The PSAT/NMSQT is now digital! The test is easier to take, shorter, has more time per question, and comes with a built-in calculator. It can also qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program and other scholarships.

Learn how the PSAT/NMSQT is structured and how long the test takes. The Reading and Writing Section Learn about the types of questions and passages you'll see on the Reading and Writing Section.

Find information about the PSAT/NMSQT, with advice about preparing for and taking the test. The guide also includes the testing rules and information about the National Merit Scholarship Program. PDF

How the PSAT/NMSQT Is Organized. The PSAT/NMSQT measures the knowledge and skills that you are learning in school . and that matter most for college and career readiness. There are two sections of the . PSAT/NMSQT—(1) Reading and Writing and (2) Math. The PSAT/NMSQT, and all tests in the SAT ® Suite of Assessments, use multistage adaptive ...

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is structured similarly to the SAT. It has the same sections and timing, and measures the Reading and Writing and Math skills needed to succeed in college and career.

Your PSAT/NMSQT gives you valuable practice for the SAT, and it opens opportunities for scholarships and recognition. Discover How to Use Your Score Score Release 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 may occur on a school day between these dates: October 1–31, 2025

Learn what’s a good PSAT/NMSQT score and get an idea of how well you’ll do on the SAT.

The PSAT/NMSQT takes 2 hours and 14 minutes and consists of 2 sections: (1) the Reading and Writing Section, and (2) the Math Section. Most of the questions are multiple choice, though some math questions ask you to write in the answer rather than select it.

The National Merit Scholarship Program uses PSAT/NMSQT scores to find eligible juniors.