SAT School Day Testing Rules: What Students Need to Know

The SAT School Day offers students the chance to take the SAT during regular school hours in their own classrooms. While this is a convenient option for many, it’s important to understand the testing rules and procedures that apply during SAT School Day. These rules help ensure a fair, standardized testing experience for all students and avoid score cancellations or misconduct flags.

This guide breaks down the most important SAT School Day testing rules so students and parents know exactly what to expect.

What Is SAT School Day?

SAT School Day is an official administration of the SAT that takes place at high schools during a regular school day, rather than on a weekend. It allows schools to offer the SAT in a familiar environment, increasing access and reducing stress for students.

SAT School Day follows the same format and scoring as the weekend SAT but comes with its own set of strict policies.

Arrival and Check-In Rules

Students must:

  • Arrive on time to the designated testing room.
  • Bring a valid school- or government-issued photo ID, unless otherwise notified by their school.
  • Have their registration confirmed by school staff or test coordinator.
  • Store all unapproved items (phones, smartwatches, bags) as directed by proctors.

Late arrivals may not be admitted once testing has begun.

What to Bring

Students are allowed or encouraged to bring:

  • An approved calculator (for the Math section)
  • Pencils or pens (your school may provide them)
  • School-issued or personal device if permitted for digital testing (check with your school)
  • Snacks and water (to be consumed during breaks only)

Items not allowed include:

  • Mobile phones
  • Smartwatches or fitness trackers
  • Earbuds or headphones (unless approved accommodations)
  • Notes, books, or unauthorized paper

Digital SAT Rules (if applicable)

For schools administering the digital SAT, students will use the College Board’s Bluebook™ testing app on a school-provided or personal device. They must:

  • Have the Bluebook app installed before test day
  • Charge their device fully the night before
  • Follow proctor instructions regarding logging in and submitting answers
  • Not navigate away from the testing screen or open other apps

Tampering with the device or software could lead to score invalidation.

During the Test

Once the test begins, students must follow all instructions from the proctor and adhere to strict rules, including:

  • No talking or signaling to other students
  • Only working during the allotted time for each section
  • Not returning to a previous section or previewing the next section
  • Following any time warnings or announcements from the proctor

If a student finishes early, they must sit quietly until time is called. No reading, writing, or using electronics is permitted during this time.

Breaks and Snacks

Short breaks are provided between certain sections of the SAT. During these breaks, students may:

  • Eat snacks or drink water
  • Use the restroom
  • Stretch or walk around

However, they may not use phones, electronic devices, or access study materials during breaks. Doing so could result in test dismissal or score cancellation.

Academic Honesty and Misconduct

Cheating or violating any rule can lead to immediate dismissal and score cancellation. Examples of misconduct include:

  • Sharing test content with others
  • Copying answers or looking at someone else’s screen
  • Bringing in unauthorized materials or devices
  • Using a calculator for non-math sections

In addition to score cancellation, severe misconduct may be reported to colleges or scholarship programs.

Testing Accommodations

Students who receive testing accommodations through an IEP or 504 plan must have College Board approval in advance. Accommodations may include:

  • Extended time
  • Breaks as needed
  • Assistive technology
  • Large-print test forms

Schools and parents should confirm all accommodations before test day to ensure everything is in place.

After the Test

After completing the SAT School Day:

  • Students must follow instructions for closing the digital test (if applicable)
  • All scratch paper and notes must be collected
  • Devices must be powered off before dismissal

Score results are usually available online in a few weeks, and students can access them via their College Board account.

Understanding the SAT School Day rules is essential to ensure a smooth, stress-free testing experience. Students who know what to expect and follow instructions are in the best position to succeed—and protect their scores from any unintentional issues.