Last season the SHSAT was given digitally for the first time. This coming season they are switching over to computer adaptive testing.
From the DOE website: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/testing/specialized-high-school-admissions-test
Beginning with the fall 2026 administration, the SHSAT will transition to a computer-adaptive test (CAT). A CAT is an exam that selects the questions that a student sees based on their ongoing performance. For example, a test-taker who performs well on a moderately challenging prompt will then receive a more difficult item; a student who does not answer such an item correctly will then be asked a less difficult question. Students will all be tested on the same grade-level standards, but the level of complexity of each question will be dependent upon the preceding response. Students will not be tested on standards that are above-grade level. Students will not be able to revisit questions or move around within sections and will need to respond to advance in the exam. All students will answer the same number of questions for each subject.
In addition, for passage-based question sets in the ELA section, students will be able to return to questions within the set and alter their responses; once they complete and submit all questions in the set, they cannot review their responses. In the Math section and for stand-alone items in the ELA section, students must respond to each question before they will be able to move on to the next question. Students will not be able to return to the question after they have advanced in these sections. Once they complete and submit their responses in each subject, they will not be able revisit the questions for that subject.
The big difference from previous years: in the past students could jump around, go back and double check answers, and/or mark off questions to return to.
They won’t be able to do that anymore.
It was a helpful test taking technique, utilizing time management skills to not get caught up and perhaps spiral if a particular question was too much of a struggle. Kids were encouraged to move on and come back later. But, except as noted above, that will no longer be possible.
If you’re planning on the SHSAT as an option and are doing any sort of test prep, you might want to check in and find out how tutors/companies supporting kids in dealing with this change.