The SSAT at Home: What to Expect

The Middle and Upper Level SSAT is offered at home for students in the USA and Canada, making it safe and convenient for students to take this important admissions test. The SSAT at Home is offered on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Students can take the SSAT at Home up to three times per testing season, in addition to eight paper tests (six standard dates and two flex dates). The SSAT at Home is the same test as the traditional SSAT— the only difference is that the test is administered on the computer rather than on paper.

Because the experience of taking a test at home on the computer is different from taking a test in person on paper, it’s important to know what the testing experience will be like so there are no surprises on test day.

What to Expect: Before Test Day

Technical Requirements
In order to take the SSAT at Home, you will need a computer or laptop with a webcam, speaker, and microphone. You will also need access to the internet. Before test day, make sure to complete the mandatory system check on the computer or laptop you will be using on test day. Please note that chromebooks, tablets, cell phones, headphones, and other devices are not permitted.

If you don’t have access to a computer or laptop and/or internet, the EMA (makers of the SSAT) is providing students with a free testing kit, which includes a laptop and a mobile hotspot for internet access. The testing kits are available to students with and without fee waivers. It’s important to note that students should not schedule the SSAT at Home until after requesting a kit.

Other Requirements
To take the SSAT at Home, you will need a quiet room where you can be alone during testing. You will also need a flat surface, such as a desk or table, and a chair— you are not allowed to be on the floor, on a couch, or on a bed during testing.

It’s important to note that you do not have to take the SSAT at Home in your home. You are allowed to take the test in any quiet, private location with a fast, reliable internet connection. Be sure to complete the system check in the same room in which you will take the test.

What to Expect: On Test Day

You can launch your test up to 30 minutes prior to the start time to give yourself plenty of time to complete the security check and room scan, which requires you to show the proctor the room you’re in. A parent or guardian is allowed to be in the room during the initial set up and test instructions, but they must leave when the test starts.

Proctor
In the event that you have questions or technical issues, you will be able to chat with your proctor at any time during the test. It’s important to note that the proctor is there to provide technical support and won’t be able to help with questions on the test.