Policies & Accommodations
Make sure you review this Digital SAT policy guide to prevent any actions that could result in your scores being canceled. As a high-stakes exam, the Digital SAT requires strict adherence to College Board® guidelines to maintain fairness and impartiality.
Digital SAT Testing and Security Policies
Upon registering for the Digital SAT, you must comply with specific rules and regulations designed to maintain the test’s integrity. The College Board has established security measures to ensure fair opportunities for all test-takers. Violating these policies can result in your scores being canceled and potentially being banned from future SAT attempts. Carefully read the following policies to avoid any conflicts on test day.
Testing Policies
The College Board requires you to acknowledge, understand, and act in accordance with these Digital SAT testing policies:
- Photo ID: A valid photo ID that meets all ID requirements and guidelines is necessary. The name on ID proof must match the name on your admission ticket.
- Impersonation: Impersonating others or asking someone to impersonate you is prohibited.
- Discussion of Content: Sharing or discussing questions and answers during and after the test via any form of communication is strictly prohibited.
- Leaving the Test Center: Leaving the test center before the test ends results in canceled scores.
- Adherence to Timing: You must adhere to the time scheduled for each section and cannot skip or switch between sections.
- Prohibited Materials: Using phones, consulting textbooks, electronic devices (except your Digital SAT testing device), or other resources during breaks or the test is prohibited.
- Calculator Use: Sharing calculators is not allowed; they should only be on your desk during the Math Test.
Security Measures
To uphold the integrity of the Digital SAT, the College Board enforces the following measures:
- Reporting Theft: Test prep companies and individuals suspected of stealing test content are reported to law enforcement and other government agencies.
- Collaboration with Schools: Schools and colleges are informed if their students are found engaging in unfair practices.
- Test Center Audits: Increased audits of test centers worldwide.
- Anonymous Reporting: Making it easier for educators and students to report suspected cheating anonymously and confidentially.
- Expanded Debarment Criteria: Expanding the criteria for barring individuals from taking the Digital SAT for reasons other than its intended purposes.
Consequences of Violating Security Policies
Any violation of Digital SAT rules may lead to:
- Denial of Entry or Dismissal: You may be denied entry to or dismissed from the test center.
- Score Cancellation: Your scores may be canceled, and you may be banned from taking the Digital SAT in the future, at the College Board’s discretion.
- Notification of Penalties: Information regarding banned test takers and penalties may be shared with their high schools, prospective colleges, parents, and guardians.
Digital SAT Cancellation Policy
The College Board charges a nominal cancellation fee based on the timing of your cancellation:
- Before Test Day: $25
- After Test Day: $35
To cancel your test registration, sign in to your account. After cancellation, you will need to register again for a future test date.
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Digital SAT Calculator Policy
The College Board allows calculator use during the Math Test, but there are restrictions on the type of calculator. Non-compliance with the calculator policy may result in dismissal and score cancellation.
Calculator Rules
When using a calculator for the Digital SAT, ensure you follow these guidelines:
- Built-in Calculator: The Digital SAT has a built-in Desmos calculator. If you prefer your own calculator, ensure it meets the approved calculators’ requirements.
- Math Section Use Only: Calculators are not allowed during the Reading and Writing sections.
- Prohibited Actions: Sharing information, removing test questions, or taking away answers using your calculator is prohibited.
- Approved Calculators: Approved brands and models include various series from Casio, Hewlett-Packard, Radio Shack, Sharp, and Texas Instruments.
Students have the option to use their approved personal calculator or the built-in graphing calculator within the testing application on test day.
Digital SAT Test Device Policies
You will need a laptop or tablet with WiFi for the Digital SAT. Permitted devices include:
- Windows: Laptop or tablet (personal or school-managed)
- Mac: Laptop or iPad (personal or school-managed)
- Chromebook: Laptop (school-managed only)
Ensure you install the latest compatible operating system and the Bluebook app before your test date. You should submit the device loan requests to the College Board or your school test administrator before deadline. Same-day requests will not be considered. Charge your device fully to last at least 3 hours, as outlets may not be available.
Prohibited Device Features
- Internet Connectivity: Devices with internet connectivity, wireless, cellular, Bluetooth, audio/video recording, playback, camera, or smartphone-like capabilities are prohibited.
- Other Devices: Using a second computer, mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, or wearables is not allowed.
- Privacy Screens: Privacy screens for your test device are forbidden.
- Prohibited Calculator Features: QWERTY keypad, stylus, pen input, use of electrical outlets, audibility, or paper tape.
“Mobile phones and other electronic devices that aren't allowed will be taken from you and kept by the test administration, or you'll have to put them in a backpack away from your desk during the test, even during breaks.”
Digital SAT Test Accommodations
The College Board offers accommodations for those with documented disabilities to ensure fairness and impartiality.
Eligibility for Accommodations
If you have a documented disability affecting your test participation, you can request accommodations from the College Board. Disabilities can include visual impairments, physical and medical impairments, learning disorders, and motor impairments. Temporary conditions, like a broken bone, generally do not qualify, but requests for temporary assistance can be made.
Allowed Accommodations
Digital SAT accommodations may include:
Extended Time
Students with approved extended time for math will only receive extended time for the Math section. During SAT Weekend, those approved for time and a half or double time will complete the test in one day at a test center. However, this may vary if the student has other accommodations that necessitate testing at their school.
Breaks
Students can pause their test for breaks as needed using the pause feature below the timer. They will also receive double the time for regular breaks and extra breaks. This includes an extra 5-minute break between Module 1 and Module 2 in each section. They will take the test in one day at a center unless other school-based accommodations are approved.
Reading and Seeing Accommodations
This is provided to students with visual impairments and blindness. Some examples of this accommodation include test books with large print, braille, raised lines and drawings, re-recorded audio, human readers, and assistive technology.
Braille
Students with the braille accommodation will utilize their personal refreshable braille display or screen reader for the digital test. Headphones are required for screen reader users. In case digital testing is impractical, a paper braille test can be requested. Additionally, for raised line drawings, students will combine the digital test with the raised line drawing supplement. If taking the digital test, braille writing software should be used; otherwise, a paper test can be requested.Human and Screen Readers
Students granted the accommodation of a human reader or screen reader will utilize the screen reader functionality provided by their device’s operating system or their own screen reader software for the digital test. They will receive a test format that includes time and one-half (+50%) extended time. If digital testing is not possible, students should contact customer service to request a paper test.Writer/Scribe and dictation
Students with approved accommodations for writer/scribe or dictation will use the digital test with speech-to-text functionality. If unable to test digitally, they can request a paper test from customer service.Large Print, Magnification, Color
For accessing large-print test and large-print answer sheet, students can utilize the zoom in and out function on their operating system. To improve color overlay/color contrast, they can adjust the color settings on their device or use a plastic overlay on the screen.
Hearing Aid and Auditory Accommodations
Pre-recorded Audio
Students granted the prerecorded audio accommodation will utilize the screen reader functionality provided by their device’s operating system or their own screen reader software for the digital test. They will also have time and one-half (+50%) extended time for their test.Auditory Amplification/FM System
can be accessed by students through headphones.
Recording Response
This accommodation is provided to students with disabilities that impact their ability to record responses due to visual and physical disabilities and dysgraphia. Accommodations may include large print answer sheets or a computer for word processing.
Using a Four-Function Calculator
When participating in the digital SAT, the use of a four-function calculator will be unnecessary since calculators will be allowed in all math sections.
Assistive Technology
Students can take a digital test using approved assistive technology software. If approved for an ATC test format, they can use standard digital test tools and functionality provided by their device’s operating system.
Requesting Accommodations
Accommodations can be requested through your school or directly to the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). The process involves submitting the necessary documentation and receiving an SSD Student Accommodations Letter for approval
Testing with Accommodations
The duration of the Digital SAT with accommodations varies based on the specific needs and approved accommodations. Refer to the latest information from the College Board for accurate details.
Accommodation Request Deadlines
Submit accommodation requests well in advance, as approval can take up to seven weeks. Here are some key deadlines:
| Digital SAT Weekend Test Dates (2024) | Accommodation Request Deadline |
|---|---|
| March 9, 2024 | January 19, 2024 |
| May 4, 2024 | March 17, 2024 |
| June 1, 2024 | April 12, 2024 |
| SAT School Day Test Dates (2024) | Accommodation Request Deadline |
|---|---|
| March 4–8, 2024 | January 16, 2024 |
| March 11–15, 2024 | January 22, 2024 |
| March 18–22, 2024 | January 29, 2024 |
| March 25–29, 2024 | February 5, 2024 |
| April 1–5, 2024 | February 12, 2024 |
| April 8–12, 2024 | February 20, 2024 |
| April 15–19, 2024 | February 26, 2024 |
| April 22–26, 2024 | March 4, 2024 |
Frequently Answered Questions (FAQs)
How do I print my Digital SAT admission ticket?
Sign in to the Exam App using your College Board online account username and password, agree to the “Privacy Policy and Use of This App” rules, and finalize the exam setup. Your admission ticket will be generated by the Exam App upon completion of the exam setup.
What if I don't remember my username or password?
If you do not remember your username or password, visit the College Board website “Sign In” page and click “Need Help Signing In”.
- Click on choose the “Forgot Password” option. Enter your email address and click on “Email Reset Link”.
- Click on the “Get help migrating your account” option and click on the “Forgot Username” option.
What if I don't remember the email attached to my College Board account and can't retrieve my username or password?
If you encounter such a scenario, call the College Board’s customer service at 866-315-6068, and they will help you resolve the issue.
Can you get extra time on the Digital SAT? If a student is approved for extra time, how long will they have for their Digital SAT test?
Extended time accommodations are provided to students with documented disabilities.
If a student needs more than one accommodation, do I have to apply for each one individually?
No, the request for multiple accommodations can only be placed through one application. However, you need to request each accommodation specifically and provide the supporting documentation for each type of accommodation.
If the student has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 plan in place, do they still need to submit a request for accommodation?
Yes, you must request the required accommodations with the supporting documentation, even if you have an IEP or 504 plan.
What can I do if I miss the deadline for an accommodation request?
You should make the request as soon as possible. Even if you do not get a decision letter about the request in time for your test, you can use the approved accommodation for future Digital SAT tests.
I have a disability. How do I apply for extended time on my Digital SAT?
You need to submit an accommodation request, specifically mentioning that you require extended time, and submit the supporting documents for your disability. You can also talk to your school’s SSD coordinator for any help that you need.
Can you get Digital SAT accommodations for anxiety?
General anxiety disorder qualifies as a documented psychological condition. Therefore, if your anxiety has a detrimental impact on your test-taking process—slowing you down or hindering your ability to complete the SAT within the allocated time—you are eligible to request additional time accommodations.
Will colleges see if I took the Digital SAT with disability accommodation?
To protect students’ privacy, the score report sent to colleges does not indicate that the test was taken with accommodations.
