Online assessments can look neutral.
Everyone gets the same test. Everyone gets the same time. Everyone clicks through the same platform.
But equal format does not always mean fair assessment.
For some candidates, the test format creates a barrier unrelated to the job.
Adjustments that may help
Depending on the assessment, adjustments may include:
- extra time
- breaks
- accessible platform or documents
- screen reader compatibility
- use of assistive technology
- paper-based alternative
- written scenario instead of psychometric test
- practical work sample
- untimed assessment where time pressure is not inherent to the role.
Why this matters
If the role does not require rapid abstract pattern recognition under artificial time pressure, a timed psychometric test may not be the best way to assess every candidate.
That does not mean all tests are unfair.
It means the assessment method should match the capability being tested.
What to ask
> I am requesting a recruitment adjustment for the online assessment. The timed format creates a disability-related barrier for me. I would like to discuss extra time, breaks, or an alternative assessment format that tests the same role capability.
Keep the request tied to the assessment purpose.
Useful next steps
If this topic is relevant to your application, these related Team 3Thirty guides are the best places to go next:
- assessment centre adjustments
- dyslexia recruitment adjustments
- reasonable adjustments for government recruitment
Useful resources
These official resources are worth checking if you need the source guidance behind the adjustment examples: