SSAT test dates, registration and scores

SSAT test schedule: testing year and formats

The SSAT test schedule runs by testing year, from August 1 to July 31. Which SSAT dates you can choose depends on the format: the Standard paper test has six fixed dates, while Flex, SSAT at Home and Prometric testing have their own availability.

• Standard paper: six established dates between October and March, usually at schools that serve as test centers
• SSAT at Home: one per testing year, Middle and Upper Level only, in the US (including territories) and Canada
• Prometric test center: Middle and Upper Level only; the pricing page lists two per testing year, while the about page says one, adjusting to two later this fall
• Middle and Upper students can take up to 6 Standard tests and 1 Flex test per testing year

Source: SSAT — Test Options & Pricing. Checked 19 October 2026.

SSAT test dates 2026

For SSAT test dates 2026, the Standard paper page lists Saturday, October 10, 2026 for Middle and Upper Level, with the remaining Standard dates spread between October and March. Paper Standard tests begin at 9 a.m. local time unless your admission ticket says otherwise; arrive 30 to 45 minutes early.

For SSAT test dates and locations 2026, use the test center search in the registration portal: the SSAT says availability varies by location, and the dates page does not print a fixed list of centers.

Source: SSAT — Standard Paper Exam & Test Dates. Checked 19 October 2026.

SSAT testing dates 2025 and SSAT test dates 2025

SSAT testing dates 2025 belonged to the 2025–2026 testing year, which ended on July 31, 2026. Those dates are no longer listed. Note also that scores from before August 1, 2025 can no longer be sent to schools or educational consultants.

Source: Admission.org — SSAT Score Reports (linked from ssat.org). Checked 19 October 2026.

SSAT registration and deadlines

SSAT registration is online through the SSAT portal; your child’s level is set automatically by the grade you select. For each Standard date, a $59 late fee applies from the Sunday three weeks before the test, rush registration costs $100, and registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on the Wednesday before the test.

For October 10, 2026, late registration began on September 20, rush registration on September 27, the deadline for accommodated testing was September 26, and the last day to register SSAT tests for that date was October 7.

Source: SSAT — Standard Paper Exam & Test Dates. Checked 19 October 2026.

SSAT scoring

At Middle and Upper Level, SSAT scoring gives one point for each correct answer, subtracts a quarter point for each wrong answer and gives nothing for an omitted question. At Elementary Level there is no penalty for wrong answers. The writing sample, whatever its topic, and the experimental section are not scored.

SSAT scores are released to families and schools on the same day, after a parent completes the Testing Experience Statement. Paper scores typically come within two weeks; SSAT at Home scores on the Wednesday after your testing week; Prometric scores on the Wednesday after the scoring period ends. Release can take up to three weeks.

Source: Admission.org — SSAT Score Reports (linked from ssat.org). Checked 19 October 2026.

How to read SSAT scores

How to interpret SSAT scores starts with the total scaled score, which the report labels as your score; the SSAT encourages families and schools to focus on it. The percentile is the second key number: a 67th percentile means your child scored equal to or higher than 67 percent of first-time test takers in their grade over the last three years in the US and Canada. SSAT scores are not gender-specific.

On SSAT score range: the score report pages we checked do not print the scaled score range for each level as text, so check the sample score report in your account rather than relying on a number from elsewhere.

Source: Admission.org — How should I interpret the SSAT score report?. Checked 19 October 2026.

What is a good SSAT score for an 8th grader?

An 8th grader takes the Upper Level, and the percentile compares them only with first-time 8th grade test takers from the last three years. The SSAT sets no passing or good score; schools look at the whole application. A good score is the one your target schools expect, so ask their admission offices.

Source: Admission.org — How should I interpret the SSAT score report?. Checked 19 October 2026.

Is there an SSAT score calculator?

There is no official SSAT score calculator that predicts a scaled score or percentile. The SSAT explains that for practice forms, calculations of exact scaled scores or specific percentile rankings are not possible, and that raw scores vary between editions. Use the raw-score rule (plus one, minus a quarter, zero for omitted) only to compare your own practice tests.

Source: Admission.org — What Will My SSAT Score Be?. Checked 19 October 2026.

SSAT exam: questions people ask

When are SSAT test dates in 2026?

The Standard paper test has six dates between October and March; October 10, 2026 is listed for Middle and Upper Level. At-home and Prometric dates are booked separately. Source: SSAT, checked 19 October 2026.

When does SSAT registration close?

At 11:59 p.m. ET on the Wednesday before each Standard test. A $59 late fee applies from the Sunday three weeks before. Source: SSAT, checked 19 October 2026.

Is there a penalty for wrong answers on the SSAT?

At Middle and Upper Level, a quarter point is subtracted per wrong answer; Elementary has no penalty. Source: Admission.org, checked 19 October 2026.

When do SSAT scores come out?

Paper scores typically within two weeks; at-home and Prometric scores on a set Wednesday after testing; up to three weeks in some cases. Source: Admission.org, checked 19 October 2026.

What does the SSAT percentile mean?

The share of first-time test takers in the same grade over the last three years, in the US and Canada, who scored at or below your child. Source: Admission.org, checked 19 October 2026.

How many times can you take the SSAT?

Middle and Upper students can take up to 6 Standard tests and 1 Flex test per testing year, plus one SSAT at Home. Source: SSAT pricing page, checked 19 October 2026.