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 on paper and 3 hours and 10 minutes on the computer. This includes the two breaks and the experimental section at the end.
The Middle Level is taken by students applying to grades 6-8, and the Upper Level is taken by students applying to grades 9-12.
The Middle and Upper Level test consists of six sections: Writing, Quantitative 1, Reading, Verbal, Quantitative 2, and Experimental. The Middle and Upper Level SSAT is offered on paper and on the computer.
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Sample | 2 prompts | 25 minutes |
| Break | — | 5 minutes (paper) 10 minutes (computer) |
| 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 break and the experimental section.
The Elementary Level is taken by students applying to grades 4-5. 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 | 15minutes |
| 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?
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Originally published on October 26, 2018. Updated on July 25, 2022.
