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 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 Wednesday, October 28. (View the PSAT/NMSQT calendar.)
  • 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.