The Anatomy of the SSAT
Total testing time is 2 hours and 35 minutes for the middle and upper level tests, plus two short breaks. Each of these SSAT tests includes a 155-minute standardized test consisting of a series of multiple-choice questions divided into four scored sections and one (unscored) Essay section.
| Section | Number of Questions | Question Types | Section Length |
| Quantitative | 25 questions (2 Sections) | Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra, Geometry and Concepts | 30 minutes |
| Verbal | 30 synonym and 30 analogy questions | Vocabulary, Verbal Reasoning, Ability to Relate Ideas Logically | 30 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 40 questions based on about 7 reading passages | Reading Comprehension | 40 minutes |
| Essay | One question (unscored) | Topic statement which you will be asked to respond to (support or argue), using specific examples from personal experience, current events, history or literature | 25 minutes |
While the Middle and Upper Level test structures are the same, the types of questions used on the Upper Level Test are more challenging than those used for the Lower Level Test.
Testing normally begins at 9:00am, while test dismissal normally takes place between 12:00 - 12:30pm.
