Comfort aids

Comfort aids are items that candidates can bring into the testing room without an accommodation. These items do not need to be pre-approved by Pearson or the exam sponsor. However, all comfort aids are subject to visual inspection before candidates can bring them into the testing room. See the Pearson website for a current list of permitted comfort aids:

https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/test-takers/accommodations/comfort-aid-list.html

Comfort aid exceptions

PVTCs: Though not required, Pearson VUE recommends that earplugs, noise-reducing headphones, and tissues or Kleenex be available to candidates. If your site does not have these items, an accommodation is required.

PVTC Selects:

You are required to have earplugs available at your test center in case candidates request them.
Though not required, Pearson VUE recommends that noise-reducing headphones and tissues or Kleenex be available to candidates. If your site does not have these items, an accommodation is required.

If you give the candidate earplugs, make sure to remove the earplugs from the package. Earplug packages are not permitted in the testing room.

The following items are not comfort aids and are not allowed in the testing room unless the candidate has an approved accommodation:

Prescription smart eyeglasses (see Checking eyeglasses)
Handheld diabetic testing supplies, such as monitors, lancets, syringes, and other items not attached to the body

Note: If an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor is attached to the candidate's body and inaudible, it is considered a comfort aid.

Other medical devices (unless attached to the candidate's body and inaudible)

Inspecting comfort aids

Hearing aids (including Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids) are considered a comfort aid unless they require an external device (such as a mobile phone) to function. If the hearing aids cannot function without a mobile phone, then the candidate must request an accommodation in advance. For more information, see Hearing aids and other in-ear devices.

Visually inspect all comfort aids before you allow the candidate to bring them into the testing room. Do not directly touch the item or the candidate, and do not ask the candidate to remove the item. The only exception to this process is eyeglasses, which candidates are asked to remove and show (but not hand over) to the test administrator. For more information, see Checking eyeglasses.

In general, you do not need to create a case when candidates use a comfort aid unless the aid is unusual or suspicious. Check the exam sponsor's documentation for any nonstandard case requirements. If you do notice something unusual, create a case, selecting these options:

Admissions/Check-in

Personal item inspected

In the case Description field, explain what is unusual about the item.

If you are unsure whether a specific item is considered a comfort aid, inform the candidate that you need to get approval and immediately call the test center support line to contact the accommodations team.