Which SSAT level should my child take?
Short answer
Your child's SSAT level depends on their current grade: Elementary for grades 3–4, Middle for grades 5–7 and Upper for grades 8–11. E3n notes that families may pick a different grade, for example one grade higher late in the school year.
The SSAT level is based on your child’s current grade, not the grade they’re applying to. That’s the opposite of the ISEE.
SSAT levels by grade
| Current grade | SSAT level |
|---|---|
| 3–4 | Elementary |
| 5–7 | Middle |
| 8–11 | Upper |
E3n notes that families may pick a different grade in some cases, for example one grade higher late in the school year. Check with E3n if your child is near the boundary between two levels.
What each level’s test contains
| Elementary | Middle and Upper | |
|---|---|---|
| Math | 30 questions, 30 minutes | 50 questions in two 30-minute parts |
| Verbal | 30 questions, 20 minutes | 60 questions, 30 minutes |
| Reading | 28 questions, 30 minutes | 40 questions, 40 minutes |
| Writing sample (not scored) | 15-minute picture prompt | 25 minutes |
| Score per section | 300–600 | Middle 440–710; Upper 500–800 |
| Wrong answers | No penalty | Lose a quarter point each |
See What’s the highest SSAT score? for totals by level.
Sources
- What level of the SSAT will my student need to take? (admission.org help)
- What's on the Elementary Level SSAT? (admission.org help, 2026-07-24)
- What's on the Upper Level SSAT? (admission.org help, 2026-07-24)
- Sample Upper Level SSAT Score Report (PDF, linked from admission.org)
- SSAT Candidate Handbook for Testing Year 2026-2027 (E3n, PDF)