PSAT/NMSQT Test Dates

Students don't register for the PSAT/NMSQT through College Board. Schools and districts choose whether and when to offer it. To find out more about the PSAT/NMSQT at your school, contact your principal or counselor.

PSAT/NMSQT testing is available on these dates:

Fall 2023 through your school for juniors.

What's on the PSAT/NMSQT?

The PSAT/NMSQT includes a Reading Test, Writing and Language Test, and Math Test.

What to Do with Your PSAT Scores?

Your PSAT/NMSQT gives you valuable practice for the SAT, and it opens opportunities for scholarships and recognition

Scholarships That Use PSAT/NMSQT Scores

Some scholarship providers use PSAT/NMSQT scores to find eligible juniors.

National Merit Scholarship Program

The PSAT/NMSQT is the only qualifying test for the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships.

National Scholarship Service

The National Scholarship Service offers a free college advisory and referral service for 11th-grade African American students.

Telluride Seminar Scholarships

The Telluride Association offers scholarships to gifted 11th-grade students for their 6-week summer program in the humanities and social sciences.

National Merit Scholarship Program

The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Approximately 1.5 million high school students enter the program each year.

How to Enter the Competition

High School students who meet published program entry and participation requirements enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) at the specified time in the high school program, usually as juniors. Each year's PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test designated for entry to a particular year's competition. For example, the 2021 PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for entry to the competition for scholarships to be awarded in 2023. The 2022 PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for entry to the competition for scholarships to be awarded in 2024.

Registration for the test is by high school rather than individual student. Interested students should see their counselor at the beginning of the school year to make arrangements to take the PSAT/NMSQT at the school in the fall.

Note: The PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 will not be considered for entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program. The PSAT/NMSQT is the official route of entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program.