When Employer Must Offer Alternative Employment Tests

Generally, an employer is required to provide an alternative test format only if it knows prior to the administration of the test: - That the individual is disabled; and - That the disability impairs sensory or speaking skills. On occasion, however, an individual with a disability may not realize prior to taking a test that an accommodation is required. The person's awareness could occur, for instance, during the taking of the examination. According to the EEOC, the individual with a disability upon becoming aware of the need for an accommodation must inform the employer at the time. If the individual becomes aware during the taking of a test of the need for an accommodation, the person may not wait until the test results are received and then request an alternative type of examination.