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FAQ

How do I get the most accurate speed test results?

For the most accurate results, run a speed test:

  • When competing network activity approximates test day
  • In the same rooms used on test day
  • On the same network test takers will use

To account for normal fluctuation, run the test several times in each room.

Example: SAT School Day, PSAT-related assessments, and AP Exams 

A school will administer an exam to 200 of their 500 students in the gym on a Monday at noon. Their results could vary depending on when and where they run the test.

Most accurate: When the speed test is run in the gym on a typical Monday at noon, the results show that 275 students can test in the building simultaneously.

Overestimate: When the test is run in the library (which has better Wi-Fi) over the weekend, the results show that 350 students can test in the building simultaneously.

Underestimate: When the speed test is run in the annex on the same Monday at noon, the results show that only 100 students can test in the building simultaneously.

Example: SAT Weekend

Staff at a test center with the physical space to test 500 students want to check their bandwidth. Their results could vary depending on when and where they run the test.

Most accurate: When the speed test is run in a classroom on a typical Saturday at 8 a.m., the results show that 600 students can test in the building simultaneously.

Overestimate: When the test is run in the library (which has better Wi-Fi) on a summer Saturday, the results show that 800 students can test in the building simultaneously.

Underestimate: If the speed test is run in the annex on a fall Monday at 1 p.m., the results might suggest that only 400 students can test in the building simultaneously.