An accommodation assessment is used to determine if a learner or student requires certain support or accommodations to help him/her achieve his/her potential and are usually done during a child’s high school education. A formal assessment is required to apply for the accommodations during the learner’s Grade 11 year in preparation for their Grade 12 and final year of schooling. This can however be applied for from their Grade 8 year.

Concession and accommodation assessments are generally required by schools, education departments and the IEB when applying for learners to be granted the following accommodations during examinations:

• Additional Time – An additional five, ten or fifteen minutes per hour of examination is granted to learners.
• A Scribe – A scribe writes verbatim what the learner dictates. A separate venue is required for this accommodation. The entire examination session must be recorded and a copy of the recording submitted with the answer booklet.
• A Reader – A reader reads all text in an examination paper to a learner. The learner may request sections of text to be re-read. A separate venue is required for this accommodation. The entire examination session must be recorded and a copy of the recording submitted with the answer booklet.
• Amanuensis – An amanuensis is a person who reads to and scribes for the learner. The entire examination session must be recorded and a copy of the recording submitted with the answer booklet. A separate venue is required for this accommodation.
• A Prompter – The function of a prompter is to refocus a learner who is easily distracted. This may be done using a verbal or physical cue. A separate venue is required for this accommodation. The prompter may not interfere with the learner’s answers to the examination.
• Spelling – A spelling accommodation is awarded when there is a significant discrepancy between the chronological age and spelling age of the learner and the learner’s ability to express thoughts adequately is thus compromised. A spelling sticker is placed on each of a learner’s answer books. The marker must ignore the spelling as long as what is written is phonetically correct. Please note that in the languages in Paper I where textual editing is examined and spelling is part of the content knowledge required at Grade 12 level spelling will count.
• Handwriting – A handwriting accommodation means that a sticker is placed on each of a learner’s answer books. This indicates to the marker that untidy writing must be accommodated
• Enlarged Print – Enlarged print can be requested to make an examination paper more accessible to a learner.
• A Computer – A learner may use a computer to present his/her answers in a typed form. Access to a printer is essential. A separate venue is required for this accommodation.
• Medication/Food Intake – Learners may require an opportunity to take medication during an examination and/or have access to food and beverages used to maintain sugar levels and treat low blood sugars. Rest breaks should also be applied for in conjunction with this accommodation. A separate venue is usually required when this accommodation is granted.
• Rest Breaks – A rest break is a period of time when the learner is not required to be at his/her desk but must remain in the examination venue. Rest break time does not count as extra writing time. The rest break time used will be added to the examination session. A separate venue is required for this accommodation.
• Separate Venue – A separate venue is a quiet environment away from the main examination centre. The use of a separate venue is either to assist an individual learner or to prevent possible disturbance to others.