SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips

When are the upcoming SSAT test dates? How often is this test administered? Students hoping to attend private schools often need to take the SSAT, and since this test is only given a few times a year, it's important to know the upcoming SSAT test dates so you can register early enough to ensure you get a spot.

In this guide, we provide you with a chart of the upcoming SSAT test dates, which makes it easy to see when you can take the test and when you need to register for it. We also give tips on test fees, explain what to expect on test day, and offer advice on when you should take the SSAT.

When Are Upcoming SSAT Test Dates?

The SSAT is administered at testing centers several times during the school year. This is the traditional and most common way to take the exam. The exam is taken with pencil and paper.

As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, two other options for taking the Middle and Upper-Level SSAT were introduced. The first is taking the SSAT at a Prometric test center. Exam dates are held throughout the year with exact dates depending on your testing site. This SSAT will be the same as the paper-based versions, just taken on the computer.

The other option is taking the SSAT on the computer, at home. This requires having certain computer and system requirements, and the exam will be remotely proctored.

Below is a chart of upcoming SSAT dates and their registration deadlines. You should register for the SSAT at least three weeks before the test date to avoid late fees. You can technically register for the SSAT up to just three days before the exam, but you'll end up paying anywhere from $45 to $85 in late fees, depending on how late you sign up.

While the 2022-2023 SSAT test dates have been officially released, the registration deadlines have yet to be confirmed. We can use the patterns of previous testing years to make an educated guess as to when these deadlines will be. Here are the 2022-2023 SSAT test dates and our projections for their registration deadlines.

2022-2023 SSAT Test Dates and (Projected) Deadlines for Paper-Based Testing

Source: SSAT.org

2022 SSAT Test Dates and Deadlines for At-Home Testing

**At home testing isn't available for the Elementary-Level SSAT

Below are our projections for the 2023-2024 SSAT test dates and registration deadlines. Only paper-based testing dates have been listed because, as of now, it's unclear if at-home and Prometric testing will continue after this school year.

2023-2024 SSAT Test Dates and Deadlines (Projections) for Paper-Based Testing

What to Expect on SSAT Test Day

Once you figure out your SSAT test date, there's still more work to do! In this section, we discuss all the info you need to be prepared on exam day.

Where Are SSAT Exams Usually Held?

SSAT exams are usually held at private schools and sometimes designated test centers. When you register for the SSAT, you'll see a list of test center locations nearest to you, with the closest location appearing at the top.

What Happens on SSAT Test Day?

Most exams begin at 9:00 am, but you should double-check your admission ticket to ensure this is the case for the exam you register for. Make sure to arrive at the testing location at least 30 minutes early.

The Elementary-Level test is about 110 minutes long, while the Middle and Upper-Level SSATs are about 170 minutes long. The Elementary-Level test includes one break, whereas the Middle and Upper-Level tests have two breaks.

To learn more about what the SSAT tests and the types of questions you can expect, check out our in-depth guide to the SSAT.

What Should You Bring to the SSAT?

On test day, remember to bring the following:

• Your SSAT admission ticket
• Sharpened #2 pencils
• An eraser

That's all you'll need during the test!

When Should You Take the SSAT?

The most important factor for deciding when to take the SSAT is the admission deadline of the school(s) you're applying to. Scores are sent about two weeks after the SSAT exam, so you'll need to select a test date that's at least two weeks before the admission deadline.

If possible, you might want to choose a test date later in the school year so your child has time to learn more and possibly score higher on the SSAT. Remember that the SSAT you register for is the one for the grade your child is currently in, not the grade they'll be entering the following year.

Recap: Choosing SSAT Dates

It's important to know SSAT test locations and dates well before exam day so that you can register in time and meet the deadlines of the school(s) you're applying to. The SSAT is administered six times a year, typically at private schools. For the 2021-2022 school year, there is also the option to take the exam on additional dates, either at home or at a Prometric testing center. This option is only available for Middle and Upper-Level SSATs.

SSAT testing dates are pretty consistent, so you can predict future test dates based on the upcoming SSAT dates. Most SSAT tests begin at 9 am and last between two and three hours.

You should pick your test date primarily on the application deadlines of the schools you're applying to. SSAT test dates later in the year should give your child time to learn more material and earn a higher score.

What's Next?

Want to learn more about what's covered on the Elementary, Middle, and Upper-level tests? Then be sure to read our complete guide to the SSAT.

Looking for free materials to use for SSAT practice? We've gathered links to the best free SSAT practice tests here.

You now know when the SSAT is offered, but how do you register for it? Learn all the info you need to know in our step-by-step guide to SSAT registration.