Who you request HESI testing accommodations from depends on where and how your HESI exam is administered. For HESI Distance Testing, accommodation requests go through Elsevier, while exams given at your nursing school’s own testing site are generally handled by the school’s disability or accessibility office. Knowing which route applies to you before test day can save time and prevent problems with your paperwork.
Why the Accommodation Request Process Isn’t the Same for Everyone
The HESI ADA accommodation request process depends on who is running your exam. Remote HESI Distance Testing uses Elsevier’s accommodation process, while a school-administered exam is normally handled by the nursing program or its disability services office.
If your exam is remotely proctored, Elsevier reviews your request and supporting documents under its own process. If your nursing school runs the exam at its testing centre or lab, the school usually decides what accommodation can be provided and how it will be arranged.
If you’re comparing testing options, our guide to online HESI testing vs. testing center comparison can help you understand the difference between the two settings.
Before gathering documents, confirm which testing format your program uses. This tells you where to submit your request and which process you need to follow.
What Documentation You’ll Typically Need
Most accommodation requests need records that explain your disability, how it affects testing, and why the requested accommodation is needed. A diagnosis by itself may not give the reviewer enough information to understand what support you need during a standardized exam.
You will commonly need:
- A description of your disability from a qualified specialist
- Details about how the condition affects standardized testing
- The specific accommodation you are requesting
- An explanation of why that accommodation is needed
- Details about previous accommodations on standardized exams, when requested
These are the main HESI accommodation documentation requirements applicants should prepare for. Documentation is generally the student’s responsibility to arrange and may need to be obtained at the student’s own expense.
Check your existing records before starting the request. If an evaluation is several years old or does not explain your needs during testing, you may need updated documentation.
Step-by-Step: Requesting Accommodations for Distance Testing (Elsevier)
For a remote HESI exam managed through Elsevier, submit your accommodation request and supporting records through Elsevier’s designated process before taking your scheduled exam.
1. Register for Your HESI Exam
Register for the HESI exam you plan to take according to the instructions provided for your program. Follow any timing instructions Elsevier gives about registration and accommodation requests.
2. Complete the Required Form
Find the HESI distance testing accommodation form and read the instructions carefully before filling it out. Enter your personal and exam information exactly as requested.
3. Add Your Supporting Records
Attach the documentation from your qualified evaluating specialist. Make sure the records clearly explain your condition, its effect on testing, and the accommodation being requested.
4. Submit the Request
Send the completed form and supporting documents using the submission method provided by Elsevier. Keep copies of everything you submit for your own records.
5. Wait for the Decision
Do not assume that submitting a request means the accommodation is already approved. Wait for confirmation before your exam session and follow any instructions given for remote testing.
Depending on the setup, remote testing may involve the HESI Secure Browser, Guardian Browser, or approved remote-proctoring services such as Live+/Review+. Your approval should make clear what you need to do on test day.
Step-by-Step: Requesting Accommodations for a School-Administered Exam
For an exam given at your nursing school’s testing site, start with the school’s disability or accessibility office rather than sending the request directly to Elsevier.
The school will normally ask for documentation covering your diagnosis, functional impact, and requested accommodation. Once approved, the school can coordinate with its testing office to arrange the setup.
Ask about the school’s accommodation deadline as soon as you know your HESI date. Also ask how the approved arrangement will work during the exam, such as extra time, a separate room, assistive technology, or another approved adjustment.
If you are still deciding where your exam will be held, our guide towhere to take the HESI exam explains the main testing options.
Common Accommodations Requested for Standardized Entrance Exams
Common accommodations include extended testing time, additional or longer breaks, a separate quiet room, assistive technology, and alternative-format materials such as larger text.
An HESI extended time request should explain the need for extra time rather than simply state that more time is preferred. The amount of time approved can depend on the documented need and the testing provider’s rules.
For a better idea of the standard exam schedule, see our guide on how long is the HESI exam and how to manage time.
Other arrangements may be possible depending on your documented needs and the testing format. Approval is based on the accommodation review, not simply on what a student asks for.
Timing: Why You Should Start This Process Early
Start your HESI testing accommodations request as soon as you know you will need one. Finding a qualified specialist, collecting records, submitting paperwork, and waiting for a decision can all take time.
If you need to request disability accommodation nursing entrance exam, do not leave the process until a few days before your test. An accommodation generally needs to be approved and arranged before you take the exam.
Build this step into your HESI registration plan rather than treating it as something to handle at the last minute. Our HESI exam registration guide can help you plan the registration process around your intended test date.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who do I contact for HESI testing accommodations?
For HESI Distance Testing, accommodation requests go through Elsevier’s accommodation process. For an exam administered at your nursing school’s own testing site, start with the school’s disability or accessibility office. Identify your testing format first because this determines who handles the request.
- What documentation do I need for a HESI accommodation request?
You will typically need documentation from a qualified specialist describing your disability, how it affects standardized testing, and the accommodation being requested. Previous accommodation history may also be requested. Follow the requirements for the specific testing route you will use.
- How early should I request HESI testing accommodations?
Request them as early as possible, preferably well before your exam date. Specialist appointments and documentation can take time, and the reviewing organization needs time to assess the request and arrange the approved setup. Submitting paperwork shortly before the exam does not guarantee that it will be processed in time.
- What accommodations are commonly granted for the HESI exam?
Common accommodations include extended testing time, additional or longer breaks, a separate quiet room, screen-reading or other assistive technology, and larger-print materials. The accommodation approved depends on the student’s documented needs, the testing format, and the rules of the organization administering the exam.
- Can I use an accommodation I received on a different exam for the HESI?
Previous accommodation history can support a request, but an accommodation from another exam does not automatically transfer to HESI. You still need to submit a new request and provide the records required by Elsevier or your nursing school. Include accurate details about earlier accommodations when the request asks for them.
Prepare With Confidence After Your Accommodation Is Approved
Once your accommodation is approved and your testing arrangements are confirmed, you can focus on preparing for the HESI itself. If you want structured study support, our HESI exam tutoring services can help you work through the exam content and question types. You can also contact the team if you have questions about the available support.