Testing Accommodations for Cadets
Civil Air Patrol regulations govern policies on special accommodations which may be afforded to members when conducting graded/scored tests. This web page only intends to provide guidance to members and parents on cadet testing accommodations protocols and does not serve as official policy or instruction for the administration of testing.
These accommodations do not only pertain to "written-style" testing—such as leadership and aerospace tests—but also pertain to physical/skill-based testing—such as drill or fitness tests.
Accommodations Afforded
Testing accommodations vary person-to-person and should be determined as a joint approach between parents, CAP leaders, and the cadet involved to ensure that a reasonable, practical approach is taken to assist cadets in maximizing their testing performance. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to providing accommodations for testing; each situation is unique to each individual.
While there is no specific type of accommodation which must be provided, some of the accommodations that can be made available and implemented include, but are not limited to:
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Allowing for extra time to complete normally-timed tests
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Verbally conducting tests to explain the question in another manner
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Allowing cadets to complete tests by explaining their selected answers
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Conducting testing away from other individuals or in an environment which reduces distractions
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Providing an option to type answers instead of writing them by hand
The intent is to provide an alternative means to complete testing without compromising the integrity of test questions/standards (i.e., not "giving the answer" but instead, for example, giving a different explain which can help to lead to the cadet selecting their answer). Accommodations made must be reasonable and directly relate to the cadet's needs to successfully progress through the CAP Cadet Program.
Accommodations are not required to be requested; and parents or cadets may choose to forgo testing accommodations to "give it a try" and see how the cadet performs without the accommodation. In such instances, individuals should be mindful that cadets may not re-test for at least 7 days after failing to pass any test regardless of accommodations afforded.
Agreeing on Accommodations
Most of the time, the need for additional testing is captured on cadet member applications when they first join Civil Air Patrol; however, it is not uncommon for existing members to require new accommodations after they have already been in CAP for a period of time.
Parents should be sure to disclose any needs for additional testing early on in the cadet's membership (preferably during the application process). Still, cadets may request testing accommodations when signing up for testing via the squadron's Cadet Testing Request Form by making their request in the Additional Information box.
Parents of cadets who may already be on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) should have that information disclosed to CAP leaders to ensure that the unit can best mirror accommodations provided within the IEP in order to provide the most stable, consistent testing approach for the cadet.
The Squadron Commander is the ultimate authority to approve or deny testing accommodations for cadets and may reach out to parents to provide more information to ensure the best approach is taken.
Confidentiality of Accommodations
CAP makes every attempt to make testing accommodations discreet and confidential to need-to-know personnel in order to maximize the integrity of testing programs and minimize sharing an individual's personal matters.
Need-to-know personnel include:
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Testing Officer (and/or designated test administrator)
*Senior-ranking cadets may be considered need-to-know in order to assist in facilitating the testing or ensuring that the cadet is excused from activities during their personal testing period.
Additional Questions, Concerns, or Consultation:
Parents of cadets (or parents of prospective members) may request additional information or seek advice/consult by directly contacting unit leadership or via our web Contact Form.
