SSAT & HSPT Test Dates

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is the standardized admissions test used by most independent (non-Catholic) private high schools. It measures verbal, quantitative, and reading skills across three levels: Elementary (grades 3–4), Middle (grades 5–7), and Upper (grades 8–11). For 9th grade entry, most students take the Upper Level SSAT.

The SSAT is administered by the Enrollment Management Association (EMA) and can be taken on paper at test centers, at home via computer, or at a Prometric testing center. Students may take the SSAT up to twice via computer and once via Flex paper test per year.

Scores are reported as percentiles and sent directly to schools you designate. Most DMV independent schools accept SSAT scores as part of a holistic admissions review.

The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is the standardized admissions test required by Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Washington and Diocese of Arlington. It measures verbal ability, quantitative ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and language skills.

Unlike the SSAT, the HSPT may only be taken once per admissions cycle. Scores are automatically shared among all Catholic high schools in the diocese where the student tests. Students do not need to take the HSPT at multiple schools; one sitting covers all Catholic high school applications.

The HSPT is administered each fall, typically in November and December, at participating Catholic high schools across the DMV area.