What are access arrangements?

Access arrangements are reasonable adjustments put in place by ICAEW to support students with disabilities, health conditions or Specific Learning Difficulties through their qualification journey. They help give every student the best chance of completing their exams successfully.

What do access arrangements cover?

They can be put in place for a range of physical disabilities, impairments and medical conditions; mental health issues such as anxiety and depression; and those who are neurodivergent, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. Accommodation can also be made for those who need to take breaks at particular times, for example to observe prayers, take medication, or if they are breast-feeding.

How and when do I apply?

If you believe you require access arrangements, you should apply as soon as you register as an ICAEW student at exams online. That way, you’ll know exactly what arrangements will be put in place for you from your very first exam. Otherwise, apply as soon as you’re aware that you might need access arrangements.

For Certificate Level exams, you need to apply at least 21 working days before your intended exam date. For Professional and Advanced Level exams, the deadline is 21 working days before the session closing date (see all the ACA dates and deadlines here). If you miss the deadline, your application will still be processed, but any arrangements will not apply for that particular exam session. At busy times, and for more complex cases, it can take longer than three weeks to put the right arrangements in place, so it’s always better to apply as soon as possible.

What evidence do I need to provide?

When you apply, you’ll be asked to submit a covering letter, a medical report form and any additional supporting evidence. The medical report form must be completed by a qualified and registered medical practitioner, like your GP or a specialist. This will usually be someone who has seen or treated you in person, and your diagnosis must be current. 

For Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) like ADHD and dyslexia, you’ll need a SASC compliant diagnostic report. ICAEW will consider a Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) or pre-16 diagnostic report, but there’s a limit of 25% on the extra time you may be given. 

For prayer breaks, you must advise ICAEW no later than the relevant deadline for the exams which you’ll be sitting.

For those who are pregnant, you’ll need to submit a MAT B1 form or a medical report from a doctor or midwife. For those breastfeeding, you’ll need to submit your child’s birth certificate.

As well as describing and evidencing your condition, your application must detail the reasonable adjustments that would help you. It’s not enough to say that extra time is needed – explain how much extra time you need and why. Bear in mind that if your application isn’t completed properly, or you don’t supply all the right supporting evidence, it may not be possible to process your application in time.

What if I don’t have an official SpLD diagnosis yet?

If you think you might have a Specific Learning Difficulty like ADHD, dyslexia or dyspraxia but you don’t have a formal diagnosis, caba may be able to help. As the charity for ICAEW qualified accountants and ACA students, caba offers neurodiversity support including arranging diagnostic assessments. 

What kind of accommodations might I be given?

This depends on your individual situation, but might include extra time in the exam, ‘stop the clock’ rest breaks, or the use of a reader and/or scribe. All ICAEW exams are computer-based, and the software includes accessibility features like the ability to zoom in and out or change the background colour. 

Don’t forget, too, that you have the option of remote invigilation, so if your condition restricts you from travelling, or the thought of an exam centre makes you anxious, you can sit your exams wherever you like, as long as you have a reliable internet connection and a quiet room to yourself. Find out more about remote invigilation with our FAQs here.

How much extra time will I be given?

Again, this will depend on your individual situation – and will be guided by the information you supply in your application – but there are some rules in place. Extra time and rest breaks for short-term conditions are limited to 17%, for example. Bear in mind that the arrangements you’re given by ICAEW may not be the same as those you’ve had in the past at school or university.

How long will my access arrangements last?

If you have a permanent or long-term disability or condition, they’ll be in place throughout your student journey. For short-term conditions, or conditions that could reasonably be expected to vary over time, we’ll let you know how long your arrangements last for when we grant them. You can apply for access arrangements at any point over the course of your training, and we will always consider a new or repeat application in the same way. 

What if I’m ill or injured just before an exam?

If something crops up in the weeks or days before a booked exam – or you didn’t apply for access arrangements in time – it’s up to you to decide if you’re able to sit it. Get in touch with Student Support in the first instance. 

If something happens during the exam that’s beyond your control – such as becoming ill or experiencing a panic attack, for example – it’s important to notify the invigilator immediately. You should then assess whether you’re able to continue the exam. If you’re unable to continue, you can submit an exam disruption appeal within seven days of the exam date. Bear in mind, though, that you can’t do this for any condition that was known about before the exam, even if its impact continued into the exam itself.

Find out more about access arrangements for exams here.