Where is the SSAT taken in Montreal?

There are three ways to take the SSAT in Montreal. If you’d like guidance along the way, feel free to reach out — I help families navigate the SSAT and school admissions process.

1. In-Person Paper Tests

This is my preferred way for students to take the test — you go to a physical location, are monitored by a real person, and take the test on paper.

• In Quebec, the only in-person paper testing centre is McGill University. If you live outside Quebec (or far from Montreal), you can search for your closest in-person paper centre here.
• Paper test happen once a month on a Saturday at 9 am, usually from October to March. Here is a list of dates.
• To take a test, US and Canadian students pay $172 USD (grades 5-11) or $112 USD (grades 3-4). Late fees of $59-$100 may apply if you register too close to a date.
• You can reschedule a paper test up to 72 hours before the test date (i.e. up to 11:59 PM three days beforehand), subject to a $49 change fee.
• The SSAT says they release score within two weeks of the test date, but in my experience, it has always been 10 calendar days. Paper tests take the longest of the three test-types to receive scores.
• You can take the paper SSAT multiple times, being mindful of your application deadlines which are usually in January / early-February. You can also take other test types on top of this (Prometric or at-home).
• If there are no paper-testing centres close to you (or if you are unable to make one of these dates), I suggest taking a Prometric or At-Home test instead.

2. Prometric Digital Tests

Prometric tests are taken in person at a testing centre, on a computer provided by the centre. Prometric centres administer many different professional exams (medical certifications, language tests, and more), so your child will likely be sitting with test-takers of all ages and backgrounds.

• There are many test-centres in both Quebec, Ontario, the US and beyond. The Montreal Prometric centre is at 6000 Chemin de la Côte des Neiges.
• Dates and times vary depending on each centre.
• Search for your closest test centre, dates and start times here: https://proscheduler.prometric.com/scheduling/searchAvailability
• Families can reschedule a Prometric test for free up to 29 days before the test date. If you are between 3 and 28 days before the test, families can reschedule for $35 USD. Families cannot reschedule their test less than 3 days before the date.
• Students can take a maximum of two Prometric tests per academic year. You can still take paper tests or at-home tests on top of this.
• A Prometric test is $242 USD (grades 5-11).
• Students will be given a dry-erase market and small whiteboard to do calculations or notes. They do not use paper and pencil.
• The Prometric software looks like this. Please note this sample Prometric experience shows what question types will look like across all test-types (i.e. not just the SSAT). SSAT questions will be one writing sample, and multiple choice.
• Prometric scores are released the Wednesday following the Sunday of your test. Example: if your test is on Thursday, it will be released the following Wednesday. If your test is on Monday, it will be released in two Wednesdays (i.e. about a week and a half later). There are some exceptions to this rule during the holidays; see https://www.ssat.org/about/scoring/scoring-and-release-schedule.

3. At-Home Digital Tests

At-home testing happens at your home, from your personal computer. The student is digitally monitored by a real person.

• There are multiple at-home testing options per month, but unfortunately you can only see the official ones if you register for an account with ssat.org and pay for an at-home ticket. The times range from 10 – 6pm EST. To see a preview of the dates (not the times), visit https://www.ssat.org/testing/home/test-dates.
• Scores are typically released the Wednesday following your test date. At-Home tests provide the quickest scores.
• It is $258 USD to take an at home test.
• There is a system check that is required beforehand to determine if your computer is able to handle the SSAT software.
• Parents cannot help the student during the setup or testing process.
• You can take one at-home test per academic year.
• The at-home test can be rescheduled for free up to three days (72 hours) before the start time. After that, it cannot be rescheduled.