What Information Is Safe to Share in a Scribe Request?

Understanding What to Share When You Request a Scribe

When you create a scribe request, the information you provide helps match you with a volunteer and lets the exam authority verify the accommodation. Not every detail needs to be visible to everyone. Below is a practical way to think about three levels of disclosure.

1. Public information – visible to anyone browsing the platform

• First name or preferred name – helps volunteers address you comfortably.
• General exam type – e.g., “high‑school final,” “university midterm,” “professional certification.”
• Preferred dates or testing window – a range such as “June 10‑14” lets volunteers see if they’re available.
• Language of the exam – English, Spanish, French, etc.
• Accessibility needs that affect the scribe’s role – “requires a scribe who can write in large print” or “needs a quiet room.”

Why keep it public?
These details let a volunteer decide quickly whether they can help, without exposing sensitive personal data.

2. Match‑only information – shared only after a volunteer expresses interest

• Full name – required for the exam authority’s records.
• Student ID or registration number – used by the school or testing body to confirm the accommodation.
• Specific exam title and code – e.g., “Biology 101 – BIO‑101‑F23.”
• Exact start time and duration – so the scribe can plan travel and breaks.
• Contact method for the day of the exam – phone number or secure messaging handle.
• Any medical or disability documentation the volunteer needs to see – only if the volunteer asks and you feel comfortable providing it.

Why keep it match‑only?
This layer protects your student information while still giving the scribe everything they need to show up prepared.

3. Authority‑only information – sent directly to the school, university, or testing organization

• Official accommodation approval letter – the document that confirms you are eligible for a scribe.
• Detailed disability description – only if the exam authority requires it for their records.
• Special instructions from the exam body – e.g., “scribe must not use a calculator,” “answers must be written in blue ink.”
• Emergency contact for the exam center – in case the authority needs to reach someone on test day.

Why keep it authority‑only?
Exam authorities set their own accommodation rules. Sharing the full documentation only with them respects exam details privacy and follows each institution’s policy.

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Quick Reference Table

Information	Public	Match‑only	Authority‑only
Preferred name	✅
Exam type (general)	✅
Date range	✅
Language	✅
Accessibility notes	✅
Full legal name		✅
Student ID / registration		✅
Exact exam title & code		✅
Precise start time & length		✅
Day‑of contact info		✅
Medical / disability docs (if requested)		✅
Official accommodation letter			✅
Detailed disability description			✅
Exam‑body special instructions			✅
Emergency contact for center			✅

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Practical Next Steps

1. Check the exam authority’s accommodation guide – each school, university, or testing body publishes its own requirements. Verify what documentation they need before you post a request.
2. Create a draft request – start with the public fields only. Use clear, concise language so volunteers can read it quickly.
3. Decide what you’re comfortable sharing at the match stage – you can always add or remove match‑only details after a volunteer contacts you.
4. Upload the official approval letter directly to the authority’s portal (or email it to the designated coordinator). Do not post that document on the public platform.
5. Confirm the scribe’s role – remember, a scribe records exactly what you dictate; they do not answer questions, interpret prompts, or provide content.
6. Communicate any last‑minute changes – if the exam time shifts or you need a different room, update the match‑only details and notify the volunteer promptly.
7. After the exam, provide feedback – a brief note about how the scribe performed helps the platform improve future matches and supports other students with disabilities looking to find volunteer scribe assistance.

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A Note on Scribe Request Safety

Keeping the three‑tier structure in mind protects your privacy while still giving volunteers the information they need. If you ever feel unsure about a specific piece of data, err on the side of sharing it only with the exam authority or the matched volunteer. Regularly review the platform’s privacy settings and the exam authority’s latest policies, as they can change between testing cycles.

By organizing your request this way, you maintain exam details privacy, streamline the matching process, and help ensure a smooth experience on test day.