SAT test-day checklist: what to bring and what to expect

Everything to bring to the digital SAT, from your charged device with Bluebook to a physical photo ID, plus what to leave at home and a night-before routine.

4 min read · Updated · Facts checked against College Board

Test-day stress mostly comes from small, avoidable problems: a dead laptop, a forgotten ID, an app that needs an update. Use this checklist the night before. Rules can change, so give College Board’s official list a final look a few days before your test.

Must bring

  • Your testing device, fully charged, with the Bluebook app installed and exam setup completed. If you don’t have a device you can use, you can request to borrow one from College Board well before test day.
  • Your admission ticket from Bluebook, up to date. A printed copy is the safest option.
  • Acceptable photo ID. It has to be a physical document, not a photo on your phone.
  • Pencils or pens for scratch work.
  • Your College Board username and password.
  • An approved calculator, if you prefer one to the built-in Desmos calculator.

Good to have

  • A watch without an audible alarm.
  • Your charging cable or a portable charger. An outlet isn’t guaranteed.
  • A drink and snacks for the break.
  • A backup testing device, if you have one.

Leave at home (or switch off and hand over)

Phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers and other wearables, cameras and any other electronic or recording devices are prohibited during testing, apart from your testing device, an approved calculator and any approved accommodation technology. Follow the staff instructions at your test center for where devices are stored.

The night before

  1. Open Bluebook, install any update and confirm exam setup is complete.
  2. Charge your device and pack the charger.
  3. Check your admission ticket for the arrival time and test center address, and plan the trip.
  4. Pack your bag using the list above.
  5. Skip new material. Sleep does more for your score than a late cram.

On the day

  • Eat breakfast and arrive early so check-in doesn’t eat into your calm.
  • Reading and Writing comes first: two 32-minute modules. Then there is a 10-minute break before Math: two 35-minute modules.
  • Use the break: stand up, drink some water, eat a snack and don’t look back at Module 1.
  • Answer every question. There is no penalty for guessing.

See where your points are hiding.

Take the free 16-question mini-diagnostic. No sign-up, about 20 minutes, a rough score range at the end.

Take the free diagnostic