Taking the Tests

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

Get Ready for Test Day

Preparing for test day is simple:

  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. Get 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 homeschooled 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/NMSQT

  • Who: 11th and 10th graders
  • Where: At school
  • When: Wednesday, October 14, 2020. Other options are Saturday, October 17 and Thursday, October 29 (formerly October 28) or Tuesday, January 26, 2021. (View the PSAT/NMSQT calendar.) Please administer the PSAT/NMSQT Alternate test on the revised date of October 29 and not on October 28.
  • Scholarships: Scores are used by scholarship programs, including the National Merit® Scholarship Program, to look for eligible students.

PSAT 10

  • Who: 10th graders
  • Where: At school
  • When: Schools choose a date to offer the PSAT 10. Testing is available during:
  • Scholarships: Scores are used by scholarship programs to look for eligible students, but are not considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Fees

The 2020-21 tests cost schools $17 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 school.