General Questions

What's New for 2022-2023?

Get answers to FAQ's for 2022-2023...

What is the SSAT?

SSAT stands for Secondary Standardized Admission Test...

What is a standardized test?

The SSAT is a standardized assessment used by admission officers to assess the abilities of students seeking to enroll in an independent school...

Who writes The SSAT?

The SSAT is written and reviewed by independent school educators and content and assessment experts...

What are the testing options in the U.S. and Canada?

There are three ways to take the Middle or Upper Level test inside the U.S. and Canada...

How is The SSAT given?

What policies or safeguards will there be to ensure test integrity and security?

The SSAT will be conducted in a locked down web application with live, remote proctors, data forensics and artificial intelligence (AI), such as facial recognition technology, audio and video monitoring...

How is the SSAT referenced and how are scores compared?

There are two ways in which test scores are referenced: norm referencing and criterion referencing. The SSAT uses norm referencing...

How do I know if the SSAT at Home is right for my student?

Your student should be comfortable with typing, using scrap paper, having a check-in photo taken, and have a compatible computer and internet connection.

What is a Benchmark test?

How do schools use scores?

Admission officers use scores to estimate a student's ability to do work in their programs, as well as to compare performance with other students for admission or with a student's present academic record... 

How do international students (outside the U.S. and Canada) take the SSAT?

There are two ways to take the Middle or Upper Level test outside the U.S. and Canada...

What is the Guideline to Determine Fee Waiver Eligibility?

How do students sign up for the SSAT at Home?

Sign up for the SSAT at Home is available through the SSAT test registration process on SSAT.org...

How do students take a Paper-Based Test?

For registration and more SSAT instructions...

Is The SSAT reliable?

The SSAT is highly reliable...

How is EMA ensuring access to the SSAT at Home for those who may not have a computer or internet access?

In these difficult times, EMA is working harder than ever to provide equal access to all individuals. If families do not have access to the equipment or resources required to take the SSAT at Home, equity test kits can be requested.

How will students requiring Accommodations Support Staff be accommodated during the SSAT at Home?

If your student requires or is approved for support staff for the SSAT at Home, such as a Reader, please contact EMA at ta@enrollment.org. EMA will guide you through requirements and rules.

What is a Flex test?

A Flex test is an SSAT given on a day other than the six Standard test dates, usually with a member school or educational consultant...

How is the SSAT At Home different from the Paper-Based SSAT?

The SSAT at Home is the same standardized test as the SSAT but delivered on computer via a secure web application with continuous AI monitoring, data forensics and live remote proctoring.

Is there any difference in scoring between SSAT at Home versus paper-based SSAT?

No. This is still The SSAT...

What is an SSAT at Home Equity Tech Kit?

What are the levels of the SSAT?

There are three SSAT levels...

Why do I want to use the SSAT?

Without a reliable assessment of cognitive skills, it is impossible to compare applicants from a variety of diverse backgrounds. EMA administers The SSAT to more than 70,000 candidates each year...

What does it cost to take the SSAT?

The cost of the SSAT...

Why is EMA offering the SSAT at Home?

At EMA, we are committed to supporting our members and families by offering innovative products and services, as well as supporting them with flexible, convenient, and safe computer-based test options.

What types of accommodations are offered?

From additional testing time to supportive technology to medical equipment and more...

What is equating?

Different SSAT forms are built and administered to students each year...

Can EMA guarantee all of our applicants will be able to take the SSAT at Home?

EMA is working with our trusted partner PSI to ensure seats are available for all test takers who want to take the SSAT at Home...

What accommodations will there be for students with disabilities, including students who require support services for the SSAT at Home?

EMA will support students requiring testing accommodations just as with the paper-based SSAT.

What is the duration and format of the SSAT?

What type of devices can be used for the SSAT at Home testing? Can it be taken on a smartphone? Can it be taken on a Mac computer?

PCs or Macs (laptops or desktops) with broadband internet and webcam capabilities can be used for home testing...

Where do I go for more assistance with the SSAT?

There is a wealth of information on the Enrollment Management Association website regarding the SSAT and SSAT at Home for members...

What is included in the SSAT Fee Waiver?

An SSAT fee waiver applies to the test fee only...

What are the prompts for the writing section on the Middle Level (ML) and Upper Level (UL) tests?

The writing sample is not scored, but schools use it to assess writing skills...

Are Practice Tests Available?

Official SSAT Guide Books and Official SSAT Practice Tests are available for purchase online to help students prepare for the SSAT and the SSAT at Home...

How are SSAT scores calculated?

SSAT scores are calculated...

What are SSAT Accommodations?

Testing accommodations are practices and procedures intended to provide equitable access to the SSAT for students with learning differences...

What is the SSAT at-Home?

The SSAT at Home is the same standardized test as the SSAT but delivered on computer via a secure web application with continuous AI monitoring...

What is the SSAT Fee Waiver program?

What is a Prometric SSAT?

The Prometric SSAT is a computer-based version of the SSAT that is taken at a Prometric test center...

What type of ID will students need to present and how will proctors confirm these documents for the SSAT at Home?

Due to the age of our test takers, students will not need to present an ID. However, a photo will be taken of the test taker upon onboarding and that photo may be referenced in the event an irregularity is detected.

How will SSAT at Home scores be reported and how soon after testing?

SSAT at Home scores are typically released to schools 3-4 business days...

What are SSAT Customized Score Services?

So that you can get the most out of every SSAT score report you receive, EMA offers services to provide you with customized information appropriate to your school’s unique needs...

What if a student has technical issues during the SSAT at Home testing?

Remote proctors will be available to assist students throughout testing...

How will EMA deliver the SSAT at Home test?

The SSAT at Home is the same standardized test as the SSAT, but it is delivered digitally to test takers in the convenience of their homes...

Are SSAT Fee Waivers available for the SSAT At Home?

Yes, SSAT Fee Waivers may be used for any SSAT, including SSAT at Home, SSAT at Prometric Test Centers and the paper-based SSAT Flex test.

How long is the SSAT at Home and how much time does it take to complete?

The SSAT at Home is the same format and length as the paper-based test, which is roughly three hours in length including breaks. Extra time will be required for check-in.