Requirements for New SAT Test Centers
Learn what it takes to meet facility, staffing, and technology requirements for SAT testing.
Getting Started: Eligibility and School Information
Most SAT Weekend test centers are high schools or approved educational facilities that can meet the College Board's operational, facility, staffing, and technology standards.
Schools that host the SAT typically have a College Board Level II Attending Institution (AI) school code or a Designated Institution (DI) higher education code. If your institution does not currently have one or is new to working with the College Board, our team can guide you through obtaining a code during onboarding. Not having a code at the outset does not automatically prevent you from applying.
Centers are expected to have a seating capacity for at least 25 test takers; however in rare cases exceptions may be made.
Facilities and Technology Requirements
Successful administration begins with the right environment. Test centers must provide:
- Quiet, well-lit, and comfortable testing rooms
- Seating arranged so students are at least 3 feet apart, allowing proctors to move freely
- Clear lines of sight for proctors throughout the room
- Capacity to support one or more testing rooms
Because the SAT is administered digitally, technology readiness is essential. Schools must ensure:
- Reliable internet connectivity with sufficient bandwidth to support all testers; minimum required bandwidth is 200 Kbps (0.2 Mbps) per student testing simultaneously on the same network
- Completion of required technology readiness checks before test day
- On-site technical support during testing
- Visit the Bluebook Technical Readiness Checklist to learn more about how to prepare
Test takers must bring their own devices, which must meet College Board requirements. Test centers are not required to provide devices. Students without access to a device can request one through the College Board device lending program.
Staffing and Test Day Roles
Each test center must designate a test center coordinator who serves as the primary contact with the College Board and oversees all aspects of the administration. The coordinator ensures staff are trained, policies are followed, materials and technology are ready, and testing runs smoothly.
Depending on the number of students and rooms, additional staff may include proctors, hall monitors, and a technology monitor.
Staffing is determined based on room assignments and student counts. Each testing room needs one proctor, with additional staff (e.g., room, hall, and technology monitors) added as needed. Detailed guidance is provided during training. All testing staff are compensated according to College Board guidelines, and payment is issued after successful completion of testing and required documentation.
