost for onsite exams rescheduled due to approved accommodations.

For exams scheduled through PSI, any rescheduling must occur at least 24 hours before the scheduled exam time. Failure to reschedule within this timeframe may result in forfeiture of the exam fee and require a new application and payment.

How long do approved accommodations remain valid?

Approved accommodations are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of approval unless they are granted for temporary conditions with a specified duration. During the approval period, accommodations will automatically be applied to future NHA examinations.

If a candidate changes testing locations or testing providers during the approval period, they must notify the NHA Compliance Team to ensure approved accommodations are properly applied. See the section “What if a Candidate Changes Testing Locations or Providers?” for additional information.

Is English as a Second Language (ESL) considered an accommodation?

No. English as a Second Language (ESL) is not considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Therefore, NHA does not grant testing accommodations solely because English is a candidate’s second language.

What types of accommodations may be approved?

Accommodation decisions are based on individual needs and ADA guidelines. Common accommodations include: extended testing time, a reader to read exam questions aloud, and other approved testing assistance.

If a reader is approved: the reader does not need to be a certified proctor, must not have a conflict of interest, a separate proctor is still required, and the candidate, reader, and proctor must test in a separate room away from other candidates to prevent disruptions.

What documentation is required?

Candidates must provide one of the following:

Option 1: Submit a complete Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. Please upload the entire IEP or 504 Plan document. The documentation must include all required information to be considered for accommodation review.

Option 2: Submit a letter from a qualified, independent healthcare professional, such as a physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. An independent healthcare professional cannot be the candidate requesting the accommodation or a relative of the candidate.

The documentation must include: a description of how the diagnosis impacts the candidate’s ability to test under standard testing conditions; the specific accommodations being requested; for temporary conditions, the diagnosis date, expected duration, and evaluation method. The documentation must be on the professional’s official letterhead, dated and signed by the professional.

Documentation issued within the last five years is preferred, although older documentation may still be reviewed.

If a school has already approved accommodations, does NHA automatically honor them?

No. Candidates must still submit a request through the NHA Compliance Team. NHA independently reviews accommodation requests to ensure exam security and appropriate implementation for accredited, high-stakes examinations.

Can accommodations be used for PSI testing?

Yes. PSI can administer all accommodations approved by NHA. Candidates approved for accommodations other than extended time must test in person at a PSI testing center. Extended time is the only accommodation that will be provided through Live Remote Proctoring (LRP). After approval, candidates will receive instructions on how to schedule with PSI.

What if a candidate changes testing locations or providers?

If a candidate changes from one testing modality or provider to another, such as moving from a school-administered exam to a PSI-administered exam, the candidate must first register for the examination through their NHA account and then notify the Accommodation Team at compliance@atitesting.com.

The email must include: the candidate’s name, NHA Account ID, city and state listed in the NHA account, and a statement requesting that previously approved accommodations be transferred to the new testing provider.

A new accommodation request is not required unless different accommodations are needed or more than one year has passed since approval.

Is the exam application process different for candidates requesting accommodations?

No.Candidates follow the standard exam registration process and must register for the examination before requesting accommodations.

What to know about candidates taking a second exam or retaking an exam

Candidates taking a second examination or retaking a previously unsuccessful examination. do not need to re-apply for accommodations unless it has been longer than 1 year since the initial approval or the candidate wants NHA to consider different or additional accommodations. However, it is important to follow the instructions below:

• If testing at the same institution, candidates should confirm with the institution prior to the exam date that their previously approved accommodations will be available for the scheduled exam.

• If PSI administered the previous exam and will administer the new exam, candidates should contact PSI at 800-537-1565, extension 6750, to confirm that approved accommodations have been applied to the new appointment.

• If testing at a different institution or with a different testing provider, candidates should follow the procedures outlined in “What if a Candidate Changes Testing Locations or Providers?”

Who can be contacted about accommodation requests?

Institution administrators or candidates with questions about a submitted accommodation request may contact compliance@atitesting.com. The email must include: the candidate’s name, NHA Account ID, city and state listed in the NHA account. A confirmation email is automatically sent to the candidate within a few minutes of submitting their application. Additional status updates will be provided to the candidate periodically throughout the review process. To avoid duplicate inquiries and ensure timely communication, we kindly ask institution administrators to check with the candidate regarding any updates before submitting follow-up requests.