ACCA and CIMA Exam Adjustments: How to Apply and What Each Body Publishes
ACCA lets you apply for exam adjustments through MyACCA with evidence, generally by the standard entry closing date. CIMA publishes a Special Accommodations Policy on the AICPA and CIMA website.
Sitting a professional exam with a disability, long-term condition or learning difference can mean asking for changes to how you take it. ACCA and CIMA each run their own process, and they publish different amounts of detail. According to ACCA, you apply through MyACCA with a description of up to 4,000 characters and supporting evidence, generally by the standard entry closing date. CIMA publishes a Special Accommodations Policy on the AICPA and CIMA website, but the page we read did not list the accommodations, the evidence needed or the deadlines. This guide sets out what each body publishes and what we could not confirm. For other exam-day rules see our ACCA exam day rules.
At a glance
| Item | What the official sources say |
|---|---|
| ACCA route | Apply in MyACCA under additional support for exams (ACCA) |
| ACCA description | Up to 4,000 characters, with supporting evidence (ACCA) |
| ACCA evidence files | PDF or JPEG files of up to 2 MB, in English; Word files are not accepted (ACCA) |
| ACCA deadline | Generally by the standard entry closing date, and earlier for some conditions (ACCA) |
| ACCA examples | Extra time, rest breaks, a reader, a scribe, a word processor (ACCA) |
| CIMA policy | Special Accommodations Policy version 3.3, posted February 2026 on the AICPA and CIMA website; details are in a PDF we could not read |
How ACCA's additional support works
ACCA's additional support page says you apply through MyACCA, using the additional support for exam option. You describe your circumstances in up to 4,000 characters and attach supporting evidence. The evidence must be a PDF or JPEG file of up to 2 MB, in English, and ACCA does not accept Word files. ACCA gives extra time, rest breaks, a reader, a scribe and a word processor as examples of adjustments. We could not find a published list of every adjustment, so describe what you need and let ACCA respond.
ACCA's deadline
ACCA says requests should generally be made by the standard entry closing date, and earlier for some conditions. It warns that late requests may not be processed in time. We could not find a separate deadline for on-demand exams, so assume the same advice applies and apply as soon as you know which exam you will take. Our ACCA exam dates and deadlines lists the closing dates for each session.
If your performance is affected after the exam
ACCA publishes a separate route for circumstances that affect you at or before an exam: a mitigating circumstances request through the portal. It is different from an adjustment you arrange beforehand. Our ACCA exam cancellation and refund rules explains how ACCA treats entries and refunds.
What CIMA publishes
The AICPA and CIMA website carries CIMA's Special Accommodations Policy as a download. The file name shows version 3.3, and the page is dated 4 February 2026. The page says CIMA welcomes exam entries from candidates with disabilities and special educational requirements. The page prompts visitors to log in or create a free account, and it does not list the accommodations, the evidence required or the deadlines. Those details are in the PDF, which we could not read. Read the current policy yourself before you apply.
A separate CIMA policy
The AICPA and CIMA website also lists a special consideration policy for CIMA. We did not read it. Special consideration generally deals with circumstances that affect an exam, so ask CIMA which policy fits your situation.
Where exams are sat
ACCA has withdrawn remote exams in countries where it has exam centres, so for most students an adjustment will mean arrangements at a centre. See our guide to ACCA remote exams in 2026 for the changes, and our ACCA computer-based exams guide for how computer-based exams work.
Practical advice
Start early. Gather your evidence before you open the application, because the file rules are strict. Keep copies of everything you send and the confirmation you receive. If you study for both ACCA and CIMA, expect to make a separate application to each body. When your application is approved, check the written confirmation and bring it with you if the body asks.
What we could not confirm
We could not confirm what evidence ACCA requires from a professional, how long ACCA takes to decide, the full list of CIMA accommodations or CIMA's deadlines. If you need certainty, contact the body before you pay for an exam entry. If you are choosing a qualification, our ACCA courses and CIMA courses pages explain the routes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for ACCA exam adjustments?
Through MyACCA, using the additional support for exam option, with a description of up to 4,000 characters and supporting evidence.
What file types does ACCA accept as evidence?
PDF or JPEG files of up to 2 MB, in English. Word files are not accepted.
When should I apply?
ACCA says generally by the standard entry closing date, and earlier for some conditions.
Does CIMA publish its accommodations?
CIMA posts a Special Accommodations Policy on the AICPA and CIMA website, but the details are in a PDF and the page prompts for a free account.
Can I apply after I have sat the exam?
ACCA has a separate mitigating circumstances route through the portal for problems that affected your performance.
Next steps
Read our ACCA exam day rules and ACCA exam dates and deadlines next. If you are comparing study options, see our Learnsignal pricing page.
Source: ACCA additional support page, ACCA knowledge-base article on mitigating circumstances and the AICPA and CIMA special accommodations policy page. Checked October 2026.
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Learnsignal Education Team
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