WHAT TO EXPECT ON TEST DAY
Before test day, ensure you know these procedures and rules.
Doors Open at 7:30 a.m.
Arrive on time on test day. Be sure to check your admission ticket for your arrival time and the address of your test center. Test centers open at 7:30 a.m., and doors close at 07.50 a.m. unless noted on your admission ticket. You can’t be admitted once testing has started. If you’re late or absent on test day, you must register again, and the standard testing fees will apply. Make sure you show up with everything you need.
Testing Starts Between 8:00 and 8:15 a.m.
Your proctor will begin check-in. Your seat is assigned, not chosen by you. Wait to be seated. Here’s what will happen next:
- You’ll log into the center’s Wi-Fi and open the Bluebook™ application, which will guide you through instructions.
- The proctor can answer questions about procedure, not test questions or content.
- The proctor will give you a start code. Once you enter the start code, testing will begin, and Bluebook will keep track of the remaining time in each test section.
- Each student is timed individually, so you’ll take breaks and complete testing at slightly different times.
- Each section of the test (Reading, Writing, and Math) has two parts called modules, and each module is timed separately.
- You can move back and forth between questions in a module and review your answers until the time expires.
- Once you’ve moved on from a module, you cannot return to it.
- When the test is over, your answers are submitted automatically.
- If your submission fails for any reason, don’t worry! Your answers will be saved to your device, and you’ll have time to resubmit.
The Digital Testing Application
The digital testing application, Bluebook™, is a custom-built app for the digital SAT that students use to take the test. Using a custom app makes it easier for us to adapt to changes and respond quickly to user feedback. This app has many features that you’ll find helpful, including a test preview to help familiarize yourself with key aspects of the app before the test. Visit the Bluebook website to download the app and for installation instructions.
During the test, you’ll have access to a set of tools:
- On math questions, you’ll find a reference sheet and a calculator. You can also bring your calculator.
- Use the annotation tool to highlight text or leave yourself a note when reading.
- On multiple-choice questions, if you think an answer option is wrong, you can cross it out.
- You can mark for review any questions you want to come back to later.
- Zoom in and out using keyboard shortcuts on laptops or by pinching on tablets.
- If you have a problem during the test, raise your hand to ask the proctor for help or click the Help icon for troubleshooting tips.
Breaks
Students will have one 10-minute break during the test between test sections. If needed, you can take an unscheduled break, but you’ll lose testing time.
- Leave your device open; don’t close your device.
- Always keep your ID with you. It will be checked every time you enter the testing room.
- If you brought a calculator must remain on your desk during breaks.
Dismissal
You’ll likely be done before noon. When the test is over, your answers will be submitted automatically. If your submission fails for any reason, you’ll have time after the test to complete your submission—all your work will be saved to your device. After the test, your proctor will collect your scratch paper, return any items, and dismiss you silently because other students in your room may still be testing.
Testing Devices
You can take the digital SAT on various devices, including your laptop (Windows or MacOS, iPad, Windows tablet, or school-managed Chromebook. Bluebook must be downloaded onto your device before test day. Then, 1–5 days before your test, you’ll complete a quick exam setup. The application will confirm that your device meets all requirements, and then it will download your test and generate your admission ticket. Your device must also be able to connect to Wi-Fi and be fully charged—it will need to stay on for roughly 3 hours. We recommend you bring a power cord or portable charger, but we can’t guarantee you’ll have access to an outlet. You can bring an external mouse and keyboard if your device is a tablet. All other applications and programs must be closed during the test day. You can only test on one device, but if your device fails during testing and you can’t continue, you can switch to a second one. Your proctor or tech coordinator will help if you need to switch devices.
Prohibited Devices
We mention mobile phones and electronics often, and for good reason. Your scores will be canceled if you don’t follow the rules around devices.
Keep in mind
- Test administration staff will collect and hold mobile phones and other prohibited electronic devices or require you to place them in a backpack away from your desk during the test administration, including during break periods.
- If your prohibited device makes noise, is seen being used, or attempts to access it at any time, including breaks, you’ll be dismissed immediately, your scores can be cancelled, and the device may be confiscated.
- College Board isn’t responsible for loss of or damage to personal items, including electronic devices, while you’re in the test center.
What to Bring on Digital SAT Test Day
There are only a few things you need to bring on test day, and many things you’ll be better off leaving at home. Be sure to bring:
- Your fully charged testing device with the Bluebook™ application installed (see detailed device requirements).
- Your up-to-date admission ticket.
- Acceptable photo ID.
- Pencils or pens for scratch work.
- An acceptable calculator for use on the test’s Math section (an embedded graphing calculator will be available within Bluebook).
- Epinephrine auto-injectors (like EpiPens) are permitted without an approved accommodation. They must be placed in a clear bag and stored under the student’s desk during testing. For policies on other medications and medical devices, contact Services for Students with Disabilities.
Nice to Have
- A charging cable if your testing device can’t hold a charge for 3 hours.
- A bag or backpack.
- A drink or snacks (for your break).
SAT Test Day
Guide & Schedule
Everything you need to know before, during, and after your SAT examination at the International School of Bucharest.
Test Day Schedule
Approximate timeline for Saturday SAT administration. Students with accommodations may have different timelines.
What to Bring
A few essentials are required — everything else is optional but recommended.
- 💻 Fully charged device with Bluebook installed and exam setup completed
- 🎟️ Printed admission ticket from Bluebook (available 5 days before test)
- 🪪 Acceptable photo ID — physical document only, not electronic
- ✏️ Pencils or pens for scratch work
- 🔑 Your College Board username and password
- 🧮 An approved calculator (Bluebook also has a built-in calculator)
- ⌚ Watch without audible alarm (Bluebook has a built-in timer)
- 🔌 Charging cable or portable charger
- 🎒 Bag or backpack for your belongings
- 🍎 Snacks and a drink for the break
- 💾 A backup testing device
During the Test
What to expect once you're in the testing room and how Bluebook works.
🪑 Seating & Check-In
Your seat is assigned — not chosen. Wait for the proctor to seat you. Log into the test center Wi-Fi and open Bluebook. The proctor can only answer questions about procedure. Once you enter the start code, testing begins.
📋 Test Structure
- Two sections: Reading & Writing and Math
- Each section has 2 modules — each timed separately
- Move between questions within a module until time expires
- Once you leave a module, you cannot return to it
- Each student is timed individually by Bluebook
- Answers are submitted automatically when the test ends
🛠️ Bluebook Tools Available
- Math: Built-in reference sheet and calculator (scientific or graphing)
- Reading & Writing: Annotation tool to highlight text or leave notes
- All sections: Cross out answer choices you think are wrong
- All sections: Mark questions for review to revisit later
- Zoom in/out via keyboard shortcuts or pinch gesture on tablets
☕ Breaks
One scheduled 10-minute break between test sections. Unscheduled breaks are allowed but count against your testing time.
- Leave your device open — do not close the lid
- Keep your ID with you at all times; checked on re-entry
- Your calculator must remain on your desk during breaks
📤 Submission & Dismissal
Answers submit automatically when time expires. If submission fails, your work is saved on the device — you have until end of the following day to resubmit. Your proctor will collect scratch paper and dismiss you silently.
Prohibited Items & Rules
Violations can result in immediate dismissal and score cancellation. Please review carefully.
📵 Phone Policy
Test staff will collect phones and prohibited devices or require you to place them in your backpack away from your desk — including during breaks. If a prohibited device makes noise, is seen, or you attempt to access it at any time, you will be dismissed immediately and scores may be cancelled. College Board is not responsible for loss of personal items in the test center.
