What to Bring on Digital SAT Test Day: The Complete 2025-2026 Checklist

If you’re preparing for the Digital SAT, it’s not just your study plan that matters—what you bring on test day can make or break your experience. Showing up without the required items could mean you can’t take the test, while forgetting simple things like a charger can seriously disrupt your focus.

This guide will help you understand exactly what you need to bring to your digital SAT test center, what’s optional, and what you must leave at home.

Your Printed Admission Ticket

Yes, even in the digital era, the College Board still requires you to print your SAT admission ticket. After registering for the SAT on the College Board website, you’ll be able to access and print your ticket from your account.

  • Digital copies on your phone are not accepted
  • Make sure your name and photo match your ID
  • Check that the test date, time, and location are correct

📝 Tip: Print it out at least 1–2 days before test day and keep it in your backpack or folder.

Valid Photo ID

You won’t be allowed to enter the test center without a valid, government- or school-issued photo ID. Your ID must:

  • Match the name on your SAT admission ticket
  • Be original and unexpired
  • Have a recognizable, recent photo

Acceptable forms of ID include:

  • Passport
  • Driver’s license or state ID
  • School-issued student ID
  • National ID (for international students)

🚫 NOT Accepted:

  • Expired IDs
  • Digital IDs
  • Yearbooks or social media profiles
  • Birth certificates

Approved Digital Device

Since the SAT is now digital, the most important thing you need to bring—besides your brain—is a fully charged, approved device. Acceptable devices include:

  • Windows laptops (Windows 10 or later)
  • MacBooks (macOS 11 or later)
  • iPads with external keyboards
  • School-managed Chromebooks (for SAT School Day only)

You must also download and install the Bluebook™ app in advance. This is the testing platform for the digital SAT, and it won’t work if it’s not properly set up before test day.

Important:

  • Charge your device the night before
  • Bring your charging cable
  • Turn off all non-SAT notifications and background apps

4. A Charger or Power Adapter

Although test centers may have power outlets available, they’re not guaranteed. That’s why it’s strongly recommended that you bring your own charger.

If your laptop battery dies during the exam, you won’t be able to finish. Don’t risk it!

Consider packing:

  • Wall charger or power adapter
  • Extension cord (if allowed by the center)
  • Fully charged battery pack (check if permitted)

Optional but Useful: External Mouse and Keyboard

While not required, some students find using a wired mouse and external keyboard helps them feel more comfortable—especially on iPads. If you’re bringing an iPad, you’re required to bring an external keyboard.

Note: Bluetooth accessories might be disabled during testing, so check the College Board’s latest device policies to be safe.

Calculator (Optional)

The Bluebook app includes a built-in Desmos-style graphing calculator, available during the Math section. However, if you’re more comfortable with a physical calculator, you’re allowed to bring one—just make sure it’s on the College Board’s approved list.

Approved calculators:

  • Scientific calculators
  • Most graphing calculators (e.g., TI-84 Plus, Casio fx-9750GII)
  • Basic four-function calculators

🚫 Not allowed:

  • Calculators with a QWERTY keyboard
  • Phone calculators or calculator apps
  • Calculators with styluses or touchscreens

Tip: Practice with the same calculator you plan to use during the test.

Pencils and Scratch Paper

Even though the SAT is now digital, you’ll still need to work out math problems on paper. The test center will provide scratch paper, but bringing at least two No. 2 pencils is a smart move.

  • Mechanical pencils are not recommended
  • Pens, highlighters, and markers are not allowed

Pro Tip: Bring a good eraser as well—clean work helps with clear thinking.

Snacks and Water for Break Time

While eating or drinking during the actual test isn’t allowed, you’ll have scheduled breaks. That’s your chance to recharge.

What to bring:

  • Water bottle (clear, labeled with your name if possible)
  • Healthy snack: granola bar, fruit, trail mix, etc.

Avoid messy or strongly scented foods. Simple, portable snacks work best.

Face Mask (If Required)

Some SAT test centers may still enforce mask policies depending on local health regulations. Check your admission ticket or contact the test center in advance to confirm their rules.

Comfortable Clothing

While there’s no official dress code, you’ll be sitting in a room for several hours. Wear something comfortable and dress in layers. Some rooms are cold, while others can be warm.

Good idea: Hoodie, light jacket, or zip-up sweater.

What NOT to Bring on SAT Test Day

Don’t risk disqualification by bringing prohibited items. Leave these at home or in your bag turned off:

🚫 Not allowed:

  • Cell phones (must be off and stored away)
  • Smartwatches, fitness trackers, or other electronics
  • Notes, study guides, or books
  • Earbuds or headphones
  • Weapons or sharp tools (including pocketknives)

Bringing any of the above can lead to dismissal from the test and cancellation of your scores.

Last-Minute SAT Test Day Tips

  • Get everything ready the night before: Pack your bag, charge your device, print your ticket.
  • Arrive early: Test centers typically open 30 minutes before the test starts. Being early helps you avoid stress.
  • Know your login info: You’ll need your College Board username and password to access the test on Bluebook.
  • Eat a good breakfast: You’ll need the energy!

Knowing what to bring on Digital SAT test day can save you time, stress, and the risk of being turned away. Preparation goes beyond studying—it also includes having your materials ready, your technology functioning, and your mind focused.

Bookmark this checklist and come back to it the day before your exam. The more prepared you are, the better you’ll perform.