Accommodated Testing
Our Testing Office assists registered ADS students with testing accommodations, such as extended time testing, reduced distraction, and alternate formats.
Any student with an approved testing accommodation has multiple options available to them to utilize this type of accommodation. Students are strongly encouraged to speak with their course instructors at least one (1) week in advance to determine what option is the most appropriate for that specific testing session.
The most common options to implement testing accommodations include, but are not limited to:
- Making arrangements directly with the course instructor/department within the classroom and/or classroom building.
- Making arrangements directly with the course instructor/department within an alternate location (e.g., departmental conference room).
- Making arrangements directly with the course instructor/department to utilize technology (e.g., ELMS/Canvas, etc.)
- Reserving a space within the ADS Testing Office
Please note: ADS students must share their accommodation letter with instructors through the portal. Test reservations are only allowed for classes where this letter has been shared, whether scheduled online or in person.
Using the ADS Testing Office
If you have approved testing accommodations, follow these steps to make a reservation with the Testing Office:
- Share your accommodation letter with your instructor via the Student Portal at the start of each semester or once you register with ADS
- Communicate your intent to implement testing accommodations within the ADS Testing Office with the course instructor
- Reserve a seat through the Student Portal at least one (1) week in advance of your testing session during the semester (review our Reservation Deadline Guide)
- Reserve your test session at the same date and time your classmates will take the exam
- Ensure the date and time of the testing session is approved by the course instructor
- If you are unable to take your exam during a timeframe that overlaps with your course testing session, you may need to email the ADS Testing Office to request a manual exam booking
Important: Advanced reservation is required – we're unable to provide same-day or walk-in testing requests.
Pro-tip: Reserve your whole semester at once! Students can reserve a seat for every test, quiz, midterm, and final exam as early as the first day of the semester! If you are having difficulties scheduling your testing reservations, do not hesitate to reach out to your disability specialist for assistance.
ADS Testing Office Procedures
Before Testing
Late arrivals: If you're running late, the time you're late will be deducted from your allotted test time (up to 20 minutes). After 20 minutes, you will need to talk to your instructors about possibly rescheduling the exam with the ADS Testing Office.
Belongings: Please keep personal items like bags and coats aside during the test and breaks. If you need them, kindly inform the proctor.
Technology: Turn off cell phones and smartwatches. If you don't have a bag, we can hold them for you during the test.
Check Your Location: ADS uses multiple testing locations each day. Please check your Student Portal for your confirmed location before arriving to complete your testing session.
During Testing
Forms: At the beginning of each testing session, you will be asked to sign an Acknowledgement of ADS Testing Procedures form.
Procedure: Stick to authorized materials, and remember to manage your time. If you have questions or concerns during the test, write them down – they'll be sent to your instructor. And if any issues arise, let our ADS staff know during the exam.
Breaks: Sign out and back in on the attendance sheet provided. Students are responsible for keeping track of the time while taking a break. Please note, the end time of your exam will not change, unless you have an approved accommodation.
Contact Us
Accommodated Testing Office
M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
0118 Shoemaker Building
Phone: 301-314-7217
Email: adstest@umd.edu
Final Exam Week (Extended Hours)
M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
If the first day of exams falls on Saturday, the extended hours are as follows: Saturday through Thursday - 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ADS Testing Office follows the same schedule as all other UMD offices.
- In the event of a delayed opening, the ADS Testing Office will open at the advertised time. Testing sessions that were scheduled during or overlapping the delayed time, will need to be rescheduled in 3 business days.
- In the event of a snow day, the ADS Testing Office will be closed, and your exam will need to be rescheduled. Exams can be rescheduled in 3 business days.
If an exam is cancelled, your instructor may either administer the accommodated exam personally OR assist you in rescheduling the exam with ADS. Please note that 3 business days notice is required for rescheduling with the Testing Office.
Your testing location (classroom building and room number) will display in the Student Portal the morning of the scheduled testing date. If you arrive at the wrong testing location, please obtain a ticket from the proctor. This ticket can be submitted to the proctor of the correct location to offset lateness.
You should never skip class, be late, or leave early to obtain your additional time in another course. ADS cannot excuse absences if a student makes a personal decision to do this.
If a time conflict prevents you from testing at a specific day/time, please inform your professor as soon as possible. ADS can assist in making arrangements to allow you to test without any scheduling conflict.
You should bring:
- Photo ID
- Calculator (when permitted by instructor)
- Personal computer (for ELMS exams)
- Notes, cheat sheets, or reference materials when permitted by instructor
We will provide:
- Scantrons
- Answer booklets
- Scratch paper
- All necessary assistive technology related to approved testing accommodations
- Noise canceling earbuds