Taking the Tests

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The PSAT/NMSQT is offered in the fall and the PSAT 10 is offered in the spring.

Sharpen Your Pencils and Your Skills

How to get ready for test day:

  1. Ask your school counselor when your class will take the PSAT/NMSQT or the PSAT 10.
  2. Get a list of what to bring on test day and what to leave at home.
  3. Take a practice test to see what the tests are like and get a personalized skills workout. Click for free practice.
  4. Decide if you want to opt in to Student Search Service®.
  5. If you need College Board testing accommodations for students with disabilities, talk to your counselor.
  6. If you're home-schooled or testing outside the U.S., find out what to do.

That’s it—if you’re a student. If you’re an educator, learn about ordering tests, giving the test, and more. Go to K–12 Educators.

Who, Where, When

PSAT 10

  • Who: 10th-graders
  • Where: At school
  • When: Schools choose a date between February 21 and April 14, 2017 (view PSAT 10 calendar)
  • How much: $15
  • Scholarships: Used by scholarship programs to look for eligible students, but not considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

PSAT/NMSQT

  • Who: 11th- and 10th-graders
  • Where: At school
  • When: Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Other options are Saturday, October 14 and Wednesday, October 25. (view PSAT/NMSQT calendar)
  • Scholarships: Used by scholarship programs, including the National Merit® Scholarship Program, to look for eligible students.

Fees

The 2017-18 tests cost schools $16 for each student—but you might not pay that much. Some schools cover all or part of the cost for their students. For details, ask your counselor.