Test-Day Essentials

Once you arrive at the test center, look for SSAT signs to guide you to the check-in area. All staff associated with the test wears an SSAT nametag should you need assistance.

You'll start by showing your admission ticket at the check-in area. Some international sites require identification; please check your admission ticket notes to see if identification is required at your location.

The student will then be directed to the test room, or you'll be asked to wait patiently until all test takers arrive. Parents and guardians may escort students to the testing room at most locations; however, you may NOT enter the testing room.

Upon arrival at the testing room, the proctor will ask students to:

• Form a line at the prohibited items area and place all prohibited items in there
• Turn off cell phones and put them in a provided zip-top bag with the student's name written on it
• Roll up their sleeves to show that they don't have a watch or fitness tracker on
• Turn out their pockets to show they don't have any prohibited items
• Place snacks in the snacks area
• Sit in a seat chosen by the proctor—students aren't allowed to choose their own seat
• Wait quietly and patiently for all others to be admitted

Metal detectors (magnetometers) may be used for security at select international locations.

Once students have completed the admissions process, they will only be permitted to have pencils, their admission ticket, and their identification (only at the locations where it is required) at their testing seat.

The proctor will explain the testing rules and pass out answer sheets. In most cases, students receive an answer sheet preprinted with their information on the first page.

The second and third pages of the answer sheet are for the writing sample, and the fourth page is where students mark their answers. Students will verify that the information on their answer sheet is correct, or they will fill in their name, grade, and registration ID (from the admission ticket).

Testing will then begin, starting with the writing sample section. As with all sections, the writing section is timed, and students will receive a five-minute warning before the time is up. Students can utilize a piece of scrap paper to organize their thoughts, but the complete writing sample must be written on the answer sheet.

A ten-minute break is provided after the writing section when students can visit the restroom and have a snack, but they aren't allowed to access prohibited items.

After the break, the proctor will distribute test books, and the multiple-choice sections will begin. Students must carefully mark their answers and attempt each section—tests cannot be scored if an entire section is left blank.

It's important to remember that students don't have to answer every question. They 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. When skipping a question, they must be careful to also skip that space in their answer sheet.

Students may use the blank space in the test book as scrap paper to help them determine the answers during each multiple-choice section. The allotted time for each section varies, but a five-minute warning is always provided. Students aren't allowed to move ahead or return to a previous section if they finish a section early.

View the Middle Level and Upper Level pages for a more detailed breakdown of the SSAT sections than what is shown below.

The proctor will explain the testing rules and pass out test books. In most cases, students receive a test book preprinted with their information on the first page.

Students will verify that the information on their test book is correct, or they will fill in their name, grade, and registration ID (from the admission ticket).

The multiple-choice sections are administered first, and students may use the blank space in the test book to help them determine the answers. The allotted time for each section varies, but a five-minute warning is always provided. Students aren't allowed to move ahead or return to a previous section if they finish a section early.

When taking the Elementary Level test, students should answer each question, even if they aren't sure what the answer is. One point is awarded for each correct answer, and no points are lost for wrong or skipped questions. Tests cannot be scored if an entire section is left blank.

After the multiple-choice sections, testing continues with the writing sample, where students write about a picture they see on the test sheet.

Visit the Elementary Level page for a more detailed breakdown of the test sections and break periods.

Students can access snacks in the snacks area and use the restroom during breaks. They are NOT allowed to access any prohibited items. 

Depending upon the test center, they might be allowed to access the hallways.

When and how long are the breaks?

Middle and Upper Level (Grades 5–7 and 8–11)

• One 10-minute break after the writing sample
• One 10-minute break between multiple-choice sections two and three

Elementary Level (grades 3-4)

• One 15-minute break between multiple-choice sections  two and three

Students approved for 1.5x time (50% extra time) will have additional five-minute breaks on all testing levels.

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Students are permitted to use the restroom during testing, but the time missed cannot be made up, so it's best to wait until a scheduled break if possible. During testing, students raise their hand if they need to use the restroom; only one student is allowed to go at a time, so there may be a short wait.

Feminine hygiene products should be kept with the student in a pocket so it can be accessed if necessary during testing.

After the final section ends, students are to wait quietly and patiently while the proctor collects and confirms all test materials. They will then be dismissed and allowed to collect their prohibited items and snacks. We ask that they be quiet exiting as others may still be testing.