Should Certifying Agencies Make More Time for ESL Candidates?

Members of the Certification Network Group on Linked In recently had a discussion that you may find useful regarding ESL candidates.

Many certifying agencies do not currently allot more time on an exam for ESL (or English as a Second Language) candidates, most likely due to ESL not being a covered condition or a disability under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). The questions asked about this issue include: if an agency is going to allow more time for ESL candidates, how much more time is appropriate? Should an additional fee be assessed? Should ESL candidates have to satisfy certain criteria before being given the additional time?

There are some agencies that do allow extra time for ESL candidates, such as the Association for Professional Development, a certifying body that offers an hour of extra exam time for ESL candidates and use of a native-to-English dictionary during the exam.

Other organizations have set policies that allow proctors to make a discretionary decision to allow an additional 30 minutes to those individuals whose primary language is not English. While not appropriate for all situations, some certifying bodies have taken a greater step to fully translate, validate and provide exam materials in multiple languages. This provides the non-native English speaker an opportunity to become a certified without the challenge of having to master a second language first.

What are your organization’s policies when it comes to ESL candidates? Is this an issue you face or expect to face in the future?