College Board seating rules for in-school testing
The Fall 2026 SAT Suite Test Coordinator Manual (page 24) has proctors assign seats; students never choose, and students who arrive together sit apart. Seats face the same direction, are not against the back wall, and are at least 3 feet apart on the right and left, measured from the center of the desk. In tiered or auditorium seating every other row stays empty. In a computer lab seats may face different directions if no one can see another screen.
A printed seating chart is recommended (page 56). Rooms testing on paper with accommodations must fill in the seating chart on the Testing Room Materials Report (Accommodations Guide, page 115). The manual’s chart (appendix pages 12 and 13) asks for each student’s last name and first name, unused seats crossed out and the doors marked. Keep charts 60 days.
Staff per room
Each room has one proctor. Standard rooms add room monitors: 1 for 35 to 50 students, 2 for 51 to 100, then one more per 50. Extended time rooms add one monitor once there are more than 20 students, and another per 20 (page 21).
Questions from test coordinators
Do students get assigned seats for the PSAT?
Yes. Proctors assign seats and students never choose their own. Students who arrive together are seated apart. A random order on the chart takes care of that for most friends.
How far apart are desks for the SAT and PSAT?
At least 3 feet on the right and left, measured from the center of each desk. Tables seating more than one student need room for 3 feet between them, and students sit on one side only.
Why are names written last name first?
College Board’s chart asks for the full last name, a comma, then as much of the first name as fits. The tool turns plain two-word names around; anything longer or already with a comma prints as you typed it.
How long do we keep SAT and PSAT seating charts?
Keep them 60 days, or longer if your state or district asks, in case of a security investigation.
Sources: Fall 2026 SAT Suite of Assessments Test Coordinator Manual (pages 21, 24 and 56, Accommodations Guide page 115, appendix pages 12 and 13); SAT Suite proctor duties. Checked October 2026. Your district or the test’s own manual has the final word.