How to Register for SAT Subject Tests

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

With the rise of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and tests, SAT Subject Tests are being phased out by the College Board. SAT Subject Tests aren’t offered in the United States anymore, but international students can still register and take these exams.^{[1]
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Research source} This may seem a little confusing, but don’t worry. We’ve answered all your frequently asked questions about SAT Subject Test registration, as well as what your options are once this test is no longer around.

Question 1 of 8:

Can I still register for SAT Subject Tests?

Yes, if you’re an international student. As of January 2021, American students can no longer register for and take SAT Subject Tests. However, international students can still take these tests up until June 2021.^{[2]
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- All American students will have their scheduled tests canceled and refunded.
- International students can cancel their test registration through the College Board’s customer service number.^{[3]
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  Research source} You can reach them at: 866-630-9305.^{[4]
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Question 2 of 8:

Which test dates are still available?

May 8 and June 5 are the last available dates to take the SAT Subject Tests. The registration deadline for the May test date is April 8, but there’s no registration deadline listed for the June test date on the College Board’s website.^{[5]
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Question 3 of 8:

Can I register online?

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Yes, you can. Create a student account on the College Board’s website and fill out your personal information, like your full legal name.^{[6]
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Research source} Then, upload a clear, focused photo of your head and shoulders.^{[7]
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- Create and/or sign into your account here: https://account.collegeboard.org/login.
- Double-check that your personal information matches what's on your official ID card and/or driver’s license.
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Choose up to 3 Subject Tests to take. You can take up to 3 tests on a single test date, but you’ll have to pay extra for each individual test.^{[8]
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Research source} If you’d like, you can switch to a different Subject Test on your test date—simply grab a different test booklet at your testing center.^{[9]
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- If you registered for less than 3 tests, you can sign up for an additional test on your test date. You can pay for any extra tests at that time.
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Pay the fees and print out your Admissions Ticket. To complete your registration, pay the required fees. Bring the printed Admissions ticket with you on your test date, as well as your photo ID, so you can enter the test center.^{[10]
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Question 4 of 8:

Can I register via mail?

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Yes, but you’ll need a special form. Get a Student Registration Booklet for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests from your academic counselor—this booklet comes with a paper registration form and return envelope.^{[11]
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- You’ll need to list a code for your school or test center on your form. Here’s the international reference guide for codes: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/sat-international-code-list.pdf.
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Mail the form, an identifiable photo, and your registration payment. Include your completed form, a picture of yourself, and payment, like a paper check, in the return envelope. Ask your academic counselor if you need to send in a clergy letter or fee waiver card, too. Mail your registration ahead of time, so it’s received by the deadline.^{[12]
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- Your photo needs to be a clear, well-lit snapshot of just your head and shoulders. No one else can be in the picture with you.

Question 5 of 8:

What is the SAT Subject Test’s registration fee?

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The base registration fee is $26. This base fee lets you take up to 3 tests on a specific date, but doesn’t cover the actual test itself.^{[13]
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- Certain countries and regions have extra fees. Check this list for reference: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-subject-tests/register/international-registration/fees.
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Pay an extra $22 for each test you take. In addition to the registration fee, you need to pay an extra fee for the actual Subject Test. If you take multiple tests, you’ll need to pay $22 for each one.^{[14]
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- For instance, if you were taking 2 Subject Tests, you’d pay $70 total: $26 for the registration, and $44 for the 2 tests.
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You may have to pay extra fees depending on your situation. You’ll be charged a $30 “change fee” if you switch your SAT registration to an SAT Subject Test, or vice versa. Some test centers in Singapore, Sri Lanka, Israel, Pakistan, and Hong Kong may also charge an extra $24 fee.^{[15]
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- If you’ve registered for SAT Subject Tests in the past, you can pay an extra $15 fee to register over the phone.
- Fee waivers used to exist, but they were only available for American students, or students from U.S. territories.^{[16]
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Question 6 of 8:

Why are SAT Subject Tests being phased out?

The College Board wants to put less pressure on current students. Advanced Placement (AP) coursework and tests focus on specific subjects, and are available in a lot of different schools. Because of this SAT Subject Tests really aren’t relevant anymore and just create extra, unnecessary work for high school students.^{[17]
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Question 7 of 8:

Can I still register for the regular SAT?

Yes, you can still register for the traditional SAT test. Log into your College Board account to register for an upcoming test date online.^{[18]
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Research source} However, the SAT Essay will be phased out after June 2021.^{[19]
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- The College Board doesn’t think the SAT Essay is necessary anymore.

Question 8 of 8:

What are some alternatives to the SAT Subject Tests?

AP classes and tests are a great alternative. AP tests focus on individual subjects, similar to the SAT Subject Tests.^{[20]
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Research source} Check your school’s course catalog and see what kinds of AP classes they offer. After you’ve taken the class, register for an AP test using the “My AP” section of your College Board account.^{[21]
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Warnings

Register with personal information printed on your legal photo ID, or else you may not be able to get into the test.

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