What to Expect on Test Day

Before test day, make sure you're familiar with these procedures and rules.

Check for Test Center Closings

Monitor your email and the test center closings webpage in the days leading up to your test and the day of your test to make sure your test center hasn't changed or closed.

We also recommend you check the test center's website on the morning of the test.

Doors Open at 7:45 a.m.

Arrive on time on test day. Be sure to check your admission ticket for your arrival time and the address of your test center. Test centers open at 7:45 a.m. and doors close at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted on your admission ticket. You can't be admitted once testing has started. If you're late or absent on test day, you'll need to register again, and the standard testing fees will apply.

If approved to borrow a device from College Board, you'll need to arrive 30 minutes early on test day to sign in and complete exam setup. You'll get an admission ticket once this exam setup is complete.

Make sure you show up with everything you need.

Testing Starts Between 8:15 and 8:45 a.m.

Your proctor will begin check-in. Your seat is assigned, not chosen by you. Wait to be seated. Here's what will happen next:

• You'll log into the center's Wi-Fi and open the Bluebook™ application, which will guide you through instructions.
• The proctor can answer questions only about procedure, not about test questions or content.
• The proctor will give you a start code. Once you enter the start code, testing will begin, and Bluebook will keep track of the time you have remaining in each test section.
• Each student is timed individually, so you'll take breaks and complete testing at slightly different times.
• Each section of the test (Reading and Writing and Math) has 2 parts called modules, and each module is timed separately.
• You can move back and forth between questions in a module and review your answers until time expires.
• Once you've moved on from a module, you cannot go back to it.
• When the test is over, your answers are submitted automatically.
• If your submission fails for any reason, don't worry! Your answers will be saved to your device, and you'll have time to resubmit. You'll need to resubmit by the end of the following day.

The Digital Testing Application

The digital testing application, Bluebook, is a custom-built app for the digital SAT that students use to take the digital SAT. Using a custom app makes it easier for us to adapt to changes and respond quickly to user feedback. This app has many features that you'll find useful, including a test preview to help familiarize yourself with key aspects of the app before the test. Visit the Bluebook website to download the app and for installation instructions. Once you download the app, you'll be able to take free practice tests and complete exam setup (five days before the test) to get your admission ticket.

During the test, you'll have access to a set of tools:

• On math questions, you'll find a reference sheet and a calculator. You can also bring your own calculator.
• On reading and writing questions, use the annotation tool to highlight text or leave yourself a note.
• On multiple-choice questions, if you think an answer option is wrong, you can cross it out.
• You can mark for review any questions you want to come back to later.
• Zoom in and out using keyboard shortcuts on laptops or by pinching on tablets.

If you have a problem during the test, raise your hand to ask the proctor for help or click the Help icon for troubleshooting tips.

Breaks

Students will have one 10-minute break during the test between test sections. You can take an unscheduled break if you need to, but you'll lose testing time.

• Leave your device open; don't close your device.
• Keep your ID with you at all times. It will be checked every time you enter the testing room.
• If you brought a calculator, it must remain on your desk during breaks.

Dismissal

You'll likely be done before noon, unless testing with extended time. When the test is over, your answers will be submitted automatically. If your submission fails for any reason, you'll have time after the test to complete your submission—all your work will be saved to your device. You must resubmit by the end of the following day.

After the test, your proctor will collect your scratch paper, return any items of yours, and dismiss you silently because other students in your room may still be testing.

Testing Devices

You can take the digital SAT on a wide range of devices, including your own laptop (Windows or MacOS), iPad, Windows tablet, or school-managed Chromebook. Bluebook must be downloaded onto your device before test day. Then, 1–5 days before your test, you'll complete a quick exam setup. The application will confirm that your device meets all requirements, then it will download your test and generate your admission ticket.

Your device must also be able to connect to Wi-Fi and be fully charged—it will need to stay on for roughly 3 hours. We recommend you bring a power cord or portable charger, but we can't guarantee you'll have access to an outlet. You can bring an external mouse for your device and an external keyboard if your device is a tablet. Detachable privacy screens are not permitted. All other applications and programs must be closed before you enter your testing room. You can only test on one device, but if your device fails during testing and you can't continue, you can switch to a second device. Your proctor or tech coordinator will help if you need to switch devices.

If approved to borrow a device from College Board, you will need to arrive 30 minutes early on test day to sign in and complete exam setup. You'll get an admission ticket once this exam setup is complete.

Prohibited Devices

We mention mobile phones and electronics often, and for good reason. Your scores will be canceled if you don't follow the rules around devices.

Keep in mind:

• Test administration staff will collect and hold mobile phones and other prohibited electronic devices or require you to place them in a backpack away from your desk during the test administration, including during break periods.
• If your prohibited device makes noise, if you're seen using it, or if you attempt to access it at any time, including breaks, you'll be dismissed immediately, your scores can be canceled, and the device may be confiscated.
• College Board isn't responsible for loss of or damage to personal items, including electronic devices, while you're in the test center.