The SSAT at Home: What to Expect
Updated October 2026 with E3n’s new SSAT at Home requirements. Requirements can change, so always confirm details on the official SSAT at Home page.
The SSAT at Home lets students take the Middle or Upper Level SSAT online from home or another quiet location. It’s available to students currently in grades 5 through 11 who are located in the United States, U.S. territories, or Canada on test day. The Elementary Level SSAT is not offered at home. Students can take the SSAT at Home once per testing year.
The content is the same as the paper SSAT. The main differences: the test is taken on a computer, iPad, or Chromebook, the writing sample is typed, and a live proctor monitors the session remotely.
This fall, E3n, the organization behind the SSAT, launched a new SSAT at Home platform with updated device, camera, and internet requirements. If you’ve read our earlier guidance, please review everything below. Several rules have changed.
When is it offered? SSAT at Home testing is available Tuesday through Saturday during select weeks of the testing year, generally between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET. You must schedule at least 72 hours before your test start time. See the current test dates.
Prefer a different format? The SSAT is also offered on paper and at Prometric test centers.
What to Expect Before Test Day
When you choose the SSAT at Home, families are responsible for meeting all tech and room requirements. Start preparing at least a week before your test date so there’s time to fix any issues.
You’ll need two devices
1. A primary testing device. This is where your student takes the test. The following are supported:
- Mac: macOS 13.7 Ventura or higher; Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari 16.6
PC - Windows:10 or higher; Chrome, Edge, or Firefox
- iPad: iOS 16.7 or higher; iPad 5th generation or newer, iPad Air 3 or newer, or iPad Pro; Rotation Lock must be off
- Chromebook: Must be able to run Android apps (most models made after 2019)
Macs and PCs need a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768. Check the full device requirements for details, including requirements for students with accommodations.
A few tips for the primary device:
- Keep it plugged in for the entire test.
- Avoid using a work or company laptop. Firewalls, VPNs, or install restrictions can block testing.
- Smartphones can’t be used as the primary testing device.
2. A second camera device. This is new, and it’s required. The second device acts as an extra camera so the proctor can see your student’s workspace. Supported devices:
- An iPhone or iPad running iOS 16
- An Android phone or tablet running Android 9 (Pie) or newer
During the test, the second device must be propped up and pointed at your student’s hands, keyboard, and screen. A phone stand, mount, or case works well. Keep this device plugged in, too.
Check your internet
Your connection should be at least 15 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload. You can test your speed with a free tool like speedtest.net.
Do a practice check-in
E3n’s testing app lets you run a practice check-in on both devices before test day. You’ll:
- Download the testing app on the primary device and click “practice check-in.”
- Enter the session number, registration ID, and last name from your SSAT account.
- Test the speakers, microphone, and camera.
- Install the Remote Proctor Connect app (from Internet Testing Systems) on the second device and connect the two devices.
- Take a practice selfie to confirm everything works.
Note: As of this update, E3n says the testing app download link will be available in early October on the SSAT at Home page. If you’re testing soon, check that page often and run the practice check-in as soon as the link is live.
Set up your testing space
You can test at home or any other location that meets these requirements:
- A quiet, private room. Only the student can be in the room during testing.
- A desk or table. No beds, couches, floors, or laptops on laps.
- A clear desk with nothing on, under, or right next to the testing area except allowed items.
- Extra monitors, screens, and other prohibited items removed or covered.
Allowed on the desk:
- 3 to 4 blank sheets of paper (lined or unlined)
- Up to 2 plain pencils (no mechanical pencils or pens)
- Water in a clear bottle or glass with no label (optional)
- Approved accommodation items, if applicable
Students should wear clothing appropriate for a school setting.
What to Expect On Test Day
Launch 30 minutes early
Open the testing app on the primary device and click “start test” 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Your session is guaranteed until 15 minutes after your start time. After that, testing may not be possible.
Check-in
The app walks you through each step. Here’s what to expect:
- Connect the second camera device to the primary device using the on-screen code.
- Take a selfie of the student on the primary device.
- Do a room scan by slowly turning the second camera device in a full circle.
- Chat with a check-in specialist, who may ask you to remove or cover items or check for electronics, watches, or earbuds.
Tip for parents: A parent or guardian can complete check-in, including the room scan, to take some stress off your student. Just make sure the selfie is of the student.
Supervision
Once the test begins, only the student may be in the room. A parent or guardian must stay available in a nearby room for the entire test and keep the phone listed on the registration nearby in case the proctor needs to reach you.
A live proctor monitors the session. Your student can raise their hand or use the chat for help with technical issues (but not test content).
Navigating the test
E3n’s new interface includes several helpful tools:
- Answer elimination: Cross off answer choices by right-clicking them or using the cross-off tool.
- Clear answer: Remove a selected answer.
- Flagging: Flag questions to come back to.
- Review page: See which questions are answered or flagged, and jump back to any question in the section.
- Timer: Shown at the top of each section. Click it to hide or show it.
Each section starts with instructions (and, for multiple-choice sections, a sample question). The writing sample is typed.
Important: Students can finish a section early, but once they click Finish and confirm, they can’t go back to that section.
Want to see it for yourself? E3n’s interface guide walks through each screen.
Breaks
There are two scheduled 10-minute breaks. Students may leave their desk but must be back before the break timer ends.
If something goes wrong
- If the internet slows or disconnects, the proctor may pause the test. The timer stops, so your student won’t lose time. After a full disconnection, you’ll go through check-in again.
- If you launch on time (no later than 15 minutes after your scheduled start) and technical problems prevent a scorable test, you can request a free retest by emailing info@ssat.org.
To avoid problems, don’t schedule siblings at the same time, and ask others in your home to avoid streaming or gaming during the test.
Test Day Checklist
- Internet speed checked (15+ Mbps down, 3+ Mbps up)
- Testing app installed and practice check-in completed on the primary device
- Remote Proctor Connect app installed on the second camera device
- Both devices charged and plugged in
- Stand or mount ready for the second camera device
- Room cleared, desk clean, extra screens covered
- Paper, pencils, and clear water bottle on the desk
- Session number and registration ID handy (find them under “My Tests” in your SSAT account)
- Parent or guardian available nearby with phone on
- Launch 30 minutes early
What to Expect After Test Day
Scores:
Scores are released in your SSAT account on a set schedule. Check E3n’s score release schedule for timing and details on sending scores to schools.
Get Ready with Official SSAT Practice
The best way to feel confident on test day is to practice in a digital format. Test Innovators, an official test prep partner of the SSAT, offers full-length, timed digital practice tests and a personalized practice plan to help your student prepare. Start your SSAT prep today!
Originally published on September 28, 2020. Updated on October 8, 2026.
