General information and assistance
OPM reviews and adjudicates reasonable accommodation requests for completing the assessments on their platform.
- For general information, frequently asked questions, and request process information related to USA Hire assessment accommodations, please review the Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center.
How applicants request an assessment accommodation
Applicants must request a reasonable accommodation before beginning their USA Hire assessments by:
- Responding “Yes” to the Reasonable Accommodation question posed in their job application, or
- Submitting an OPM USA Hire Help Desk ticket.
Requests for reasonable accommodations for an assessment will only be considered prior to beginning or launching an assessment.
When an assessment accommodation request is not required
If applicants are completing assessments in an unproctored setting (i.e., not requiring a testing center appointment), they will largely be determining their testing environment.
As an applicant, they may modify the following aspects of the testing environment to incorporate many common accommodations such as:
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Use of a screen reader: They may use a software or human screen reader for the assessments without requesting an accommodation. Applicants are expected to secure and implement a screen reader (e.g., software or human) on their own before their assessment completion deadline.
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Use of closed captions: Video portions of the online assessments include closed captioning that is available to any applicant who would like to use it, without requesting an accommodation. It is recommended to use a device with a larger screen (e.g., computer, tablet) for better viewing of the closed captioning.
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Use of enlarged font: They may enlarge the font of the assessments without requesting an accommodation by using the zoom feature in their web browser window. Alternatively, they may use the Magnifier feature built into the operating system of a computer or pinch to zoom on a mobile device or tablet.
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Use of breaks: Unless the assessment instructions state otherwise, they can start and stop the assessments within their assessment completion period as needed without requesting an accommodation. If they need to stop the assessments, they should complete the item they are currently responding to and then close their web browser window. When they are ready, use the same link to access and resume the assessments from the point where they stopped. Keep in mind that assessments must be completed before their assessment completion deadline.
- Environmental accommodations: When possible, they may modify your device, desk, chair, and certain other physical and environmental factors to complete the assessments without requesting an accommodation.
Actions such as those listed above are permitted without specifically needing to request an accommodation. Applicants are expected to secure and implement all such modifications to their testing environment on their own and before their assessment completion deadline. It is also their responsibility to verify that the device (e.g., computer, tablet, mobile) they are using meets the system requirements for completing the unproctored online assessments.
How to request a job accommodation
The OPM USA Hire Program Office is only responsible for reviewing and adjudicating an applicant's assessment accommodation request related to the USA Hire assessments. A job accommodation is an adjustment to a job or work environment that makes it possible for an individual with a disability to perform the essential duties of their position.
If an applicant is selected from a job announcement, they may discuss job accommodation requests directly with the hiring agency. The job accommodation request process will differ by agency and documents and review. Accommodation decisions related to OPM’s assessment accommodation request process will not carry forward or have any impact on future job accommodation requests they submit with a hiring agency.