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Special Considerations

Exam Accommodations

General Information

The ICAO provides reasonable test accommodations to individuals who have documented disabilities (physical, mental, or learning impairments) within the definition provided by the Human Rights Code. Accommodation requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure equal opportunity for candidates to fully demonstrate their qualifications without altering the nature or level of the qualification being assessed. We consider each case after carefully reviewing the submitted documentation; however, submitting a request does not guarantee receiving accommodation. Accommodations are provided to ensure that all students are treated fairly on all evaluations.

Specific accommodations depend on the nature of the disability. Accommodations may include, but are not limited to,

• providing a quiet room with minimal distractions;
• permitting timed rest breaks during the exam;
• providing enlarged font on the exam question and answer papers;
• allowing a medical device in the examination room, such as an inhaler or diabetic equipment (if not attached to the student’s body); and
• increasing time permitted for the examination.

To request an accommodation, submit all of the required forms and information no later than 10 weeks before the examination. This allows sufficient time for us to review the application and, if necessary, request additional information and receive it from the applicant. Applications submitted closer to the exam date run the risk of being denied.

We may accept applications up to 2 weeks before the examination date in exceptional circumstances, such as in the event of an accident or for compassionate reasons.

Mail original documentation to

Jacqui Mulligan, CA
Director of Examinations
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario
69 Bloor Street East, Toronto, ON  M4W 1B3

We will send you an email upon receipt of your application.

Application Checklist

1. Accommodation Request Candidate Form 1 (required)
2. Accommodation Request Medical Form 2 (required)
3. Accommodation Request Waiver Form 3 (required)
4. Current psychological assessment with clear statement of diagnosis (if applicable)
5. Cognitive Disability Score Sheet(if applicable)
6. Evidence of accommodations granted by universities or professional education programs (if applicable)

If you wish to discuss these provisions further, please contact Jacqui Mulligan , CPA, CA .

If your accommodation request is approved, register for the exam at the centre where you wish to write, then contact Christina Karat at the Institute at 416-962-1841 (ext. 275) at least 4 weeks before the examination date. This allows sufficient time for the approved arrangements to be made at the centre where you plan to write.

Appeals

Appeals are allowed, but only if you provide new information or evidence relevant to your case. After receiving your initial decision, you have 7 days to launch an appeal. The ICAO reserves the right to subject applicants to testing by its own psychological expert in order to assess the case under appeal.