For ESL accommodations, what percentage of original time is added?

• A. 10 percent of original time.
• B. 30 percent of original time.
• C. 5 percent of original time.
• D. 20 percent of original time.

Answer: (D)

ESL accommodations add time by a fixed percentage of the original test duration to offset slower language processing. The standard percentage used for ARE 5.0 ESL accommodations is 20 percent. So you’d increase the scheduled time by one-fifth. For example, a four-hour exam gains 48 minutes (20% of 240 minutes), totaling 288 minutes. This extra time is to provide equal access and must be approved through the testing provider with the required documentation.