Student Help Center
Get detailed answers to all your questions about Bluebook™.
FAQ
When can I take a digital SAT?
All tests in the SAT Suite of Assessments—SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9—are given digitally, and you’ll test on the Bluebook app.
When can I take a digital AP Exam?
28 AP Exams are going digital in May 2025. For details, go to 2025 AP Exams: How Will They Work?
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 sign 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, 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?
For all Bluebook exams, once you’re seated on test day you’ll get onto the test center’s Wi-Fi, sign in to Bluebook, and complete a quick check-in process. You’ll get an overview of the exam, 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.
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.
What if my device’s battery runs out during testing?
Your device should be able to stay on for roughly three hours for a test in the SAT Suite, and roughly four hours for an AP Exam. 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 SAT School Day or a digital AP Exam, ask someone at your school.
If you’re going to take an SAT 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 the test, you can request a device and get more info. Requests for a loaned device must be submitted at least 30 days before your test. 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.
If you downloaded Bluebook before September 2022, follow these steps to uninstall the old version of the app. (If you downloaded Bluebook after September 2022, all updates 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.).