Knowledge Base

NOCTI supports equitable access to assessments by providing approved accommodations aligned with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans. The examples below outline allowable options that support a high-quality testing experience for learners, instructors, and administrators.

Site Coordinators can apply accommodations such as adjusting sessions and time extensions and locking item scramble options based on IEP and 504 requirements once user codes are assigned. Site Coordinators are encouraged to plan early to ensure a positive testing experience for all participants. If accommodation adjustments are needed after testing has begun, please contact NOCTI to request support. 

To maintain the integrity of the assessment program, software platforms that require scanning or uploading NOCTI assessment content are strictly prohibited under the NOCTI Security Policy.

Participants may be assessed individually or in small groups when additional supervision, support, or accommodations are needed. Creating a positive and productive testing environment for every participant is essential. If a participant is likely to become distracted or disruptive during testing, administering the assessment individually or in a smaller group setting is a proactive approach that supports both the learner and the overall testing experience.

NOCTI assessments—whether online or paper/pencil—may be administered in multiple sessions, with most assessments allowing up to three. Decisions about the number of sessions should be made prior to placing an order to ensure a smooth testing experience. However, for online assessments, session adjustments can still be made by the Site Coordinator in the Client Services Center after user codes have been assigned and before testing begins.

A reader may be provided to support participants whose IEP or 504 plan includes this accommodation. The reader may read and clarify all sections of the assessment to ensure accessibility. To maintain assessment integrity, the reader must not offer hints, clues, or any form of feedback related to the test content. Participants receiving a reader accommodation may be assessed individually or in small groups, depending on what best supports their needs. For paper/pencil administrations, a nominal fee applies to cover the cost of printing reader booklets. 

Online assessments typically present questions and answer choices in a scrambled sequence to support test security. When a reader is required based on an IEP or 504 plan, items may be locked to maintain a consistent sequence for an individual or small group. This allows the accommodation to be provided effectively while preserving a secure testing environment. Site Coordinators can apply this setting in the Client Services Center. 

 

When possible, the reader should not be someone who is actively involved in the participant’s instruction. However, NOCTI recognizes this may not always be feasible. Schools are encouraged to follow the participant’s IEP or 504 plan while also taking reasonable steps to support objective and consistent test administration. This balanced approach ensures equitable access for learners while upholding the quality and integrity of the assessment program. 

When using paper/pencil assessments, participants may be permitted to circle their answers directly in the test booklet. To support accurate scoring, the Site Coordinator transfers these responses to the official answer sheet before returning materials to NOCTI for scoring. Careful transfer of responses helps ensure results are recorded correctly and the integrity of the assessment is maintained. 

Time extensions may be provided to participants whose IEP or 504 plan indicates that additional time is needed to complete an assessment. These accommodations are intended to support equitable access while preserving the integrity of the assessment experience. 

For online assessments, Site Coordinators can apply time extensions to user codes in the Client Services Center prior to test administration. 

When extended time is provided, participants are often best supported through separate or small group administration. If considerations such as fatigue, stamina, or focus arise, scheduling breaks within a session or administering the assessment across multiple sessions may be helpful. During any breaks, steps should be taken to ensure test content remains secure and is not shared or discussed.  

This approach helps create a supportive, fair, and well-managed testing environment that balances individual needs with program standards. 

When a participant requires a large print version of an assessment due to a documented disability, this option may be requested at the time of ordering. To allow sufficient preparation, requests must be submitted to NOCTI at least four weeks prior to the assessment date. Large print versions of answer sheets are not currently available. Participants respond directly in the large print test booklet, and the Site Coordinator transfers the responses to the official answer sheet to support accurate scoring. 

This approach helps ensure accessibility for all participants while maintaining the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of NOCTI scoring and credentialing. 

To support test security, questions and answer choices in NOCTI online assessments are typically presented in a randomized order. When a participant’s IEP or 504 plan includes the use of a reader, Site Coordinators may lock items to restrict item sequence scrambling for the test taker. This adjustment allows the reader accommodation to be provided effectively for an individual or small group, while continuing to support secure and well-managed testing environment.