Disability Accommodations (Epilepsy) with "Normal" scans & lack of prior historyof accomodation
Hi everyone,
I’m preparing to register for the November 2026 CFA Level 1 exam and I’m looking for some advice/experiences regarding disability accommodations.
My Situation:
Condition: I have Epilepsy. My main triggers are high stress and sleep deprivation—both of which are huge factors during CFA prep and the 5-hour exam window.
History: I haven’t had a seizure in a long time (thankfully), but I have a 10-year paper trail of regular neurologist appointments and consistent medication.
The "Problem": Like many epilepsy patients, my EEG and MRI reports are "normal."
Prior Accommodations: I never requested special treatment in high school or university. However, as we all know, the CFA is a completely different ballgame compared to 2-hour uni finals. The sheer duration and pressure are much higher risks for me.
My Questions:
Has anyone successfully received accommodations (like extra time or off-the-clock breaks) for epilepsy despite having "normal" scans?
Does CFAI weigh the 10-year history of medication and appointments heavily, even if I don't have prior "exam-specific" accommodation history from uni?
What specific "functional limitations" did your doctor focus on? (I'm planning to have my neuro focus on medication-induced fatigue and cognitive slowing).
Any tips on how to word the personal statement so CFAI understands that "stable" doesn't mean "risk-free" under exam stress?