Can You Take the Digital SAT Online at Home?

The SAT is now digital—but that doesn’t mean you can take it from your bedroom. With the move to a fully digital format, many students wonder if they can take the SAT online at home, the same way they do with other remote tests. But while the new version runs on a computer or tablet, it still follows strict testing rules—and those rules do not include taking the SAT from your couch.

The College Board has made big changes to how the SAT works, but home testing isn’t one of them. Whether you’re testing in the U.S. or internationally, you’ll still need to go to a secure test center or school-approved location.

Our experts will explain how the digital SAT works, what your options are, and what to expect when it’s time to take the test.

What Is the Digital SAT and How Does It Work?

The digital SAT is a modernized version of the classic paper test. It has the same purpose—college admissions—but now it’s taken on a laptop or tablet using an official testing app called Bluebook™, developed by the College Board.

Here’s what’s different:

• The test is shorter: just over 2 hours instead of 3
• It uses adaptive testing: the questions adjust in difficulty based on your performance
• It’s sectioned: Reading & Writing and Math are each split into two modules
• You get a built-in calculator for the entire Math section
• Results come back faster—usually within days, not weeks

Even though it’s digital, you can’t take the SAT anywhere you want. You must still go to a designated test center, just like with the paper version. The difference is in how you take the test—not where.

How to Register for the Digital SAT?

The registration process for the digital SAT is almost the same as before—you’ll use your College Board account to choose your test date, location, and upload your ID.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to https://www.collegeboard.org and log into your account
2. Click Register for the SAT
3. Enter your personal information and school details
4. Choose your test date and search for nearby test centers
5. Upload a clear photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or school ID if accepted)
6. Pay the registration fee or apply a fee waiver
7. Confirm your registration and download your admission ticket

Once registered, you’ll receive details about downloading the Bluebook™ app, which is required to take the test on your device.

Can You Take the Digital SAT at Home?

No, you cannot take the digital SAT at home. Even though the test is computer-based, it must be taken at a secure, College Board–approved test center.

This includes:

• Designated high schools
• Official SAT testing sites
• Approved international testing locations

You’ll still need to check in, bring valid photo ID, and follow testing procedures just like you would for a paper-based exam. Even during COVID-19, the SAT was never offered fully at-home. The digital transition was designed for test centers, not remote access.

What Are the Current Testing Options for U.S. and International Students?

All students take the SAT in a digital format now, but the way you access it depends on where you live.

In the U.S.:

• The SAT is offered at official test centers, usually high schools or colleges
• Students must bring their own approved device (laptop or tablet)
• If you don’t have a device, you can request to borrow one from the College Board during registration
• You’ll take the test using the Bluebook™ app, downloaded ahead of time

Internationally:

• The digital SAT is also standard for international students
• Testing is available at authorized international centers around the world
• Some regions may have limited test dates, so registration early is critical
• Devices can also be requested internationally, but the process may vary by location

The SAT is no longer offered on paper, even abroad. Whether you’re in the U.S., Mexico, or the UAE, the setup is the same: you go to a test center, use a computer or tablet, and complete the exam in person.

Have Academic Questions?

Book your Pesonalized Consultation Today and Get Academic Guildance for you Child’s Succes

Book now!

Device Requirements for the Digital SAT

To take the digital SAT, you must bring a device that meets the College Board’s requirements. The test runs on a secure app called Bluebook™, which must be installed before test day.

Approved devices include:

• Windows laptops (Windows 10 or 11)
• MacBooks (macOS 11 or later)
• iPads (iPadOS 15 or later; external keyboard required)
• School-managed Chromebooks
• Personal Chromebooks (only with prior approval)

The device must:

• Be fully charged (you won’t be able to plug in at all test centers)
• Stay on for over 3 hours
• Have Bluebook™ installed and tested before arrival

Not allowed:

• Smartphones
• Shared or public computers
• Devices without admin access to install apps

If you don’t have a device, the College Board offers loaner laptops—but only if you request one during registration.

Can You Borrow a Device or Use a School-Provided One?

Yes, you can. If you don’t have your own compatible device, the College Board allows you to borrow one—but only if you request it early. Some schools and test centers also provide approved devices for use on test day.

Here’s how you can request a loaner from the College Board:

• During SAT registration, check the box that says you need a device
• Requests must be submitted at least 30 days before your test date
• The device will be ready at your test center on exam day
• You will not be allowed to take it home or use it to practice beforehand

Loaned devices come with Bluebook™ pre-installed and pass all security checks.

Using a school-provided device:

• Some schools automatically provide devices if they host the SAT
• These may be pre-loaded and locked for testing
• You’ll still need to check in early to complete setup

It’s your responsibility to test the device, log into Bluebook™, and complete the pre-test check-in process before the exam. If your loaner or school device fails, you won’t be allowed to test.

Tips for Using a Laptop or Tablet Effectively

“Kill every single background task and app that isn’t crucial, literally the only app you should have is Bluebook. Discord, Google, YouTube, literally anything else should not be open”

— u/mozarella_firefox, Reddit

Using a digital device for the SAT changes how you manage your time, focus, and comfort. Whether you’re using a laptop, tablet, or school-issued Chromebook, being prepared makes a difference.​

Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Charge fully the night before: Most test centers don’t allow access to outlets during the exam.
• Disable pop-ups and background apps: Notifications or automatic updates can interrupt Bluebook™ and even lock you out.
• Bring a mouse if you prefer one: Trackpads can slow you down, especially during the Math section.
• Practice on the same device: Don’t switch between desktop and tablet while preparing—use what you’ll test on.
• Adjust screen brightness: A too-bright screen causes eye strain; too dark makes reading slower.
• Use an external keyboard for tablets: Required for iPads, and generally much easier to type on.

How Does the College Board Ensure Test Security?

Even though the SAT is now digital, test security remains just as strict—if not more. The College Board has put systems in place to prevent cheating, protect test content, and ensure that scores remain valid across all locations.

Here’s how they do it:

• In-person proctoring: All tests are taken at approved test centers or schools, under adult supervision
• Secure Bluebook™ app: Once launched, the app locks down the device. You can’t open other programs, use the internet, or switch tabs
• Unique test forms: Each student gets a slightly different version of the test, making it harder to share answers
• Digital monitoring: Test activity can be reviewed for suspicious patterns or behavior.
• Post-test analysis: Unusual scoring patterns or rapid answer changes are flagged and investigated

If a student is caught violating rules—whether digitally or in person—their score may be canceled, and the school may be notified.

For example, the College Board has stated:

“We will prohibit individuals from taking the SAT, AP, or CLEP exams when we conclude they’ve deliberately gained or attempted to gain or share an unfair advantage on any College Board test, or otherwise threatened the integrity of the test”

Security is one of the main reasons the SAT cannot be taken at home. Without controlled environments, the integrity of the test would be impossible to guarantee.

Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist

Sources: College Board, Reddit