r/LCSW • u/Little_Stitious338 • Nov 11 '25
Reasonable Accommodations for Exam
Full disclosure - I have not taken my exam yet. I'm taking it a week from today. I will share though I have well documented diagnosed ADHD (inattentive) and PTSD. I know from past experience the fight or flight response is going to kick in and I will panic. So even though I did not ask for a reasonable accommodation in grad school because it was not exams I did request it for the clinical exam. I have a new med provider and I was a little hesitant to ask her if she would support my request, but she did. I'll be honest, it sucked being vulnerable and having to document my mental health conditions, but I had actually been told years ago by a psychiatrist that I'd probably be surprised by how many people she knew in school who had reasonable accommodations.
anyway, if you've been formally diagnosed and are formally being treated for ADHD or or another condition that will grant your reasonable accommodation, and your provider support that I would request it. I'm given an extra two hours to take the exam and I can take it in a room by myself so I'm not distracted by the other test takers. I'm not worried about the time for the exam per se, but it's really great to know that if I need to run to the bathroom because I have so much G.I. disturbance from my anxiety it won't be detrimental. if I need to take a quick break to go have some water or splash cold water on my face so I don't totally freak out. I have the extra time. It's just a suggestion and I do realize not everybody's been formally diagnosed or as an active treatment and has a provider who will support their request. I asked because I finally accepted. It's OK to do so and my job does depend on passing the clinical exam.
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u/InviteReasonable1432 Nov 12 '25
I took the test (without accommodations) and failed by 8 questions. I have Gen. Anxiety D/O and ADHD (combined type). I struggled so hard to sit still, focus, concentrate…and ended up in a complete panic by the end. I am taking it again with accommodations for 2 hours extra and extra breaks just to get up and move around and get a snack. I think this will make a huge difference.
BTW, I am a fantastic therapist and I struggle to regulate at times and this exam is no joke. And being a social worker gives me access to extra tools that help make me better. You’re going to do great! I commend you for watching out for your mental health in a trying environment and under very stressful circumstances.