The Bee's online testing platform gives teachers and sponsors maximum flexibility in the administration of local spelling bee programs. Teachers and sponsors can administer online spelling and word meaning tests at the classroom, school, district and county levels.

If a school or sponsor decides to use an online test, students will be able to take the test on any device with a supported web browser* while at school or from home. The results of the test would determine who advances to the Bee’s next level of competition.

The cancellation occurred due to the ongoing concerns about the spread of COVID-19 and uncertainty around when public gatherings would be possible or advisable. The decision followed the Bee’s announcement on March 20, 2020, that it was suspending the national finals with hopes of rescheduling. The Bee determined there was no clear path to safely set a new date in 2020. The health and safety of all participants was the top concern and basis for this decision.

2020 is the only time since World War II (1943-1945) that the Bee has canceled the national finals since the program’s inception in 1925.