PSAT/NMSQT
The PSAT/NMSQT is the fall school-day test that qualifies grade 11 students for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Scored 320–1520 on the SAT's scale.
Made by College Board, with National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Who: Grades 10 or 11 (only grade 11 counts for National Merit). Checked on the owner's own pages, 21 Oct 2026.
Who takes it
- The qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships run by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
College Board
National Merit Scholarship Program (PSAT/NMSQT)College Board- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Only scores from grade 11 (junior year) count toward National Merit.
College Board
Score Structure — SAT SuiteCollege Board- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Your school registers you for the fall test.
College Board
SAT Suite Test Dates and Deadlines (2026-27, anticipated 2027-28)College Board- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Format and sections
Two sections; most questions are multiple choice and some math questions ask you to write in the answer. College Board
View source
| Section | Time | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 64 min | 54 |
| Math | 70 min | 44 |
| Total | 134 min (2 h 14 min) | 98 |
Scoring
- Total 320–1520 (Reading and Writing 160–760, Math 160–760), on the same scale as the SAT.
College Board
Score Structure — SAT SuiteCollege Board- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Fees and fee waivers
Paid by the school, district or state. 2026-27 list price per student: College Board
View source
| Test | List price |
|---|---|
| PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 | $18 |
- Low-income schools get an automatic discount of up to 45% for every student, so individual fee waivers are not needed; lowest price after discounts $4.
College Board
SAT Suite District and School Pricing Details, 2026-27College Board- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Test dates
| Season | Window |
|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | October 1–30, 2026 (SAT School Day, PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 8/9) |
Source: College Board
View source
Free official practice
- Official practice tests in the Bluebook app and paper practice tests to download.
College Board
Full-Length SAT Suite Practice Tests (Bluebook and paper)College Board- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Used by these careers and colleges
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Where these facts come from
Official and primary sources only, each checked on the date shown. Rules on testing, aid, licensing and immigration change, so confirm a detail with its source before you rely on it.
- National Merit Scholarship Program (PSAT/NMSQT) · College Board checked 2026-10-21
- Score Structure — SAT Suite · College Board checked 2026-10-21
- SAT Suite Test Dates and Deadlines (2026-27, anticipated 2027-28) · College Board checked 2026-10-21
- How the PSAT/NMSQT Is Structured · College Board checked 2026-10-21
- SAT Suite District and School Pricing Details, 2026-27 · College Board checked 2026-10-21
- Full-Length SAT Suite Practice Tests (Bluebook and paper) · College Board checked 2026-10-21