Testing Accommodations
AEC’s Alternative Testing Center administers accommodated course exams for students with prescribed testing accommodations. We also support SJSU standardized testing as needed.
The Alternative Testing Center is equipped with assistive technology software and hardware to support accommodations prescribed by AEC, with approximately 38 accessible stations and trained staff.
Alternative Testing Guide 2025-2026 [pdf]
Testing - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How are testing accommodations being administered?
Students can review the Alternative Testing Guide for 2025-2026 [pdf] for information on how testing accommodations will be administered.
How do I request accommodations (including alternative testing) in MyAEC?
You must request any prescribed accommodations in MyAEC each semester. Our tutorial video provides step-by-step instructions on how to do so.
When should I request accommodations (alternative testing included) in MyAEC?
Accommodations/Testing Accommodations can be requested in MyAEC at any time during the semester. You must request testing accommodations in MyAEC before you will be able to use them. AEC recommends that you request testing accommodations as early as possible.
How will my professors know I have testing accommodations?
Once you have requested your accommodations in MyAEC, each of your faculty members will receive an email called a “Faculty Notification Letter.” The Faculty Notification Letter informs faculty of your prescribed accommodations.
You will receive email copies when each Faculty Notification Letter is sent out. You can also access records of each Faculty Notification Letter sent on your behalf in your MyAEC profile in the “My Mailbox” section.
Note: If you request accommodations in MyAEC before the semester begins, your Faculty Notification Letters will not be sent out until a couple days before the beginning of the semester to ensure your faculty don’t accidentally miss them.
Once I have requested my testing accommodations in MyAEC, do I also need to request accommodations for each specific exam?
Yes.
Requesting accommodations for every exam is required that AEC's Testing Center and Faculty can make necessary arrangements.
How do I request accommodations for each exam?
In-Person Class:
Our Test Accommodation Form Tutorial Video will guide you on how to do so.
On-Line Class:
Request Alternative Testing Acommodations through MyAEC. Email instructors 3 business days before each exam (including final exams).
What should I do if my time is not extended for an online exam?
If you log into your online exam and your time has not been extended, follow these steps:
-log out of the exam immediately
-Email your faculty to inform them your time has not been extended. Faculty should respond shortly and extend your time.
-If faculty does not respond or are not able to extend your time, email aec-exams@sjsu.edu and we will assist.
- Do not attempt to take your exam until your faculty and/or AEC have communicated with you to confirm your time has been extended.
NOTE: Emails received after hours will be answered the next business day (AEC Testing Hours)
I forgot to request my testing accommodations at least 3 days prior to my exam. Are my faculty required to provide my accommodations?
No.
Requests must be submitted at least 3 business days prior to the exam date; failure to do so will result in AEC not proctoring the exam. If faculty is unable to make alternative arrangements for student's testing accommodations, student will test in class under standard testing time and conditions. Student must check SJSU email and MyAEC regularly to ensure important reminders/announcements are not missed.
I need to reschedule an exam due to an illness/emergency. What should I do?
Contact aec-exams@sjsu.edu.
Some of my exams overlap due to my testing accommodations. What should I do?
Students must inform AEC of any academic schedule or disability-related conflicts at least 2 weeks before an exam date so AEC can identify an alternate time aec-exams@sjsu.edu.
What am I allowed to bring into the testing room?
Allowed items: Pens/pencils, testing aids approved by faculty, required testing items such as Scantrons or essay books.
Not allowed: Electronics (e.g., cell phone, laptops, tablets, smart watches, recording devices etc.), backpacks/purses, food/drinks unless prescribed, gum, unauthorized testing aids.
Can I store personal belongings (such as backpacks or bags) in AEC while I am testing?
Bring only what you need for your exam. Other belongings (e.g., bags/backpacks, food, etc.) must be stored outside the testing location. AEC has lockers available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Does AEC provide testing materials (e.g., scantrons or green books) and other aids (e.g, calculators or rulers)?
No, AEC does not provide any aids other than a pencil or pen. You are responsible for your own required testing materials and aids.
When Should I request my Final Exam(s) Request?
Fall Final Exam Deadline: November 1st
Spring Final Exam Deadline: April 1st
Late final exam request:
-there is no guarantee the AEC will proctor the exam.
-they will be placed on a waitlist to receive a seat if one becomes
available.
-If a student has submitted a late final exam request, they should talk to their
faculty to:
