The following is a list of common testing accommodations that have been requested and, if appropriate, granted by ABIM:
- Additional testing time
- Extra break time
- Large-font exam materials
- Left-handed mouse set-up
- Permission to have and use diabetic supplies
- Permission to have water in a spill-proof bottle and/or a small snack
- Prescribed medication (other than pills)
- Separate testing room
- Trackball mouse
This is not an all-inclusive list of possible testing accommodations. ABIM considers the full range of available accommodations to assist candidates with disabilities.
Candidates who wish to receive extra time, extra breaks or a separate testing room must agree to refrain from discussing exam content with other candidates for the duration of their examination.
When providing certain accommodations, ABIM reserves the right to determine the location of the exam administration on the basis of the feasibility of providing necessary services.
Comfort Aids That Require Pre-Approval
Comfort aids are small, medically necessary items that require pre-approval prior to being taken in the testing room. Learn more about requesting a new comfort aid, and see below for comfort aids that do not require pre-approval.
Comfort Aids That Do Not Require Pre-Approval
Pearson VUE test centers do not require candidates to seek prior approval from ABIM in order to bring certain comfort aids into the testing room.
Examples of comfort aids that Pearson VUE has allowed in the past include:
- Insulin pump (must be non-Bluetooth capable)
- Diabetic supplies (please bring with you a small container for blood-related waste material)
- Asthma inhaler
- Canes
- Cough drops
- Crutches
- Eyeglasses
- Eye drops
- Headphones (noise-blocking and regular)
- Hearing aids
- Pillow or support cushion
The above items will be allowed in the testing room upon visual inspection by the Pearson VUE testing center staff before being taken into the testing room. For items attached to the candidate, a visual inspection will be done by examining the item without directly touching it or the candidate and without asking the candidate to remove the item.
View the current list of comfort items allowed on the Pearson VUE website (pdf) before you arrive for your exam.