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Can ADHD students receive extra time on tests through a 504 Plan? 

Yes. One of the most common supports for students with ADHD is extra time on tests, provided through a 504 Plan. ADHD extra time 504 accommodations help reduce the pressure and mental fatigue often caused by timed assessments, giving students the chance to demonstrate their knowledge without being limited by attention or processing challenges. 

Extended time is considered a reasonable adjustment when ADHD significantly impacts a student’s ability to complete tasks at the same pace as their peers. This support is widely used in both classroom settings and formal exam environments. 

Why Extended Time Matters 

Here’s how testing accommodations like extended time can benefit students with ADHD: 

Reduces time pressure  

Pupils can focus on accuracy and avoid rushing through questions, which improves performance. 

Supports concentration challenges  

Extra time allows for breaks or pauses if a student becomes distracted or overwhelmed. 

Encourages task completion  

Students with executive function difficulties are more likely to finish assessments when given a realistic time frame. 

Builds confidence  

With fair pacing, students often feel more in control and less anxious during assessments. 

In conclusion, through ADHD extra time 504 support, schools can offer meaningful exam support that levels the playing field and helps students succeed on their own terms.  

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Classroom accommodations for ADHD. 

Avery Lombardi, MSc, author for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.