According to the College Board, there are 3 test centers for SAT and SAT Subject Tests in Barbados. Please note that before you register either of the SAT exams, you should choose your test date and test location. Each testing location is affiliated with an educational institution, such as high school, community college, or university. The following test centers administer one or more of SAT tests in Barbados.
SAT Testing Centers in Barbados
COMBERMERE SCHOOL
S JACKMAN PRESCOD POLYTECHNIC
THE CODRINGTON SCHOOL
2025-2026 SAT Test Dates in Barbados
For students in Barbados, the SAT will be available on several international test dates during the 2025-2026 academic year. The anticipated SAT test dates are:
- August 2025
- October 2025
- December 2025
- March 2026
- May 2026
- June 2026
These dates align with the College Board’s international testing schedule, but students should regularly check the College Board’s website for updates on test dates and locations. Test centers are typically located in major educational institutions in Barbados, such as in Bridgetown. Early registration is recommended to ensure a spot at the desired test center.
SAT Test Taking Fees in Barbados
The SAT test-taking fees for students in Barbados are aligned with international pricing. As of 2024, the base cost for the SAT (without the optional essay) is approximately $60. For students opting to take the SAT with the essay, the total fee is around $88. Additional fees may be charged for late registration, changing test centers, or sending additional score reports to universities. Payments are typically made through credit cards or other internationally accepted methods. It is advisable to visit the College Board’s official website for the most up-to-date information on fees before completing registration.
How to Register for the SAT in Barbados
Registering for the SAT in Barbados is a straightforward process that students can complete online via the College Board’s website. Here are the steps to register:
- Create a College Board Account: If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to create one on the College Board’s official website. This account will be used to manage your SAT registration and access your scores.
- Select a Test Date and Location: Choose your preferred SAT test date and test center in Barbados. Test centers are typically available in cities like Bridgetown.
- Complete the Registration: Fill out your personal details and academic background. Decide whether to take the SAT with or without the optional essay.
- Submit Payment: Pay the SAT registration fees using a valid credit card or another accepted payment method.
- Print Your Admission Ticket: After completing registration, print your admission ticket, which you will need to bring to the test center on the day of the exam.
Barbados Country Overview
Country Facts
- Population: Approximately 288,000 (2024 estimate)
- Capital: Bridgetown
- Largest Cities: Bridgetown, Speightstown, Oistins, Holetown
- Languages: English (official), Bajan Creole (widely spoken)
- Currency: Barbadian Dollar (BBD)
- ISO Country Codes:
- Alpha-2 Code: BB
- Alpha-3 Code: BRB
- Numeric Code: 052
Geography
Barbados is an island nation located in the Caribbean, situated to the east of the Windward Islands and the Atlantic Ocean. Covering an area of approximately 430 square kilometers (166 square miles), Barbados is relatively flat, with the highest point being Mount Hillaby, which reaches 336 meters (1,102 feet) above sea level. The island’s landscape is a mix of rolling hills, terraced fields, and coastal plains.
Barbados enjoys a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season typically runs from December to May, while the wet season occurs between June and November, coinciding with the Atlantic hurricane season. Despite being located in a hurricane-prone region, Barbados rarely experiences direct hits from major storms.
The island is surrounded by coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. Its west coast is known for calm, clear waters and white sand beaches, while the east coast is rugged, with stronger Atlantic waves, making it ideal for surfing. The island’s natural beauty and mild climate have made Barbados a major hub for tourism.
Education
Barbados boasts a well-developed education system, which is modeled after the British system. Education is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 16. The system is divided into three main levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
Primary education lasts for six years, and students are required to take the Barbados Secondary Schools Entrance Examination (BSSEE), also known as the 11-plus exam, to enter secondary school. Secondary education spans five years, culminating in students sitting for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, which are administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).
At the tertiary level, students can pursue further studies at institutions such as the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus, the largest and most prestigious university in Barbados. The island also offers technical and vocational training through institutions like the Barbados Community College (BCC) and the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI).
Barbados has a high literacy rate of over 99%, and its emphasis on education has helped produce a well-educated workforce. English is the primary language of instruction, and students are often encouraged to pursue higher education both locally and abroad, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Transportation
Barbados has a well-developed transportation network that includes roads, public buses, taxis, and air travel. The island’s relatively small size makes it easy to navigate, and the transportation system connects all major towns and tourist destinations.
Road transportation is the most common mode of transport, with a network of highways and secondary roads connecting cities, towns, and villages. Public buses are the primary mode of transportation for locals and tourists, offering affordable and reliable services across the island. There are two types of public buses in Barbados: the government-operated blue buses and privately-owned minibuses and ZRs (small vans). Both types run frequent routes between major towns like Bridgetown, Speightstown, and Oistins.
Taxis are widely available in urban areas and tourist destinations. While most taxis do not have meters, fares are typically standardized, and it’s common for passengers to negotiate the price before beginning the journey.
Barbados does not have a railway system, but water transportation is available for travel between the island and nearby Caribbean destinations. Grantley Adams International Airport, located in Christ Church, is the country’s only international airport and serves as the gateway to the island for international travelers. The airport handles flights to and from North America, Europe, and other Caribbean islands, with major airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and American Airlines providing regular service.
For those interested in exploring the island by sea, Barbados offers ferry services, private yacht charters, and catamaran cruises, making it easy for visitors to enjoy the island’s coastline and marine life.
Major Landmarks
Barbados is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a variety of landmarks and attractions that highlight the island’s unique heritage and stunning landscapes.
- Bridgetown and Its Garrison: The capital city, Bridgetown, and its historic garrison are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Bridgetown is known for its colonial architecture, bustling streets, and historical significance. Key attractions include National Heroes Square, Parliament Buildings, and the Garrison Savannah, which was once a military base during British colonial rule.
- Harrison’s Cave: One of Barbados’s most famous natural attractions, Harrison’s Cave is a limestone cave system located in the central uplands of the island. Visitors can take guided tram tours to explore the cave’s underground streams, stunning stalactites, and stalagmites.
- St. Nicholas Abbey: Built in 1658, St. Nicholas Abbey is one of the oldest surviving plantation houses in Barbados. This Jacobean-style mansion is now a museum that offers tours of the estate, including the rum distillery, where visitors can sample locally produced rum.
- Animal Flower Cave: Located at the northern tip of Barbados, Animal Flower Cave is a coastal cave known for its natural beauty and the sea anemones that inhabit the rock pools. Visitors can explore the cave’s chambers and enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Bathsheba Beach: Famous for its dramatic rock formations and powerful waves, Bathsheba Beach on the east coast of Barbados is a popular destination for surfers. The beach’s rugged beauty makes it a favorite spot for photography and nature walks.
- The Barbados Wildlife Reserve: Located in the northern parish of St. Peter, the Barbados Wildlife Reserve is a sanctuary for the island’s green monkeys, along with other animals such as peacocks, tortoises, and deer. Visitors can walk through the reserve and observe the animals in their natural habitats.
- Barbados Museum and Historical Society: Housed in a former British military prison in the Garrison area, the Barbados Museum offers a fascinating look at the island’s history, from its indigenous peoples and colonial past to its independence in 1966.
- Andromeda Botanic Gardens: Located on the east coast, the Andromeda Botanic Gardens is home to an extensive collection of tropical plants, including palms, orchids, and heliconias. The gardens provide a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.