PSAT/NMSQT Information

PSAT Testing Information

The PSAT is a practice examination for the college entrance exam known as the SAT Reasoning Test. It measures critical thinking skills that are important for success in college, including critical reading, math problem-solving and writing skills. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT enables our students to get feedback about critical academic skills, seek information from colleges, enter scholarship competitions, practice for the SAT Reasoning Test, and initiate the college-planning process. 

PSAT Registration

There is no Intent to Participate Form for the PSAT/NMSQT.  All enrolled students in 10th and 11th grade are expected to test if they come to school that day.  There is no fee for PSAT score reports for 10th or 11th Grade students.  Only 11th Grade scores will be considered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.  

2023 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

The PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide has pertinent information for testing, tips, and a practice test: 

PSAT Day FAQs

Q.  When/where is the PSAT test?

  • The PSAT will be administered to 10th and 11th grade students on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at Chantilly HS during the school day beginning at 8:10am.
  • Students will be notified of their testing room assignment by email (fcpsschools.net accounts).  Encourage your child to check for updates through their school email.

Q.  Do I have to register to take this test with College Board?

  • Student should NOT register for the test via College Board.  

Q.  How long is the test?

  • The PSAT is normally 2 hours, 55 minutes long; however, students with College Board-approved extended time will test longer. Students testing with standard time should be done around 12:00. Students testing with 50% extended time should be done at approximately 1:30.

Q.  What should my student bring to school for the PSAT? 

  • Your fully charged FCPS issued device (Chromebook)
  • A power cord and/or portable charger. We cannot guarantee you’ll have access to an outlet during testing. Your device should be able to hold a charge for 3–4 hours.
  • A pencil or pen
  • Scratch paper will be provided—do not bring your own.
  • An approved calculator (see the Calculator Policy for acceptable calculators). There’s a graphing calculator built into the app, but you can bring your own if you like.
  • An external mouse if you use one.
  • An external keyboard if you use one (you can only use external keyboards with tablets—not laptops.)
  • An approved photo ID if you’re homeschooled or if you’ll be testing at a school that is different from the one you usually attend.

Q.  Are their any additional items my student is allowed to bring to school for the PSAT? 

  • A watch (without an audible alarm).
  • Extra batteries for your calculator and backup equipment—you'll have to ask for permission to access them. They can’t be on your desk during the test.
  • A bag or backpack.
  • A drink or snacks (for your break).
  • Epinephrine auto-injectors (for example, EpiPens) are permitted without the need for accommodations. They must be placed in a clear bag and stored under your desk during testing.

Q. What is prohibited from testing?

  • You are not permitted to bring any electronic “smart” device such as a cell phone or wearable technology like a Smart Watch or Fitbit. Please leave these items in your car/home.

Q. Is food permitted?

  • Snacks are allowed to be eaten during scheduled breaks. We request that snacks are peanut-free and carried in a clear Ziplock bag.  

Q.  How can my student prepare for the PSAT?

  • The PSAT Student Guide (which includes a practice test) is linked above.  

Q.  How can my student apply for testing accommodations for the SAT?

Q.  When will my student receive PSAT scores?

  • Scores for the 2024 PSAT/NMSQT will be available in early January.  Students will be able to view scores via College Board’s website at https://studentscores.collegeboard.org/home  using their student ID or access code. Students who do not currently have a College Board online account will need to create one to view scores. Please see the College Board video tutorial for help accessing scores.  
    • Helping Students Who Can't Access Their Scores:  After students log in to their College Board account, they should click "Add Scores". In the "Matching Tool", it is essential that the College Board account information matches what students entered on their PSAT answer sheet. For example, if a student bubbled "Elizabeth" on her PSAT answer sheet and created her College Board account using the name "Beth", her scores will not load. If students need to change their name, they must call College Board Customer Service at 1(866) 630-9305. All other changes can be made right in their account. It is also important that students choose the correct test name and test year.  All students should choose the 2023 as the test year (they took the exam in October 2023). If still unable to populate the score, the student will be prompted to indicate which test they're missing and enter the access code to assist the match. Students should email their counselor if they cannot locate their access codes.

Q.  I have a question that is not listed above – who should I contact?

  • Please contact our Assessment Coach, Jillian Domenech ( @email )