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SAT Test Day Checklist: What to Bring, What to Leave and What Happens

Everything to bring to the digital SAT, from your charged device with Bluebook and printed admission ticket to photo ID, plus what to leave home and what happens from check-in to dismissal.

2 min readBy the Keplar team

A student typing on a laptop on a white desk with a backpack beside it

For the digital SAT you need four things: a fully charged device with Bluebook installed and exam setup complete, your admission ticket (printed is preferred), an acceptable physical photo ID, and a pencil or pen for scratch work. Add a charger, a watch without an alarm and a snack for the break, and leave your phone out of reach.

Must bring

  • Your testing device, fully charged, with Bluebook installed and exam setup completed. College Board says it should hold a charge for 3–4 hours.
  • Your admission ticket from Bluebook. It's available after exam setup, which opens 5 days before the test. A printed ticket is preferred; you can also email it to yourself.
  • Acceptable photo ID. It must be a physical document, not a photo on your phone. Check College Board's ID requirements page if you're unsure.
  • A pencil or pen. Scratch paper is provided; don't bring your own.

Good to bring

  • A charging cable or portable charger (an outlet isn't guaranteed).
  • An acceptable calculator, if you prefer it to the built-in one.
  • A watch without an audible alarm.
  • Water and a snack for the break.
  • A backup testing device, if you have one.
  • An external mouse (wired is recommended) if you normally use one.

Leave at home (or switched off and away)

  • Your phone and smartwatch: you won't be allowed to use them during testing or breaks.
  • Your own scratch paper, notes or books.
  • Anything with an alarm or that makes noise.

Before test day: the timeline

WhenWhat to do
At least 30 days beforeDownload Bluebook, take a practice test in it, and check your device meets the requirements
5 days beforeComplete exam setup and get your admission ticket
The night beforeCharge everything, print the ticket, pack your bag, set two alarms, sleep
Test morningRun Bluebook's final device check, eat breakfast, leave early

What happens on test day

  1. Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
  2. Check-in: the proctor checks your admission ticket and photo ID.
  3. Set up: connect to the test center Wi-Fi, sign in to Bluebook and complete a short check-in in the app.
  4. Reading and Writing: two 32-minute modules.
  5. Break: 10 minutes. Eat, drink and stand up.
  6. Math: two 35-minute modules.
  7. Finish: Bluebook submits your answers automatically. Don't close your device until the proctor dismisses you.

Three last tips

  • Protect Module 1. It decides how hard Module 2 is, so take it steadily (our pacing guide has checkpoints).
  • Answer every question. There's no penalty for wrong answers.
  • Reset at the break. Whatever happened in Reading and Writing, Math is a fresh start. If nerves are an issue, try the techniques in our test anxiety guide.

Common questions

Do I need to print my SAT admission ticket?

College Board says a printed ticket is preferred. You get it in Bluebook after completing exam setup, which opens 5 days before the test; you can print it or email it to yourself.

Can I bring my own calculator to the digital SAT?

Yes, an acceptable calculator is allowed, but you don't need one. Bluebook has a built-in calculator on the whole Math section.

What time should I arrive for the SAT?

College Board asks weekend test takers to arrive 15 minutes before the test begins for check-in. Your admission ticket shows the time and location.

Sources

  1. College Board: What to bring on SAT test day
  2. College Board: Bluebook, SAT Weekend
  3. College Board: SAT ID requirements

Dates, policies and test details change. Check the official source before you make a decision.

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