The SAT® exam has undergone a major overhaul – it’s now a fully digital, computer-based test. Below, we break down everything you need to know about the latest digital SAT, including its format, section structure, scoring, key changes from the old paper SAT, how to register, and official guidelines from the College Board.
Test Format and Structure
The digital SAT is a computer-adaptive test taken on a laptop or tablet instead of paper and pencil. It is substantially shorter than the old SAT, lasting about 2 hours and 14 minutes of testing time (not including breaks). Despite being shorter, the exam still measures the same skills in reading, writing, and math – just more efficiently. The test is divided into two main sections:
(1) Reading and Writing and
(2) Math.
Each section is delivered in two stages (or modules) of equal length. You’ll work on the Reading/Writing section first, then have a short break, and then complete the Math section. Each section module is timed separately, and you can move back and forth among questions within that module (e.g. skip and return or mark for review) while the clock counts down. Once time is up for the first module of a section, the test will lock that module and seamlessly transition you to the second module.
After finishing the two Reading & Writing modules, there is a 10-minute break before the Math section begins. The second module of each section is adaptive – the difficulty of questions you get in module 2 depends on how you performed in module 1. This multistage adaptive design allows the SAT to measure your abilities with fewer questions and in less time. Importantly, you won’t be penalized if you get an easier set of questions in module 2; the scoring algorithm accounts for question difficulty so that your final score still reflects your performance fairly. In short, the digital SAT is shorter, adaptive, and taken on a computer – but it remains a rigorous exam aimed at assessing college readiness skills under standardized conditions.
One thing students often are scared of is that they get a super duper difficulty module 2, in which case, it only reflects that you have done the first module with flying colors. So a difficult module 2 actually means you are doing very well!
Section Breakdown
The structure of the digital SAT consists of two sections with the following breakdown:
- The Reading & Writing (R&W) Section (or English section as we often call it) contains 54 questions in total, with 64 minutes allotted. The section is divided into two modules, each 32 minutes long with 27 questions. The R&W section features many short passages from literature, historical documents, social sciences, and sciences. These questions assess reading comprehension, vocabulary in context, and editing/revision skills all together in one section. You’ll encounter a mix of reading comprehension questions and English language conventions/writing questions throughout. All Reading & Writing questions are multiple-choice with four answer options.
- The Math Section contains 44 questions in total, with 70 minutes allotted. It is also split into two modules (35 minutes each with 22 questions per module). Notably, calculators are allowed throughout the entire Math section – there is no longer a separate no-calculator portion. You can use the College Board’s built-in graphing calculator within the test application or bring your own approved calculator. The Math section covers the same content areas as before (algebra, advanced math, problem solving and data analysis, geometry/trigonometry, etc.), but with some changes to streamline the exam. For instance, the average length of word problems has been reduced to make them more concise. About 75% of math questions are multiple-choice and ~25% are student-produced response (grid-in) where you enter your answer. A formula reference sheet is provided on-screen for common formulas in math. As with the R&W section, the Math section adapts in difficulty for the second module based on your performance in the first module.
In between the two sections, you’ll have a 10-minute break to pause, have a snack, or use the restroom. The overall flow:
R&W Module 1 → R&W Module 2 → Break (10 min) → Math Module 1 → Math Module 2 → End
In total, you’ll answer 98 questions across both sections in about 2 hours and 14 minutes of testing time. The digital format also means all your answers are entered on the device (no bubbling on paper answer sheets), and the testing interface has tools to assist you (more on that in the guidelines section below).
Scoring System
Despite the format change, the scoring system for the SAT remains the same as before. You will receive a total score out of 1600, with a score range of 200–800 for each section (Reading & Writing and Math). The test is still scored based on the number of questions you answer correctly (your raw score), which is then converted to the 200–800 scaled score per section. There is no penalty for wrong answers on the SAT (so you should still guess on questions you’re not sure about rather than leaving them blank). Because the digital SAT is adaptive, the scoring process accounts for the difficulty of the questions you answered in each module. The College Board has emphasized that you won’t be disadvantaged by receiving an “easier” second module; the algorithm balances question difficulty and scoring so that the final scaled score accurately reflects your achievement level based on performance across both modules. In other words, two students with the same ability should end up with comparable scores, even if one saw slightly harder questions than the other.
Scores on the digital SAT are delivered much faster than in the past. Instead of waiting weeks, students and educators will receive score reports in just days after the test. Your score report will still include your total score (400–1600) and separate section scores for R&W and Math. Subscores and cross-test scores (such as those for specific skill domains) may be provided similarly to the paper test, though the College Board’s focus is on the main section and total scores.
SAT Essay?
The SAT Essay is not part of the digital SAT for most students – the optional essay was discontinued from weekend SAT administrations even before the digital transition. The only exception is if your state or school district offers a designated SAT School Day that requires the Essay; in those cases, an in-school digital SAT might include a 50-minute Essay section at the end. For the majority of test-takers, however, the SAT is just the two sections described above, scored out of 1600 as usual.
Registration Details and Availability
Registering for the digital SAT is very similar to registering for the traditional SAT – it’s done through the College Board’s website via your My SAT account. You’ll pick an available test date and test center (or verify your school is offering an SAT School Day) and pay the registration fee. The SAT is typically offered on several test dates throughout the year. In the U.S., the national SAT test dates usually include spring administrations (March, May, June) and fall administrations (August, October, November, December), though exact dates vary each year. Registration deadlines also still usually fall about one month before the test date (with late registration up to a couple weeks before the test). It’s important to plan ahead and sign up before the deadline for your desired date. As of the 2024–2025 testing year, registration is open for all digital SAT dates, and paper-based testing is no longer offered for standard administrations.
In terms of availability, the digital SAT is now the standard worldwide. International students began taking the SAT on computer in spring 2023, and U.S. students followed in spring 2024. This means if you are registering for an SAT now, you will be taking it in the digital format by default (unless you require a special accommodation that necessitates paper – for example, certain testing accommodations might still use paper materials, but those are exceptions handled through the College Board’s accommodations process). The SAT School Day program (where schools offer the SAT to students during a weekday, often to juniors, sometimes paid for by the state or district) has also transitioned to digital as of spring 2024. So whether you sit for the SAT on a Saturday at a test center or on a school day at your high school, you’ll be using the new digital test.
One new step during registration: if you do not have a device (like a laptop or iPad) to use on test day, the College Board allows you to request to borrow a device when you register. They will provide a loaner device for you at the test center on the day of the exam. This ensures that lack of technology is not a barrier – every student will have the necessary equipment to take the digital SAT. When registering, make sure to indicate if you need to borrow a device, and follow any instructions provided to secure one for test day.
After registering, you’ll receive instructions to download the official testing application (Bluebook™) and to complete some setup before test day. It’s important to do this – you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the software and try out the practice resources available (more on that below). Also note that Photo ID requirements for admission to the test center still apply (e.g. driver’s license or school ID or passport, etc., that matches the name on your registration), and you’ll upload a photo during registration for your admission ticket as was done previously. In summary: register online via the College Board, choose your date and location, request a device if needed, and prepare your photo ID and test app ahead of exam day.
Official College Board Guidelines for the Digital SAT
The College Board has provided specific guidelines and resources to help students navigate the digital SAT. Here are some key official guidelines and tips to be aware of as you prepare for test day:
- Use the Bluebook Digital Testing Application: The digital SAT is administered through the College Board’s custom app called Bluebook. You must download and install this app on the device you’ll use for the test (available for Windows and Mac laptops, iPads, and school-managed Chromebooks). The testing application has built-in tools to enhance your testing experience, such as the ability to bookmark questions for review, a timer that counts down your time (with an alert when 5 minutes remain), an on-screen graphing calculator for the Math section, a reference sheet of common formulas in math, and an annotation tool that lets you highlight text and take notes. Spend some time before test day getting comfortable with these features – for example, practice marking questions and using the on-screen calculator – so you can use them effectively during the real exam.
- Practice with Official Digital SAT Materials: The College Board provides official practice resources tailored to the digital format. Once you have Bluebook, you can access a full-length practice digital SAT to simulate the test experience. The College Board also partners with Khan Academy to offer free SAT practice – including updated practice questions and exams for the digital SAT – with answer explanations and personalized feedback. Taking a full-length practice test in the app is highly recommended; it will not only give you familiarity with the format and navigation but also confirm that your device works properly with the software. Additionally, Bluebook has a short “exam app preview” built in, which lets you try out sample questions and tools ahead of time. Utilizing these resources will help you feel prepared and know what to expect in terms of content and interface on test day.
- Bring a Compatible, Fully Charged Device: On the day of the test, you’ll need to bring a fully charged device to your testing location. This can be a laptop or tablet that meets the College Board’s requirements (most modern Windows or macOS laptops, iPads, or school-managed Chromebooks). Make sure the Bluebook app is installed and updated on this device before you arrive. Charge your device completely the night before – you’ll be running a 2+ hour exam, and access to power outlets at test centers may be limited. The app is designed to be resilient: if your internet connection drops during the test, Bluebook will keep running and you won’t lose progress. Even if your device crashes or restarts, the app saves your work so you can pick up where you left off once rebooted. That said, do everything you can to avoid technical issues: have your device updated and charged, and turn off any auto-updates or programs that might interrupt the test. If you indicated during registration that you need to borrow a device, the testing staff will provide you a prepared laptop on test day – arrive a bit early in that case to get set up.
- What to Bring and Not to Bring: Along with your device, don’t forget a valid photo ID and your Admission Ticket (printed or on your phone) for check-in – these are required just as with the paper SAT. Bring a pencil or pen and scratch paper will be provided (or in some centers, you may be allowed to use the test booklets for scratch work; policies can vary, but having a pencil is wise). An acceptable calculator is optional since one is in the app, but you can bring your own approved calculator if you prefer using it (just make sure it’s on the College Board’s approved list; most scientific and graphing calculators are fine). Do not bring any other electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, etc.) into the testing room. Test centers will require you to power off your phone and surrender it to the proctor or store it away during the test. Essentially, the rules for personal items and ID are the same as before – the big difference is now you have a laptop instead of a stack of #2 pencils and a calculator. The College Board’s Test Day Checklist (available on their site) is a helpful reference to double-check you have everything you need.
- Follow Test Day Procedures: Plan to arrive early at the test center (doors often open by 7:45 AM and close by 8:00 AM for an 8:30 AM start, for Saturday administrations). Once seated, you’ll turn on your device and launch the Bluebook app when instructed. There will be some preliminary steps (like verification codes to join the digital exam session and a brief system check). The proctor will guide everyone through the start process. During the test, if you encounter any technical difficulties, raise your hand and notify the proctor immediately – they are trained to help troubleshoot common issues (and remember, the app saves your work, so most issues can be resolved without losing time). You will have the one scheduled 10-minute break midway. Use it to recharge yourself – stand up, stretch, eat a snack, etc., but be sure to return on time. Unscheduled breaks (like leaving the room outside of the designated break) are generally not allowed except for emergencies, and if you must take one you will lose testing time for the portion you step out. So, it’s best to take care of any needs during the official break. After the Math section is complete, the proctor will collect any borrowed devices and dismiss students. You’ll get your scores online in just a few days, so keep an eye on your College Board account and email.
By following these official guidelines, you can ensure you’re ready for the digital SAT. Make sure to leverage the practice tools available and go into test day with your device prepared and confidence in using the digital platform. Good luck on taking and preparing for your digital SAT!