DSP Accommodations
The CBTF supports a range of DSP accommodations directly within PrairieTest. This page explains what is supported, how accommodations get applied to your exams, and what to do if something isn't in place before your test.
For accommodation questions, email cbt-help@berkeley.edu. For questions about your specific accommodations, contact your course staff or your DSP Access Specialist.
How Accommodations Are Applied
You do not submit your accommodations directly to the CBTF. The process works as follows:
| 1 |
Register your accommodations with DSP |
| 2 |
Log in to PrairieTest at least once early in the semester |
| 3 |
Your course staff shares your accommodation list with the CBTF |
| 4 |
Make your reservation as normal |
Important: Accommodations must be submitted to the CBTF lead by your course staff at least 5 business days before student sign-ups open for each exam. CBTF staff cannot add or modify accommodations during or immediately before an exam.
Supported Accommodations
| Accommodation | How it is handled at the CBTF |
|---|---|
| Extra Time (150% or 200%) | Built into PrairieTest. Your extended time is automatically factored into your reservation. You will bridge into the following session as needed. |
| Reduced Distraction | Specific seats in the CBTF are designated as reduced distraction. A desk barrier and noise-cancelling headphones will be provided. |
| Personal noise-cancelling headphones | You may bring and use your own noise-cancelling headphones during the exam. |
| Eating, drinking, or taking medication | You are permitted to eat, drink, or take medication as needed during your exam. |
| Leaving and reentering the room | You will be checked out of PrairieTest when you leave to prevent access to the exam outside the room. Upon return, you will be checked back in and your exam will resume. The exam timer does not stop. |
| Rest breaks | You may take rest breaks at any point. The exam timer does not stop during breaks. |
| Time of day restrictions | You can self-select your preferred session time when making a reservation to avoid times that conflict with your accommodation. |
Accommodations Not Currently Supported
The following accommodations cannot be fulfilled at the CBTF. If you have one of these accommodations, your course staff will need to make alternative arrangements for your exam, typically through a separately proctored remote session.
- Alternate sitting / standing during exams
- Adjustable table or leg elevation
- Room alone
- Late arrival
- Screen readers
- Speech-to-text
- Any accommodation not explicitly listed above
If you are unsure whether your accommodation can be met, email cbt-help@berkeley.edu before the start of the semester so arrangements can be made in advance.
If Your Accommodations Were Not Applied in Time
If your accommodations were not entered before you made your reservation, your existing reservation will not reflect them. To fix this:
- Delete your existing reservation in PrairieTest
- Confirm with your course staff that your accommodations have been entered by the CBTF lead
- Rebook your reservation. Your accommodations will now be applied automatically
If no slots remain in the testing window after your accommodations are corrected, contact your course staff. They will need to arrange an alternative exam time or grant an override. CBTF staff cannot add accommodations during an active exam session.
Need Help?
For CBTF accommodation questions, email cbt-help@berkeley.edu. For questions about your accommodation letter or DSP registration, contact your DSP Access Specialist directly. For questions about how your accommodations affect your specific exam, contact your course staff.