Compare PSAT/NMSQT Specifications

Get an overview of how the PSAT/NMSQT differs from the test students took before 2015. The first table compares the major features. The second table compares the number of questions and testing times in each part.

Major Features Compared

**Comparison of the Major Features: Pre-2015 PSAT/NMSQT and New PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10**
Category	Pre-2015 PSAT/NMSQT	New PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10
Total Testing Time	2 hours and 10 minutes	2 hours and 45 minutes
Components	Critical Reading Writing Mathematics	Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Reading Test Writing and Language Test Math
Important Features	Emphasis on general reasoning skills Emphasis on vocabulary, often in limited contexts Complex scoring (a point for a correct answer and a deduction for an incorrect answer; blank responses have no impact on scores)	Focus on the knowledge, skills, and understandings that research has identified as most important for college and career readiness and success Greater emphasis on the meaning of words in extended contexts and on how word choice shapes meaning, tone, and impact Rights-only scoring (no penalty for guessing)
Score Reporting	Scale ranging from 60 to 240 Scale ranging from 20 to 80 for Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing	Scores will be reported on a shared common score scale with the SAT: The scale ranges for the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 scores are 320–1520 for the total score, 160–760 for each of two section scores, and 8–38 for test scores.
Subscore Reporting	None	Subscores for every test, providing added insight for students, parents, educators, and counselors

Test Length and Timing Compared

**Comparison of Test Length and Timing:** Pre-2015 PSAT/NMSQT and New PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10
Pre-2015 PSAT/NMSQT			New PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10
Component	Time Allotted (min.)	Number of Questions/ Tasks	Component	Time Allotted (min.)	Number of Questions/ Tasks
Critical Reading	50	48	Reading	60	47
Writing	30	39	Writing and Language	35	44
Mathematics	50	38	Math	70	48
Total	130	125	Total	165	139