The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is more than just a practice test—it helps students get ready for the SAT and can qualify them for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. It’s typically offered in October and is administered directly through your child’s school.
Students do not register through College Board; instead, schools handle the registration. Your child’s college guidance counselor will tell you how and when to sign up for the PSAT generally by the fall of your child’s junior year. The test is administered at the student’s school, not a public test center.
The PSAT registration fee is $18 per student. Some schools may charge an additional administrative fee, and some schools cover all or part of the fee for their students. For details, ask to speak with your child’s college guidance counselor.
Spring window: March 3–April 30, 2026
Fall window: October 1–31, 2025
PSAT scores are typically released about 6–8 weeks after the test, which usually means early to mid-December for fall PSAT/NMSQT exams. Students who took the digital PSAT will receive their scores online via their College Board account.
If a student provided an email address on test day, the College Board will send an email notification when scores are ready. The email contains instructions—not a unique access code—to help them sign in and view their scores.
Students do not need an access code if they already have a College Board account.
If a student did not provide an email address, they can still create or log into their account at studentscores.collegeboard.org and use personal information (name, date of birth, school, etc.) to retrieve scores.
Teachers and counselors typically do not distribute paper score reports anymore, as the College Board has largely moved away from printed reports. Instead, educators can view student scores through the K-12 reporting portal.
Colleges do not receive students’ PSAT scores, and they are not part of college admission decisions.
There are three PSAT tests: the PSAT 8/9 for 8th and 9th graders, the PSAT 10 for 10th graders, and the PSAT for juniors. The PSAT 10 and the PSAT are the same test. The PSAT 10 is given to 10th graders in the spring while the PSAT is given to juniors.
Learn more about how you can raise your scores with our one-on-one PSAT test prep courses.
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