Taking an Official Exam on the Bluebook App

Need the Bluebook app? Download it here.

The College Board has developed its own application for taking the SAT called Bluebook. It allows students to practice taking the digital SAT and is required to take an official digital SAT exam.

College Board Account

Each student is required to have his or her own login to access a College Board account. This is the same login that is used to register for an official exam or check scores. Students will need to log into the Bluebook app with their College Board login to open the app.

Select a Device to Use on Test Day

If you are using a school-issued tablet or laptop, technology administrators are responsible for installing the Bluebook app.

If you are using your own laptop or tablet, you’ll need to download the Bluebook app before test day.

The College Board recommends bringing a charging cord with you to your official exam because your device will be on for a total time of approximately 3 hours.  

Using the App to Take the Digital SAT

How the app functions during the test:

  • A countdown timer is at the top of the test screen and starts as soon as the test-taker begins the module. 
  • Students may go back and forth between questions within a module until the time ends.
  • A 5-minute warning will pop up to let test-takers know they are nearing the end of a module.
  • After the last questions in the module is a summary page, showing which questions have been answered, unanswered, and flagged for review. Test-takers can revisit questions by clicking directly from the summary page on the question.
  • If the student is not finished with the module and time runs out, all answers are saved and submitted. The screen will automatically advance students to the next part of the exam.
  • After the second module of the first section, students will be forced to take a 10 minute break. They cannot advance to the next section or revisit any parts of the exam.

In-App Tools

  • Annotation Tool – allows students to highlight text and enter notes alongside questions and passages.
  • Crossout Text Tool – use this tool to eliminate multiple choice answers that have been ruled out.
  • Mark for Review – Flag a question to review later. When test-takers reach the summary page at the end of a mobile, they can see which questions they flagged for review.
  • Reference Sheet – Just like the old, paper SAT, a reference page with math formulas is provided at the beginning of the module.
  • Scientific Calculator – An in-app, scientific calculator is accessible throughout the entire math section.
  • Additional tools like being able to zoom in and out and a help button are also available.

At the end of your exam, the Bluebook app will submit answers to your College Board account. 

Important: wait for the “Congratulations” screen before closing your device.