Your Guide to the Paper-Based SSAT
Online & Printed Practice
Continue to take the paper-based SSAT in person at one of our test centers, where available.
Continue to take the paper-based SSAT in person at one of our test centers, where available.
We will continue to offer the paper-based SSAT for Flex and Benchmark tests. Elementary testing and Middle and Upper testing in select international markets will be supported by paper-based testing. See the dates below.
Search paper-based availability with the SSAT Test Center Search.
What you need to know in preparation for taking the SSAT at Home.
Learn about our three safe and convenient ways to take the SSAT.
Beginning in mid-July, SSAT at Home signup will be available through the test registration process. When a parent or guardian logs into their account, they will be able to register for the SSAT at Home, then they will be directed to schedule their student's test date. Detailed information and guidelines will be provided when SSAT at Home registration opens.
Families who have already registered for a 2020 test date but have yet to take the exam due to COVID-19 cancellations will receive priority SSAT at Home scheduling. More spaces will be opening soon.
The SSAT at Home is currently only available in U.S. and Canada for Middle and Upper Level Students.
It’s SSAT test day! Take a deep breath and try to relax. One of the keys to succeeding on any test is to have the right mindset. Don't let self-defeating thoughts take you hostage on test day. Approach test day with confidence, knowing that your preparation will pay off.
Relax, breathe, and succeed! We are all rooting for you!
Log in and click “print ticket” if you didn’t print it during registration.
Get step-by-step instructions.
Approved for testing accommodations? Be sure to bring the second page titled “Testing Accommodations Approval.”
TIP: Bring snacks and drinks in a clear zip-top bag with your student’s name on it.
Many everyday items are prohibited and are best left at home.
Know that if prohibited items are brought, they must be placed in the prohibited items area upon entering the test room when instructed.
Review the list of prohibited items below and understand the SSAT cell phone policy.
CELL PHONES ARE PROHIBITED ITEMS. We strongly discourage students from bringing a cell phone to the test center. However, we understand that bringing a cell phone may be necessary for security or transportation reasons. IF STUDENTS BRING A CELL PHONE, THEY MUST STRICTLY ABIDE BY ALL CELL PHONE RULES:
Possessing a prohibited item during testing will result in your student being excused from testing, the test being cancelled without refund, and may limit the opportunity to retest.
The address for you test center is listed at the top of your admission ticket.
Check the “Special Instructions” section on your admission ticket for any notes about arriving, parking, or public transportation.
Testing begins promptly. Students will NOT be admitted after testing begins.
It’s best to arrive at least 30-45 minutes prior to the start of testing.
Testing normally begins at 9 a.m.. Check the “Special Instructions” section on your admission ticket for any special start times.
Ensure you and your student review what to expect on test day.
This will decrease stress and help you both get ready.
Check your email and the SSAT Alerts page for information about cancellations before you leave.
Rest assured that if there is a cancellation, we will work to set up a rescheduled test (normally one week later) and either allow you to test at that time, transfer free of charge to any other test date/location within the current testing season, or receive a refund.
Once you arrive at the test center, look for SSAT signs to guide you to the check-in area.
At the check-in area, you will be asked for your admission ticket.
Once staff checks your information and marks you present, your admission ticket will be returned to you. Staff may remind you of rules related to snacks and prohibited items.
(Should you need assistance: all personnel associated with providing the SSAT in an open public test will be wearing an SSAT nametag)
You will then be directed to the test room or asked to wait patiently until all test takers arrive and then brought as a group to the testing room.
At most locations, parent/guardians may escort students to the testing room. However, parents/guardians may NOT enter the testing room.
Upon arrival at the testing room, the proctor will ask you to form a line at the prohibited items area.
You will first be asked to place all prohibited items in the designated area.
If you have a cell phone, you will be asked to turn it off, place it in a provided zip top bag, and write your name on the bag.
If you have sleeves, the proctor will ask you to temporarily roll up your sleeves to show that you don’t have a watch or fitness tracker wristband.
Then, you will be asked to turn out your pockets to show you don’t have any other prohibited items.
In select enhanced security locations, metal detectors (magnetometers) may be used for security. A note will be provided on your student’s admission ticket if metal detectors may be in use at their site.
You will then be instructed to place your snacks in the snacks area and then sit in a
seat chosen by the proctor. You are not allowed to choose your own seat.
Wait quietly and patiently for all others to be admitted. At this time you will only be permitted to have your pencils and admission ticket.
Once all test takers are admitted, the proctor will explain the rules of testing and then pass out answer booklets. In most cases you will receive an answer booklet preprinted with your information.
SSAT answer booklets have four pages. The first page will include information about you. The second and third inside pages are for the writing sample. The fourth page is where you mark your answers.
You will verify that the information on your answer booklet is correct, or fill in your name, grade, gender, and registration ID (from your admission ticket).
Then testing will begin. First, you will complete the writing sample section. Like all sections, there will be a specific amount of time given to complete the section. As with all sections, you will be given a five-minute warning before the end of the section. You will have a piece of scrap paper to organize your thoughts; however, your complete writing sample must be written in the answer booklet.
After the writing sample ends you will receive a 5-minute break. You can visit the restroom or access your snacks during this time, but you CANNOT access prohibited items.
When the break ends you will take your seat, test books will be distributed, and the multiple-choice sections of the test will be administered. During each of these sections, be sure you mark all answers in the answer booklet and attempt each section. Tests cannot be scored if any entire section is left blank. However, remember that you do not need to attempt to answer each question.
You will receive 1 point for each correct answer, lose 1/4 point for each incorrect answer, and neither receive nor lose points for skipping a question. If you do skip a question, be sure to skip that space on your answer booklet.
You may write in the test book to help you figure during each of the multiple-choice sections. For each section, you will have a specific amount of time. The time varies from section to section, but you will always receive a five-minute warning. You may not move ahead if you finish a section early.
The sections of the test, their lengths, order, and break periods are shown below. There is a second longer break of 10 minutes after the second multiple-choice section.
| Section | Time (minutes) | 1.5x Time Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Sample | 25 | 40 |
| Break | 5 | 5 |
| Quantitative (Math) | 30 | 45 |
| **Break for 1.5x Time only** | NA | 5 |
| Reading | 40 | 60 |
| Break | 10 | 10 |
| Verbal | 30 | 45 |
| **Break for 1.5x Time only** | NA | 5 |
| Quantitative (Math) | 30 | 45 |
| Experimental | 15 | N/A |
Once all test takers are admitted, the proctor will explain the rules of testing and then pass out test books. In most cases you will receive a test book preprinted with your information.
You will verify that the information on your test book is correct, or fill in your name, grade, gender, and registration ID (from your admission ticket). If you need help, a proctor can help you.
First, the multiple-choice sections of the test will be administered. You may write in the test book to help you figure during each of the multiple choice sections. For each section, you will have a specific amount of time. The time varies from section to section, but you will always receive a five-minute warning. You may not move ahead if you finish a section early. Tests cannot be scored if any entire section is left blank.
When taking the Elementary level test, be sure to answer each question, even if you aren’t sure what the answer is. You will receive a point for each correct answer and no points are lost for wrong or skipped questions.
Then testing will continue with the writing sample. You will be asked to write about a picture you see in your test book.
The sections of the test, their lengths, order, and break period are shown below.
| Section | Time (minutes) | 1.5x Time Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative (Math) | 30 | 45 |
| Verbal | 20 | 30 |
| Break | 15 | 15 |
| Reading | 30 | 45 |
| Writing Sample | 15 | 25 |
| Experimental | 15 | N/A |
During breaks you will be allowed to access snacks in the snacks area.
You may also use the restroom.
You may NOT access any prohibited items.
Depending upon the test center, you may or may not be allowed to access the hallways during breaks.
Note: Students approved for 1.5x time (50% extra time) will have additional 5-minute breaks as shown. This applies to both Elementary level and Middle/Upper level tests.
During testing, raise your hand if you need to use the restroom.
As only one student at a time is allowed in the restroom during testing, you may need to wait for a short time.
You will not be able to make up any time missed during a restroom break during testing, so it's best if you can wait for a scheduled break.
After the final section ends, you will wait quietly and patiently while the proctor collects and confirms all test materials.
You will then be dismissed and allowed to collect your prohibited items and snacks. Be quiet as you exit, as others may still be testing.