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PSAT/NMSQT® Test Dates 2019 - 2020

The PSAT test is administered around October/November each fall. Find upcoming PSAT dates below, along with the registration deadlines for each test date.

PSAT Test Dates and Registration

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) is a standardized test administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Students take this test in the fall usually during the school day.

The PSAT is often taken as a practice for the SAT, but it also allows eligible juniors to enter into the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Students may take the PSAT as freshman or sophomores, but only junior-year scores will count toward the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Here are the dates for 2019:

PSAT Test Date

PSAT Registration Deadline

October 16, 2019

Please see your high school guidance counselor or principal for details and to register.

October 19, 2019

Please see your high school guidance counselor or principal for details and to register.

October 30, 2019 (alternate)

Please see your high school guidance counselor or principal for details and to register.

There are different PSAT test dates for the PSAT 10, which is administered in the spring instead of the fall. PSAT 10 is meant for 10th-grade students who want to get a head start on the PSAT.

PSAT 10 Test Date

PSAT 10 Registration Deadline

February 24, 2020 through March 27, 2020

Please see your high school guidance counselor or principal for details and to register.

PSAT Registration Information and Fees

Students are able to register for the PSAT/NMSQT® at their high school, and the fee is $16, which covers the cost of the PSAT test books. Some high schools may charge students an additional test administration fee or pay the fee on behalf of students.

PSAT Fee Waivers and Alternative Test Formats

If you have concerns about being able to afford PSAT registration, speak with your school’s guidance counselor. You may be eligible for a registration fee waiver, but be aware that fee waivers are only available to juniors taking the exam.

The PSAT is available in a few nonstandard test formats designed for students who might need them. Students must have College Board approval to use materials for the following nonstandard test formats:

  • Braille
  • Large-type
  • MP3 files
  • Reader's script

More PSAT Tips and Info

In October 2015, the PSAT/NMSQT® was updated to more closely mirror what students are already learning in high school. So the tests, quizzes, and homework students have completed in the last two years can provide a great starting place for prepping for the PSAT.

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