There are only a few things you really need to bring on test day and a lot of things you’ll be better off leaving at home.
What to Bring
- Two No. 2 pencils with erasers
- An approved calculator
- Valid school- or government-issued photo ID (for students not testing at their own school and home-schooled students). If unavailable, use a notarized College Board Student ID Form (.pdf/488.05KB).
- Home-schoolers: Bring this code, too
- Social Security number (optional)
What Not to Bring
- Any devices, including smartwatches, that can be used to record, transmit, receive or play back audio, photographic, text, or video content
- Protractors, compasses, rulers
- Highlighters, colored pens, colored pencils
- Pamphlets or papers of any kind
- Dictionaries or other books—there are no exceptions, even if English is not your first language
- Food and drinks—including bottled water—unless your school has approved these as a testing accommodation for a disability. Learn more about testing with accommodations.
Your school counselor can share a complete list of prohibited devices.
During the Test
You will be allowed to have only these items on your desk:
- A test book
- An answer sheet
- No. 2 pencils with erasers
- An approved calculator—during one of the math sections only
Turn Off All Electronic Devices
You’ll need to turn off all electronic devices during the test and even during breaks. This includes cellphones. Be sure to turn off your watch alarm, if you have one.
Why? Test centers are serious about security and quiet, so prohibited devices—which include cellphones, tablets, and MP3 players—must be turned off and put under your desk. Better yet: leave them at home.
Really, Really Important
You will be dismissed immediately and your scores will be canceled if you use your phone or if it makes a noise—even during breaks. Your phone may also be confiscated and inspected.