How Long Is the SSAT?
Middle Level and Upper Level
The Middle Level SSAT and the Upper Level SSAT take a total of 3 hours and 5 minutes when taken on paper, and 3 hours and 10 minutes when taken on the computer. This time includes two 10-minute breaks and the unscored experimental section at the end.
*Note: Students taking the paper test in a room with other testers must remain seated for the entire allotted time for each section. However, students in other testing formats–or those taking a paper SSAT individually–may be allowed to end a section early.
The Middle Level is intended for students applying to grades 6-8, while the Upper Level is for students applying to grades 9-12.
Both levels have the same structure, consisting of six sections: Writing, Quantitative 1, Reading, Verbal, Quantitative 2, and Experimental. The Middle and Upper Level SSATs are available in both paper and computer formats.
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Sample | 2 prompts to choose from | 25 minutes |
| Break | — | 10 minutes |
| Quantitative #1 | 25 questions | 30 minutes |
| Reading | 40 questions | 40 minutes |
| Break | — | 10 minutes |
| Verbal | 60 questions | 30 minutes |
| Quantitative #2 | 25 questions | 30 minutes |
| Experimental | 16 questions | 15 minutes |
For more information about what to expect on the SSAT, check out What is on the Middle Level SSAT? and What is on the Upper Level SSAT?
Elementary Level SSAT
The Elementary Level SSAT takes a total of 2 hours and 5 minutes, including one 15-minute break and an unscored experimental section.
This level is designed for students applying to grades 4 and 5. The test consists of five sections: Quantitative, Verbal, Reading, Writing, and Experimental.
The Elementary Level SSAT is only offered on paper.
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative | 30 questions | 30 minutes |
| Verbal | 30 questions | 20 minutes |
| Break | — | 15 minutes |
| Reading | 28 questions | 30 minutes |
| Writing Sample | 1 prompt | 15 minutes |
| Experimental | 15-17 questions | 15 minutes |
For more information about what to expect on the Elementary Level, check out What is on the Elementary Level SSAT?
Start preparing today!
Originally published on October 26, 2018. Updated on April 8, 2025.
