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What to bring to the SAT: test day checklist

TutorAura guide · Updated

For a weekend Digital SAT, the College Board says you need a fully charged testing device with Bluebook installed and set up, your admission ticket, acceptable photo ID, and pencils or pens for scratch work (scratch paper is provided). A calculator is optional because Desmos is built in. Check the College Board's current rules before test day, because requirements can change.

Key takeaways

  • Device with Bluebook installed and exam setup completed.
  • Admission ticket (from Bluebook) and physical photo ID.
  • Pencils or pens; scratch paper is provided.
  • Optional: approved calculator, charger, watch without alarms.

Essentials

  • Testing device: a laptop or tablet that meets the requirements, fully charged, with Bluebook installed. Complete the exam setup in Bluebook in the days before the test.
  • Admission ticket: generated in Bluebook after setup. You can print it, email it to yourself or take a photo.
  • Acceptable photo ID: a physical ID; digital IDs aren't accepted. Check the College Board's ID requirements.
  • Pencils or pens for scratch work. Don't bring your own paper; the test centre provides it.

Leave at home or hand in

  • Phones and smartwatches are collected or must be switched off and stored as the test centre instructs.
  • Bluetooth devices such as wireless earbuds aren't allowed.
  • Your own scratch paper, notes and books.

The day before

  1. Charge your device and pack the charger.
  2. Open Bluebook to check it's up to date and your exam setup is complete.
  3. Check your admission ticket: test centre address and arrival time.
  4. Pack your ID, pencils and calculator.
  5. Plan your journey and sleep well.

For timing on the day, see how long is the SAT; for upcoming dates, SAT test dates.

SAT School Day is different

If you take the SAT at school, your school may provide the device and gives its own instructions. Follow those, as some details differ from weekend testing.

Device checklist

  • Supported device: check the College Board's device requirements for your laptop or tablet. Phones can't be used.
  • Bluebook updated and exam setup complete; you'll need to do this before test day.
  • Fully charged, with your charger packed.
  • Restrictions: some school-managed devices block apps; check that Bluebook runs on yours.
  • No device? The College Board offers a device-lending programme for eligible students; you need to request a device in advance.

If your device fails during the test, tell the proctor. Bluebook saves your progress as you go.

What to expect at the test centre

Arrive by the time on your admission ticket; late arrivals may not be admitted. Staff will check your ID and admission ticket, collect or store phones, and seat you. You'll log in to Bluebook with a start code given in the room. There's a 10-minute break between Reading and Writing and Math. Use it to eat, drink and stretch, but don't use your phone or other devices. See how long is the SAT for the full timing.

Frequently asked questions

What ID do I need for the SAT?

A valid, physical photo ID that meets the College Board's requirements, such as a school ID or passport. Digital IDs aren't accepted. Check the current ID rules well before test day.

Can I bring a calculator to the Digital SAT?

Yes, an approved calculator is allowed, though Desmos is built into Bluebook for the whole Math section. If you bring your own, check it's on the College Board's approved list.

Do I need to print my SAT admission ticket?

Not necessarily. The College Board allows you to print it, email it to yourself or take a photo, but check the current instructions in Bluebook before test day.

Can I bring my phone to the SAT?

You can bring it to the test centre, but it must be turned off and handed in or stored as the staff instruct, and you can't use it during breaks. Having a phone during testing can lead to your scores being cancelled.

Sources

  1. What to Bring on SAT Test Day. College Board.
  2. What to Expect on Test Day. College Board.
  3. SAT Suite of Assessments Calculator Policy. College Board.

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