Concession Assessments
Supporting Learners Who Need Exam Accommodations
A concession assessment is a specialised psychological assessment used to determine whether a learner qualifies for exam accommodations or concessions due to a learning difficulty, attention difficulty, or other barriers to learning.
In South Africa, concession assessments are often required when applying for exam accommodations through schools, the Department of Basic Education (DBE), or the Independent Examinations Board (IEB).
These assessments help ensure that learners are given fair and appropriate support during assessments and examinations, allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge without being disadvantaged by learning challenges.
What Is a Concession Assessment?
A concession assessment is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a registered educational psychologist to determine whether a learner qualifies for specific exam accommodations.
The assessment examines a learner’s:
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Cognitive functioning
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Academic skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics
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Attention and concentration
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Processing speed
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Memory and executive functioning
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Emotional and behavioural factors that may impact learning
The purpose of the assessment is to identify whether a learner’s difficulties significantly affect their ability to complete exams under standard conditions.
A concession assessment may be recommended if a learner:
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Struggles with reading or writing under time pressure
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Has been diagnosed with ADHD or a specific learning disorder
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Works significantly slower than peers during tests
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Experiences severe anxiety during examinations
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Has difficulty processing written information quickly
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Struggles with spelling or written expression
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Has previously received classroom accommodations that may need to be formalised for exams
Many learners only realise they may need exam accommodations when academic demands increase in high school.