Last verified: October 2026
Can a Broward family pay for testing, evaluations & assessments with Florida scholarship money?
It depends on the program: Unique Abilities: eligible; PEP: eligible; Private School Scholarship: eligible from leftover funds after tuition. Norm-referenced tests, AP exams, industry certification exams, career assessments and repeat evaluations are payable.
What are the rules for testing, evaluations & assessments in 2026-27?
These rules come from Step Up's 2026-27 purchasing guides and its September 16, 2026 summary of changes.
- An assessment that is not on the list needs pre-authorization.
What is not allowed for testing, evaluations & assessments?
The items below are excluded or need approval first.
- Medical examinations
How do Broward families use testing, evaluations & assessments?
A private psycho-educational evaluation is frequently the first step toward FES-UA, and a repeat evaluation can later be paid from an account already open.
How does a Broward family pay for testing, evaluations & assessments?
Begin with MyScholarShop, where listed items need no further approval, and next try Find Providers in EMA so tutors, therapists and instructors are paid directly. If neither works, pay by card, save the itemized receipt and ask for reimbursement. Something the guides leave out must be approved before you buy it, and requests for 2026-27 approval stop on May 28, 2027.
Which programs allow testing, evaluations & assessments, and which do not?
Each program treats testing, evaluations & assessments differently, and the table gives the status for all three.
| Program | Status | What the rule says |
|---|---|---|
| Unique Abilities (FES-UA) | Eligible | National and state norm-referenced tests, AP exams, industry certification exams, transition assessments, career-interest assessments, and initial or repeat evaluations. |
| PEP (home-directed ESA) | Eligible | AP exams, norm-referenced assessments, placement exams and certifications; PEP students must take an annual norm-referenced test. |
| Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) | Eligible from leftover funds after tuition | A test fee counts as an allowed school fee, and outside assessments are paid from leftover money. |
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Based on the FES-UA Purchasing Guide (FCSUA and Step Up For Students) and the PEP Purchasing Guide for 2026-27, plus Step Up's "Program Handbooks and Purchasing Guides: Summary of Changes" dated September 16, 2026. Treat this as a plain-language summary and not legal advice, since the handbook of your funding organization governs.