Overview

Candidates whose first language is not English may be eligible for additional exam time when taking an English‑language examination. Eligibility depends on several factors, including country of residence, nationality, and the country where the exam will be taken. This article explains how the ESL time allowance works and how to register.

1. Automatic ESL Time Allowance (For Candidates in ESL‑Designated Countries)

Candidates who live in and are taking the exam in a country designated as an ESL country are automatically eligible for extra time.

Additional Time Provided

• +30 minutes for Part 1, Part 2, or Bridge exams
• +30 minutes per part for Combined exams (total +60 minutes)

How It Works

• Single‑part exams: 
  Extra time is automatically added during registration and will appear on your Pearson VUE booking confirmation.
• Combined exams: 
  You must select the ESL‑specific exam code when registering:
  • OGEA‑103‑ESL
  • OG0‑093‑ESL

2. ESL Time Allowance for Candidates Not Living in an ESL‑Designated Country

If you do not currently reside in an ESL‑designated country, you may still request additional time if all of the following apply:

• You are not a native English speaker
• You do not have professional working proficiency in English
• You are a native of an ESL‑designated country or a non‑English‑speaking region (e.g., French‑speaking Canada)

Approval Required

You must obtain approval from The Open Group before booking your exam.
Requests are reviewed case‑by‑case.

Required Documentation

Submit a request through the Certification area of The Open Group Help Desk, including:

1. Name of the exam you wish to take
2. Nationality
3. Country of current residence and how long you have lived there
4. Letter from your employer (or training provider if unemployed/self‑employed)
   • Must be on company letterhead
   • Must include date, name, and signature
   • Must explain why you require additional time
5. Any additional evidence of your English‑language proficiency level

3. What Happens After You Submit Your Request

The Open Group will:

• Review your documentation
• Confirm whether your request is approved
• If approved, notify Pearson VUE
• Provide instructions for scheduling your exam with the Accommodation Scheduling Team

4. Optional: Preliminary Eligibility Check

If you want to confirm whether you are likely to qualify before requesting an employer letter, you may submit items 1–3 only for an initial assessment.

Information on ESL exams including the list of ESL Countries for The Open Group exams is available here.