Breaks

Although many College Board exams include scheduled breaks, students with certain documented disabilities may need additional or longer breaks. For instance, some students with medical or physical disabilities may request breaks to take medication, test blood sugar, rest, stretch, or use the restroom. Please note, additional accommodations, such as permission to eat, permission to take medication, or permission to test blood sugar, must be specifically requested.

Eligibility

Students with certain medical or physical disabilities may request breaks to:

• Take medication
• Test blood sugar
• Rest
• Use the restroom

Some students with ADHD find extra breaks helpful if they have difficulty focusing for extended periods.

Examples

Common types of requested breaks are:

• Extra breaks: These breaks are a standard length—usually 5 minutes—and are given at scheduled times.
• Extended breaks: These breaks are twice the length of time of standard breaks (i.e., 10 minutes).
• Breaks as needed: These breaks are most often granted for certain medical conditions. The breaks are not counted as testing time and allow students to test in a small group setting in their own school.