What To Expect On The Digital SAT® Test Day: Things To Remember!

Last updated: April 4th, 2024

Taking the SAT®? Read on to know what to expect on the test day and tips to remember as you prep for it — instructions, procedures, breaks, and more.

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If you are planning to take the Digital SAT®, it is important to know what to expect on test day. That’s why we compiled a list of things you need to do before test day and things you need to follow once you enter the SAT testing room to have a stress-free testing experience.

What to Expect on Test Day

When your Digital SATtest day arrives, do not feel anxious and overwhelmed. Have faith in your abilities, and you will be good to go. You can expect the following on your test day:

Arrival

When you reach your test center, you’ll be asked to present your photo ID and admission ticket for identification purposes.

In the testing room

A seat will be assigned to you. As you settle into your seat, the proctor will read out all the necessary guidelines and instructions related to the test.The proctor will provide a start code, and your test will begin once you enter it.

Taking the test

Once the proctor signals, you can begin the test.

You must not skip any section, and you cannot go back to a previous section
You cannot begin working on another section even if you finish a section early
You are not permitted to leave the test center even if you finish the test ahead of time.

Breaks

You’ll get a 10-minute break between the Reading and Writing section and the Math section. You can take another break if necessary, but you will lose testing time. Remember to keep your device open even while on break.

After the test

You’ll probably finish your test by noon. When the test is over, your responses will be automatically submitted. The proctor will collect your scratch paper, return any belongings, and dismiss you.

Digital SAT Test – Do’s and Don’ts

Once you enter the test center, you will be assigned a testing room. Following that, you can expect the following dos and don’ts:

Complete the test check-in process on your testing device. Follow the instructions provided by your proctor if you are unable to finish the setup and log-in process.
You must connect to the testing site’s Wi-Fi network. This ensures the College Board® receives all your answers.
If your device loses connection to the internet when the digital SAT ends, you must reconnect within 24 hours and follow the instructions in the Application.
As you may already know, the Digital SAT consists of four modules. It is important to note that once you leave a module, you will not be able to return to any of its questions.
The timer will let you know when the time is up. The testing app will automatically save and submit your work, and you will not be allowed to continue working on a question after the time is up.
You cannot complete a module or submit your answers before the timer expires.
You must stay in the testing room for the full duration of the test.
Remember to suspend and close any other program or application while the test is running. If you are seen working on any other application, it might result in the cancellation of your score.
All your work should be done in the Bluebook^TM testing application. Refrain from submitting any handwritten work, uploading any photos, or submitting your answers through any other method.
Refrain from using a calculator on any test section other than the Math section.
Students who have been approved for extended testing time and are testing for more than 3 continuous hours will be able to use a power outlet at their testing location.

You must note that it is important to follow the testing policies set by the College Board on the test day, as any violation may lead to dismissal and cancellation of your scores. To read about these policies in detail, read our page on SAT test policies and accommodations.

Things to Remember Before SAT Test Day

There are a few things to keep in mind before your test day to ensure a smooth testing experience. Refer to the following points:

Print your admission ticket

Be sure to sign in to the Bluebook™ App to download and print your admission ticket. You will not be allowed to enter the test center without it.

Stay up to date with your test center information

There is a possibility that your test center might be changed before the day of your test. Keep track of test center closings on the days leading up to your test and ensure that your test center has not closed or changed. It is a good idea to check with your test center a day before or on the morning of your test day.

Follow the entry time

Test center doors open at 7:45 am and are closed at 8 am. You can check the details on your admission ticket for any variations in times. You will not be allowed into the test center once the doors are closed and the test has begun. In such a case, it is recommended to reschedule the test, as it costs less than re-registering.

The test duration is 2 hours and 14 minutes, and you are not allowed to leave the test center before that, even if you complete your test early. The test ends somewhere around noon, after which you can leave the test center.

References

What to Expect on Test Day. (n.d.). Collegeboard.org. Retrieved February 2024, from https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/what-to-bring-do/what-to-expect
SAT Terms and Conditions. (December 18, 2023). Collegeboard.org. Retrieved February 2024, from https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/terms-conditions
What to Bring and Do on Test Day. (n.d.). Collegeboard.org. Retrieved February 2024, from https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/what-to-bring-do