Device Use in Digital SAT | [Know all Device Requirements]

The Digital SAT exam requires the test taker to use a computer or laptop to take the test.

But, if you do not have a device of your own, then you can borrow one from the College Board. The College Board has a process to provide you with a device for the test day. 

After successfully registering for the SAT exam, you will get an option to select which says “Request a Device”.

Once you select that option, you will get a few questions to answer that will ask for an adult reference who can confirm that you genuinely need a device for the SAT exam. The adult should not be your family member. It can be your school counselor or teacher.

If your device request is approved, the College Board will directly send the device to the test center on the test day. In most scenarios, students will get a managed Chromebook from the College Board. However, in some cases, they might get a tablet or laptop.

You should reach the test center at least 30 minutes before your exam to sign in and complete the exam setup. Once everything is completed, then you will get your admission ticket.

You must request the device at least 30 days before the test day. So, it is advised to register for the exam accordingly.

Note: Submitting a request for the device does not guarantee that you will get a device from the College Board.

Digital SAT Device Requirements

To be able to take the Digital SAT, students need to download the “Bluebook testing application”. It is a custom-built app for the Digital SAT that students use to take that exam.

You can run this application on Windows, a Mac device, or an iPad. This application can not run on a mobile device.

To download the Bluebook testing application on your device, your device needs to fulfill some requirements.

For Windows

1. The download requires Windows 10 or later.
2. Your device must have 250 MB of available disk space.
3. Your device must be able to connect to WiFi.
4. If your device is a laptop, then external keyboards are not permitted. External keyboards are only permitted for Windows tablets.
5. External mice are permitted.

For Mac

1. Download requires macOS 11.4 or later.
2. Your device must have 150 MB of available disk space.
3. Your device must be able to connect to WiFi.
4. If your device is a laptop, then external keyboards are not permitted.
5. External mice are permitted.

For iPads

1. Download requires iPadOS 14-16 or 17.1 or later. You can not run Bluebook on iPadOS 17.0.0 to 17.0.3.
2. Your device must have 150 MB of available disk space.
3. Your device must be able to connect to WiFi.
4. External keyboards are permitted.
5. External mice are permitted.

Your device should have a good battery life so that it can stay on for 3 to 4 hours. We recommend you bring a power cord or portable charger with you. You might or might not get access to an outlet.

During the exam, you can switch to a second device if your device stops working and you can not continue.

Other useful reads

What is SAT?

SAT Test dates

How long is the SAT?

How many questions are on the SAT?

When do SAT scores come out?

SAT score guide

When should you take the SAT?

How many times can you take the SAT?

How to prepare for SAT?

Do I need an SAT and ACT tutor?

What does SAT stand for?

How much does the SAT cost?