a woman in a wheelchair taking an exam

We are committed to ensuring that the Aptis ESOL test is accessible and fair. If you have a disability, there are several ways we can support you to take Aptis ESOL.  

How and when do I request special arrangements?  

If you need to request special arrangements, you will need to let your test centre know six to eight weeks in advance. 

Contact your Aptis ESOL test centre and let them know:  

  • the test date you want to register for and the test location  
  • the type of special arrangements you require  
  • any previous test accommodations.  

Your will also need to support your request with medical evidence, which should:   

  • be legible and issued within the last two years 
  • be an original document on headed paper and bearing the name, relevant qualification(s), signature of a recognised practitioner and a stamp
  • give a clear statement of your disability
  • make it clear how the disability justifies your request. 

The British Council will review your application and will respond as soon as possible with the accommodations available for your test. We will accommodate every test taker to the best of our abilities, but please note that not all requested accommodations may be granted.  

What type of special arrangements and support can we offer you? 

We can provide arrangements as listed below,  and we treat each application as unique, and all cases are considered on an individual basis. 

There are two kinds of special arrangements we provide: 

  • modified test materials 
  • administrative arrangements (e.g., extra time). 

Modified test materials 

If you require modified test materials due to hearing or visual impairments, you may be eligible for modified exam materials, including: 

  • Braille papers (Grade 1/un-contracted or Grade 2/contracted) 
  • an amanuensis (a person who will write down your answers) 
  • a screen reader 
  • a scribe/copier (verbatim transcript) 
  • large print: either A4 size (18pt bold font) or A3 size (15.5pt font) 
  • speaking materials: Braille or large print written prompt or large print visual prompt 
  • in serious cases of severe impairment, candidates can be exempt from a component (reading or listening)

Modified test materials involve a pen and paper format or another modified version of the test. 

Administrative arrangements 

If you require administrative arrangements due to dyslexia, cognitive or physical difficulty, you may be able to request them for a computer-based test, including:  

  • extra time: 25-100 per cent extra time depending on a test taker’s need 
  • supervised breaks during the test 
  • a separate room 
  • separate or special invigilation 
  • longer, scheduled breaks 
  • adapted marking 
  • use of own computer equipment.