SSAT at Home Preparation Checklist
Congratulations, you're registered for the SSAT at Home! Now let's get you prepared for a successful test day experience by following this checklist for test takers in the U.S., U.S. territories, and Canada.
Congratulations, you're registered for the SSAT at Home! Now let's get you prepared for a successful test day experience by following this checklist for test takers in the U.S., U.S. territories, and Canada.
We understand that taking an online standardized test at home is likely a new experience for your family. The resources on this page will help you prepare for test day, so all that your student will need to think about is doing their best to answer the questions.
Sometimes when you use a computer or the internet things don’t quite work as expected. Maybe there are too many people on your wifi, your computer needs an update, or your internet provider is experiencing connectivity issues. We understand, and we’re committed to making sure you have the chance to take the SSAT at Home.
If you run into any technical difficulties on test day, so long as you clicked to launch your test within the time period for your test, the day after testing your account will be updated and have an option to reschedule for free.
After you purchase the SSAT at Home, you can log in and click to schedule your test date and time with our partner PSI. Your selected test date must on or before July 8, 2023, the final SSAT at Home test date of the testing year.
You must make sure your student's computer, internet, and testing area are properly set up three to four days before the scheduled test to have adequate time to fix any issues.
The SSAT at Home works on a Mac or PC (laptop or desktop) as long as you have a microphone, speakers, a webcam, a strong internet connection, and the Chrome Browser. It will not work on a Chromebook, tablet, or cell phone.
If you don't have a computer that meets these requirements, you can request an Equity Kit (see step #4 below).
It's also essential to find a room free of clutter and distractions for your student to take the test. Only two pieces of plain notepaper, a pencil, and a clear water bottle are allowed in the work area. You'll be asked to do a live room scan via your webcam before the test begins.
Using the Chrome web browser, complete a system check on the computer your student will use for the test. We recommend you complete this step 3-4 days before your test. You will receive an email before the test with more important updates.
You may need to uninstall the secure browser if you've taken the test before.
If you don't have access to a computer or a strong internet connection, we can help. We'll send you an Equity Test Kit including everything you need to take the SSAT at Home at no charge. The kit includes a laptop and a mobile internet hotspot that is available whether or not you have a test fee waiver.
Please note: If you're requesting a kit, register for the SSAT at Home but wait to schedule the test until after you've received the kit to ensure it arrives on time.
It can take a few weeks for Equity Kits to arrive. If you've already scheduled a test and are uncertain whether the kit will arrive on time, you can reschedule the test at no charge as long as you do so at least 72 hours before your test.
Here are some of the most important tips you need to know to have a successful test day experience.
Important: Make sure you close all applications and reboot your computer prior to starting the test, as well as keep your computer plugged into a power source during the test.
As with the in-person SSAT, there are steps that students need to complete before starting and rules to follow, all designed to keep students focused and maintain the test integrity. For example, students can’t talk, cover their mouths, or leave the room during the test (except during breaks).
Students should stay focused on their computer and scrap paper; an alert from the system or a proctor's chat message will appear if they stray.
Please review our test day tips below to prepare.
Most students take the SSAT at Home without any technical issues, but help is available if a glitch occurs. In these circumstances, students may call their parent or guardian into the room at any time for troubleshooting.
The remote proctor is also available throughout the test. If the student has a question about the test rules, needs to take a break, or has a concern, simply message the proctor via the built-in chat.
If technical assistance is needed, you're having issues with the secure browser, or you disconnect and need help reconnecting, contact PSI at 1-833-310-6425.
If you received an Equity Kit and need hardware or Wi-Fi support, contact ShockIT Support at 1-267-554-7087.
For help logging into your SSAT account, you can also use the Forgot Username or Forgot Password tools.
If you have reached out to the PSI Help Desk and are still not able to resolve the problem, please ask your student to stop trying to connect to the test. They can close out of the test. We will send you an email by noon ET the day after the test with instructions on how to reschedule your SSAT at Home at no additional cost*. If you prefer, you may also choose to have your student take the computer-based SSAT at a Prometric test center or a paper-based SSAT.
*EMA will NOT provide a free retest opportunity if you are late or were late because you did not have the secure browser installed. You must have clicked the launch button in their account within 15 minutes of their scheduled appointment to get a free retest.
