How GMAT Accommodations Work: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how GMAT accommodations work, who qualifies, and how to apply step by step, so you avoid mistakes and testing delays.
Posted February 17, 2026
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Table of Contents
GMAT accommodations are formal adjustments to testing conditions for candidates with documented disabilities or medical conditions. They do not change the exam content, scoring, or how schools receive your results. In fact, business schools see the same score report for everyone who takes the test.
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reviews and approves accommodations based on your documentation and how your condition affects testing. This guide walks you through the full process so you know what to expect, how to plan, and how to submit a strong accommodation request.
What GMAT Accommodations Mean for You
GMAT accommodations change how the test is given. But it does not change the questions or your score. The goal is to give you fair access to the exam and its potential benefits. Your answers are recorded just like everyone else’s, and your score report does not show that you used accommodations.
Accommodations help remove barriers caused by documented disabilities. They are created to support you during your exam without giving you an unfair advantage. This ensures a level playing field for all students applying to MBA programs or other graduate programs.
Available GMAT Testing Accommodations
Testing accommodations vary by disability type and documentation. Requests must match the documented needs.
- Additional Testing Time: Typically approved in percentage increases (e.g., 25%, 50%, 100%), extended time supports candidates with processing speed limitations, ADHD, dyslexia, or neurological conditions that affect reading and response pace.
- Additional Rest Breaks: Approved breaks may be granted between sections or during testing to manage medical needs, fatigue, blood sugar levels, or concentration limitations.
- Testing Rooms and Test Center Adjustments: Some candidates get separate testing rooms or adjusted seating to reduce distractions and create a better testing environment.
- Assistive Technology and Physical Aids: Approved tools may include a trackball mouse, changes to the PC monitor, or other access tools that support navigation and response entry.
- Readers, Scribes, and Interpreters: Depending on documentation, GMAC may approve a reader, a scribe, or a sign language interpreter to help record test-taker responses.
- Medical Devices and Health-Related Accommodations: Approved medical device use can be part of testing accommodations. The device must be documented and approved before the exam.
Common Accommodations and Use Cases
The table below shows common GMAT testing accommodations and when they are typically used.
| Accommodation | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|
| Additional testing time | Processing speed limits, ADHD, dyslexia |
| Additional rest break | Medical needs, fatigue |
| Separate testing rooms | Anxiety, attention limits |
| Trackball mouse | Fine motor limits |
| Reader or scribe | Visual or motor limits |
| Sign language interpreter | Hearing impairment |
Who Qualifies for GMAT Testing Accommodations?
GMAT accommodations are for candidates with documented disabilities or medical conditions that substantially limit one or more major life activities relevant to test-taking. You qualify based on how the disability affects your ability to take the test, and GMAC looks at each request to see how the condition impacts your testing.
Common disability types include ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety-related conditions, physical disabilities, and chronic health conditions. Your approval will depend on how clearly your documentation supports the requested accommodation.
Step 1: Create or Access Your GMAT Account
Start by logging into your GMAT account. The accommodation request page is available within your account. You must submit and receive approval before you schedule an exam. This applies whether you plan to take the GMAT at a test center or the online GMAT.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documentation
Documentation is central to approval. You need to gather supporting documentation that clearly explains how your condition affects testing.
What should your documentation show?
Your documents should explain functional limits, testing impact, and why the requested accommodations match your needs. Clear links between the disability and the accommodation matter.
Who can provide your documentation?
A licensed healthcare provider, psychologist, or specialist may provide records. Reports should be current and specific.
Common Documentation Problems
Requests may be delayed or denied when documents lack detail, are outdated, or do not match the accommodation request. Properly document the need and avoid generic statements.
Documentation Checklist
- Diagnosis and disability type
- Functional impact during exams
- Prior testing history, if available
- Provider credentials and signature
Step 3: Submit the Accommodation Request
Submit the request through your GMAT account. Upload documents, select testing accommodations, and complete all fields. Review entries before you submit. Incomplete requests may extend review time.
Step 4: GMAC Review and Decision
GMAC reviews each request and the documentation. Review time varies. You may receive a message asking for more documents. Approval depends on alignment between the request and documented need. You may need to wait before a final decision. Plan timelines with this review period in mind.
Step 5: Schedule an Accommodated Testing Appointment
After approval, schedule an accommodated testing appointment. Scheduling differs from standard appointments. Availability at a test center may be limited. Online GMAT scheduling follows a separate process.
How Accommodations Work for the Online GMAT
Online GMAT testing accommodations apply to approved tools and timing. You must meet technical rules and use approved devices only. Testing rooms at home must meet GMAC standards. Check requirements before you schedule.
ADHD-Specific Guidance
ADHD accommodation requests often receive heightened scrutiny. Documentation should explain attention limits, timing impact, and why additional time or breaks support access. Late diagnoses are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
What Happens After Approval?
Approved accommodations appear in your account. The same accommodations may apply to retakes if approved. Separate approval rules apply for the Executive Assessment. Check approval terms before you plan another test.
Do Business Schools See GMAT Accommodations?
No. Score reports do not indicate whether you received accommodations. Schools see the same scaled score and percentile data as they do for any other candidate.
Planning Ahead
It’s important to start early if you plan to use GMAT accommodations. Give yourself enough time to gather documentation, submit your request, and align your plan with your target test prep and MBA deadlines. This ensures you can schedule your accommodated testing appointment without delays.
| Step | Recommended Timing | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Gather Documentation | 6-8 weeks before your test | Gather documentation and confirm provider reports are current. |
| Submit Accommodation Request | Before scheduling your exam | Send your request to GMAC along with all required documentation. Review time typically ranges from 3-5 weeks, depending on the completeness of your submission. |
| Review Period | Several weeks | GMAC reviews your request and may ask for more documentation. Make sure to submit your request early so it does not delay your GMAT exam. |
| Schedule Exam | After approval | Once your accommodations are approved, schedule your test as soon as possible because seats for accommodated testing can fill up quickly. |
Common Reasons GMAT Accommodation Requests Are Delayed
- Documentation does not explain the functional testing impact
- Reports are outdated
- Requested accommodations exceed documented need
- Missing provider credentials or signatures
- Applying too close to MBA deadlines
The Bottom Line
GMAT accommodations don't give you an edge. They take down obstacles that would otherwise affect how well you perform. Whether you need extra time, a medical device, or help recording your answers, it is important to have strong documentation that meets GMAC’s rules. To get the most out of your supports, practice and prepare using your approved options from the start. With the right plan, your condition becomes context, not a limitation, letting you focus on doing your best on test day.
Ready to Crush the GMAT?
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FAQs
Can you get accommodations for the GMAT?
- Yes, you can get GMAT accommodations if you have documented disabilities or health conditions that affect how you take the exam. Requests are reviewed by the Graduate Management Admission Council based on documentation and functional impact.
What are the four types of accommodations?
- GMAT testing accommodations cover things like extra time, additional breaks, changes to the testing environment, and assistive support based on your needs. These fall into categories such as timing, setting, presentation, and response supports.
How long does it take to get GMAT accommodations?
- GMAT accommodations usually take several weeks to review. The timeline starts after you submit a complete accommodation request. If GMAC asks for more documentation, approval may take longer.
Does the GMAT have ADHD accommodations?
- Yes, the GMAT offers ADHD accommodations. Common ADHD accommodations include additional testing time and additional rest breaks. Approval depends on documentation that explains how ADHD affects testing ability, not the diagnosis alone.
