The PSAT/NMSQT is offered once per year in October, with most schools choosing a weekday during the official testing window. For the 2025-2026 school year, the PSAT/NMSQT can be administered on weekdays during the testing window of October 1-31, 2025, plus two designated Saturdays: October 11, 2025 and October 18, 2025. Your school selects the specific date, so check with your guidance counselor to confirm when your test will take place.
Unlike the SAT, you cannot register for the PSAT yourself. Your high school administers the test, and the school handles all registration and logistics. This guide covers the official testing windows, score release dates, what to do if your school does not offer the PSAT, and how to plan your prep timeline around the October test.
PSAT/NMSQT Test Dates 2025-2026
The PSAT/NMSQT is the version most students take, and it is the only PSAT version that qualifies juniors for National Merit Scholarships. The PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 are practice versions for younger students that do not affect National Merit eligibility.
For the official, up-to-date testing windows, check the College Board PSAT dates page.
Why the PSAT Has a Testing Window Instead of a Single Date
Unlike the SAT, which is administered on specific Saturday dates throughout the year, the PSAT is given during a multi-week window in October. The College Board uses this approach for several reasons:
- School scheduling flexibility: Schools can choose a date that works around their academic calendar, sports schedules, and other testing commitments.
- Digital testing capacity: The Digital PSAT is taken on laptops or tablets through the College Board's Bluebook app. Spreading the testing window prevents server overload that could occur if every student tested on the same day.
- Make-up flexibility: Schools can administer make-up tests within the window for students who miss their original date due to illness or scheduling conflicts.
For students, this means you do not pick your test date the way you do for the SAT. Your school decides, and you take the test on whatever day they schedule.
How to Find Out Your School's PSAT Date
Since your school sets the date, you need to ask. Here is how to find out:
- Talk to your school counselor. The counseling office handles PSAT registration and scheduling. They can tell you the exact date your school is administering the test.
- Check your school's website or newsletter. Many schools announce PSAT dates and registration information in late August or September.
- Ask your homeroom or English teacher. Teachers often know the school's testing schedule, especially if they help proctor.
- Watch for announcements at school. Most schools send reminder emails or post notices in the weeks leading up to the test.
If you are a junior and your school is not administering the PSAT, ask your counselor about taking it at a nearby school. Some schools will accept students from other schools to ensure they can compete for National Merit.
PSAT Registration: How It Works
You do not register for the PSAT directly with the College Board the way you do for the SAT. Instead, your school handles registration. Here is the typical process:
Through Your School
Most high schools automatically register all juniors for the PSAT/NMSQT and pay the test fee. Some schools also register sophomores. Check with your counselor to confirm you are signed up. If you want to take it as a sophomore and your school does not include 10th graders by default, you may need to opt in.
Registration Deadlines
School registration deadlines vary, but most schools collect signups in early to mid-September. The actual deadline your school imposes is typically 4-6 weeks before the test date. Ask your counselor for the specific date so you do not miss it.
Cost
The PSAT/NMSQT costs about $18, and many schools cover this fee for their students. If your school does charge, fee waivers are available for students from low-income families. The PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 are typically paid for by the school district as part of their assessment program.
Score Release Dates
PSAT scores are released through the College Board's online portal in November and December, depending on when your school administered the test. Here is the typical timeline:
You access your scores by logging into your College Board student account at studentscores.collegeboard.org. Your school will also receive a copy of your score report.
The score report includes your total score (320-1520), your section scores (160-760 each), your Selection Index for National Merit, your percentile ranking, and a detailed breakdown by skill area. For details on what your score means, see PSAT Score Range and What Is a Good PSAT Score?
National Merit Timeline
If you are a junior aiming for the National Merit Scholarship Program, here is the full timeline from PSAT to potential scholarship:
The full National Merit process takes nearly 18 months from the day you take the PSAT to the day scholarship winners are announced. For more on what each level means, see What Is the PSAT?
What to Do If Your School Does Not Offer the PSAT
Most public and private high schools in the US offer the PSAT/NMSQT, but a small number do not. If your school is one of them, here are your options:
- Ask to take it at a nearby school. Contact the counseling office at a high school in your area that does offer the PSAT and ask if they will accommodate an outside student. Some will, some will not.
- Contact the College Board directly. You can email psathelp@info.collegeboard.org for help finding a testing location.
- Take it as a homeschooled student. Homeschooled students can register through their state homeschool organization or local school district.
- Skip the PSAT and focus on the SAT. If you cannot find a way to take the PSAT, do not stress. PSAT scores are not used for college admissions. You can still prepare effectively for the SAT without taking the PSAT first.
Note that if you cannot take the PSAT/NMSQT in your junior year, you will not be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program. There is no alternative qualifying test.
Planning Your Prep Around the October PSAT
Knowing the test is in October helps you build a realistic prep timeline. Here is a sample plan for a student aiming to do well on the PSAT:
4-6 Weeks Before (Late August to Early September)
- Take a full-length practice test to establish your baseline
- Identify your 2-3 weakest skill areas
- Build a study schedule covering 3-5 hours per week
2-4 Weeks Before (Mid to Late September)
- Focus on your weakest content areas with targeted practice
- Use the SAT Math Formula Sheet for math review
- Study the Digital SAT Grammar Rules for the writing section
- Take one timed practice test to track progress
1 Week Before (Early October)
- Take one final timed practice test
- Review any remaining weak areas, but do not cram new material
- Make sure your testing device is ready (charged, with the Bluebook app installed)
- Get plenty of sleep the night before the test
For a complete week-by-week plan, see How to Create a Study Schedule for the SAT (the same approach works for the PSAT). For general strategy, see SAT Prep Tips.
Frequently Asked Questions About PSAT Dates
When is the PSAT in 2025?
The PSAT/NMSQT is administered on weekdays during the testing window of October 1-31, 2025, plus two designated Saturdays: October 11, 2025 and October 18, 2025. Your school chooses a specific date within these options. Ask your school counselor for the exact date your school is testing.
Can I take the PSAT on a Saturday?
Yes. For the 2025-2026 school year, the College Board offers two designated Saturday PSAT/NMSQT dates: October 11, 2025 and October 18, 2025. Schools can choose to administer the test on either of these Saturdays in addition to (or instead of) a weekday. Check with your counselor to find out which dates your school is using.
How do I register for the PSAT?
You cannot register for the PSAT yourself. Your high school handles all PSAT registration. Most schools automatically register juniors and bill the cost (about $18) to the school or pass it on to families. Check with your counselor to confirm you are signed up.
When do PSAT scores come out?
PSAT scores are released in mid to late November or early December, depending on when your school administered the test. You access scores through your College Board student account at studentscores.collegeboard.org. Your school will also receive a copy of your score report.
Can I take the PSAT more than once?
You can take the PSAT once per year, and you can take it as both a sophomore and a junior. However, only your junior-year PSAT/NMSQT score counts for National Merit Scholarships. Sophomores can take the PSAT 10 in the spring, the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall, or both as practice.
What if I miss my school's PSAT date?
Many schools offer make-up PSAT dates within the October testing window. If your school does not, ask your counselor about taking it at a nearby school. If neither option is available, you will need to wait until the following year (which means losing your sophomore practice opportunity, or losing National Merit eligibility if you are a junior).
Is the PSAT held on the same date everywhere?
No. Unlike the SAT, the PSAT does not have a single national test date. Schools choose their own date within the official October testing window. Two schools in the same district may test on different days.
When should I start preparing for the PSAT?
Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of focused preparation before the October PSAT. If you are aiming for National Merit, start earlier (June or July of the summer before junior year) to give yourself enough time to address weak areas. For a complete timeline, see SAT Prep Tips.
