Student Help Center
Get detailed answers to all your questions about Bluebook™.
FAQ
When can I take a digital SAT?
The digital SAT will launch for international students in March 2023. Students in the U.S. will start taking the digital SAT in spring 2024. The digital PSAT/NMSQT will launch in fall 2023.
When can I take a digital AP Exam?
In 2023, digital AP Exams will be available in seven subjects: AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP European History, AP Seminar, AP U.S. History, and AP World History: Modern. If you’re taking one of these courses, ask your AP teacher if your exam will be digital or paper.
What do I need to do to get ready for a weekend test?
If you’re taking an SAT on the weekend, download Bluebook™ then log in 1–5 days before your test to complete exam setup. You’ll confirm some information about yourself and your testing device, get some information about test day, your test will be loaded onto your device, and you’ll get your admission ticket. You can print your admission ticket, email it to yourself, or take a picture of it so you have it handy on test day.
How does the test day check-in process work in Bluebook?
Whether you’re testing on a weekend or a school day, once you sit down you’ll get onto the test center’s Wi-Fi, log in to Bluebook™, and complete a quick check-in process. You’ll get an overview of the test, agree to follow some rules, and get ready to test.
How does timing work in Bluebook?
When you’re testing in Bluebook™, a timer will be running at the top of the screen so you can pace yourself. You can hide the timer until 5 minutes remain in the section you’re on.
SAT tests are divided into 2 sections—Reading and Writing, and Math—and each section is divided into two modules. Most AP Exams have two sections as well, and they’re divided into subsections (1A and 1B for example). Each module or subsection is timed separately. You can move back and forth between questions in a module or subsection until time expires. Once you move on from a module or subsection, you cannot go back to it.
How do breaks work in Bluebook?
After section one on any Bluebook™ test, you’ll get a break. For most users, the break is 10 minutes. Once you see the break screen, you’re allowed to get up and go on break. You don’t need to wait for your proctor to dismiss you. Follow all instructions on the break screen.
If you’re approved for extended time or extra breaks, they'll be applied in Bluebook.
If you need a quick break while the test is in progress, go to the More menu and select Unscheduled Break. The test timer will keep running while you’re away.
Will my testing accommodations be applied in Bluebook?
Yes, if you have a College Board-approved accommodation, it will be applied to your digital exams, too. When you take a digital exam in Bluebook™, you’ll see a personal information screen that lists your name and any accommodations you’re approved for.
If you’re approved for extra time or breaks, they’ll be applied to your digital exam.
Some accommodations work differently on a digital test than with a paper and pencil test. Get more information about testing accommodations.
Does my device need to connect to the internet?
Yes. You’ll need to be online when you check in on test day. But once you’re testing, if your internet connection drops momentarily, you’ll still be able to test. At the end of the test, you’ll need to be online so Bluebook™ can upload your answers. If you’re offline at the end of the test, you’ll see instructions in the app to reconnect and submit your work.
What if I have a technical problem during testing?
If you hit a snag during testing, follow any instructions you see in Bluebook™. If you and your proctor can’t quickly resolve the issue, they’ll send you to a help room where a staff member will assist you. Your testing time will be paused until you rejoin the exam.
What if my device’s battery runs out during testing?
Your device should be able to stay on for three hours. Make sure it’s fully charged when you arrive for your test. You can bring a power cord or portable charger with you if you need to plug in during the test.
What if I don’t have an approved device?
If you’re taking an SAT on the weekend and you don’t have an approved testing device—and you can’t borrow one from a friend or family member—College Board may be able to lend you one. When you register for a digital SAT, you can request a device and get more info (Note: registration for digital SAT is currently open only for students testing internationally). If you do borrow a device from College Board, you’ll need to arrive 30 minutes early on test day to collect it.
Do I need to uninstall previous versions of Bluebook?
If you used Bluebook™ before September 2022—or the previous version of the app called CB Digital Exams—you need to uninstall the app, then download it again.
After that, all updates to the app will be automatic.
Windows laptops and tablets:
- Search Add or Remove programs from the Start menu.
- Look for “Bluebook” or “CB Digital Exams” and click on the icon.
- Select Uninstall.
- Select Uninstall again to confirm.
- Download Bluebook.
Mac laptops:
- Navigate to your Applications folder.
- Find “Bluebook” or “CB Digital Exams” and right-click to delete.
- Select Empty Trash.
- Download Bluebook.
iPads: If you used a previous version of the app on your iPad, launch the app now and it should update automatically.
School-managed Chromebooks: If you used a previous version of the app on a school-managed Chromebook, your school will update the app for you.
Does the language setting on testing devices have to be changed?
To avoid Bluebook™ issues on test day, make sure the keyboard input layout is set to English (U.S.).