DSP Accommodations in the CBTF
The CBTF supports a range of DSP accommodations directly within PrairieTest. This page outlines what is supported, how to submit accommodation information, and what course staff are responsible for when an accommodation cannot be fulfilled at the CBTF.
Course Staff Responsibilities
Managing DSP accommodations for CBTF exams is a shared responsibility between course staff and the CBTF lead. Course staff are responsible for:
- Designating one staff member as the CBTF contact and DSP delegate in the DSP AIM System
- Sharing the course's accommodation list with the CBTF lead via Google Sheets (with edit access) to cbt-help@berkeley.edu before the semester begins
- Keeping the shared DSP list up to date throughout the semester and tagging cbt-help@berkeley.edu whenever changes need to be entered, at minimum 5 business days before student sign-ups open for each exam. If accommodations are added in sooner than 5 business days in advance, we can not guarantee that they will be added to student's profiles in time for their reservation window.
- Accommodating and proctoring any students whose needs cannot be met by the CBTF
Important: If a student has not logged into PrairieTest with their CalNet account at least once, the CBTF lead will be unable to enter their accommodations. Remind students to log in to PrairieTest early in the semester to avoid delays.
How Accommodations Are Entered
Once course staff share the DSP accommodation list, the CBTF lead will enter each student's accommodations into PrairieTest. Supported accommodations are handled automatically at the reservation stage and will be visible to students when making a reservation. Students do not need to do anything additional when booking their slot.
The CBTF lead will notify course staff of any students whose accommodations cannot be fulfilled in the CBTF. Course staff are then responsible for making alternative arrangements for those students, such as administering a remote exam. See Missed / Conflict Exams for guidance on setting up remote sessions.
Supported Accommodations
| Accommodation | How it is handled |
|---|---|
| Room Alone | Students with this accommodation will have a separate booking process for our Room Alone desk. They will be asked to book a time using this scheduling link* Once they have booked a time and have received a confirmation email from CBTF Staff, we will directly input their reservation into PrairieTest so they do not need to book through PrairieTest. 
*Please note that time slots are only bookable 7 days in advance. |
| Extra Time (150% or 200%) | Built into PrairieTest. Once entered by the CBTF lead, the student's extended time is automatically factored into their reservation. Students with extra time 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. 
Please note that Reduced Distraction is not the same as distraction free. If the Reduced Distraction seats do not meet your DSP requirements, we offer Room Alone accommodations as well. Additionally, you can request to test directly with DSP or with your Course Staff by contacting your Course Staff. |
| Personal noise-cancelling headphones | Students may bring and use their own noise-cancelling headphones during the exam as long as they prove it's not connected to anything else. |
| Eating, drinking, or taking medication | Students are permitted to eat, drink, or take medication as needed during their exam in the designated area. |
| Leaving and reentering the room | Students are checked out of PrairieTest when they leave to prevent access to the exam outside the room. Upon return, they are checked back in and the exam resumes. The exam timer does not stop. |
| Rest breaks | Students may take rest breaks at any point during their exam. The exam timer does not stop during breaks. |
| Time of day restrictions | Students can self-select their preferred session time when making a reservation, allowing them to avoid times that conflict with their accommodation. |
Alternate sitting / standing during exams and Adjustable table or leg elevation | Students with this accommodation will be placed in height adjustable desks when making a reservation in the CBTF. |
Accommodations Not Currently Supported
The following accommodations cannot be fulfilled at the CBTF. Students with these needs must be accommodated by course staff, typically through a remote or separately proctored exam session.
- Late arrival
- Screen readers
- Speech-to-text
- Any accommodation not explicitly listed above
For students who require remote proctoring due to unsupported accommodations, see the Missed / Conflict Exams page for instructions on setting up a remote PrairieTest session.