Charging cable
Bring a cable or portable charger, but do not assume an outlet will be available.
Current Saturday SAT guidance
SAT Test Day Checklist: What to Bring and When to Arrive
Pack the required items, complete Bluebook exam setup before test day, and use your admission ticket as the final source for your test center and arrival time.
Pack required itemsConfirm your ticketReviewed September 2, 2026
Quick answer
What should you bring to the SAT?
Bring your charged testing device with Bluebook and exam setup completed, your current admission ticket, an acceptable physical photo ID, pencils or pens, and your College Board login. A charging cable, drink, snack, and acceptable calculator are useful optional items.
Reviewed September 2, 2026
Required checklist
Pack these SAT test-day essentials
- A fully charged compatible device with Bluebook installed and exam setup completed.
- Your up-to-date admission ticket from Bluebook; College Board says a printed copy is preferred.
- An acceptable physical photo ID. An electronic image is not accepted.
- Pencils or pens for scratch work.
- Your College Board username and password.
- Any accommodation-specific or permitted medical items required for your situation.
Helpful extras
Bring these only when they help you
Drink and snack
Keep a simple drink and snack packed for the scheduled break.
Acceptable calculator
You may bring one, but Bluebook already includes scientific and graphing calculator options.
Second device
College Board lists a backup testing device as optional. You can test on only one device at a time.
The day before
Finish setup before the morning rush
- Open Bluebook, complete exam setup 1-5 days before testing, and generate your admission ticket.
- Confirm the address and arrival time printed on your ticket.
- Check Bluebook, your email, My SAT, and the test center closings page for changes.
- Charge your device, pack the power cable, and verify that you know your College Board login.
- Set out your physical ID and pack only permitted items.
Your admission ticket outranks a generic schedule.College Board's times are an approximate Saturday schedule. School-day testing, accommodations, loaned devices, and specific centers can change when you arrive or finish.
Prepare the full experience
Connect test-day readiness to your study plan
Primary sources
Official SAT test-day resources
- What to Bring on SAT Test DayCollege Board
- What to Expect on Test DayCollege Board
- Prepare Your DeviceCollege Board
- SAT Calculator PolicyCollege Board
SAT test day FAQ
Questions students ask before test morning
What time does the SAT start and end?
For a typical Saturday SAT, College Board lists 7:45 a.m. check-in, 8 a.m. doors closing, an 8:15-8:30 a.m. start, and a 10:45-11 a.m. finish for standard time. Your admission ticket controls because arrival times and accommodations can change the schedule.
What do you need to bring to the SAT?
Bring a fully charged compatible device with Bluebook installed and exam setup complete, your current admission ticket, an acceptable physical photo ID, pencils or pens, your College Board username and password, and any approved or permitted items you need.
Can you bring a calculator to the digital SAT?
Yes, you may bring an acceptable calculator for Math. Bluebook also includes a calculator, so a separate calculator is optional. Check the current College Board calculator policy before test day.
Can you bring snacks to the SAT?
College Board lists a drink and snacks as items you may bring for the break. Keep them packed until the proctor permits their use.
What should you do with your phone during the SAT?
Follow the test center instructions for prohibited devices. Staff may collect phones or require them to remain in a bag away from your desk, including during breaks. Using a prohibited device or allowing it to make noise can lead to dismissal and score cancellation.