Digital PSAT/NMSQT 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. 

• Test Date: Wednesday, October 11, 2023 (2-hour early release day)
• Open to Sophomores (10^th Grade Students) and Juniors (11^th Grade Students)
• PSAT Testing Update Webpage (FCPS)

PSAT Registration

All enrolled students in 10th and 11th grade are automatically registered and expected to test if they come to school on October 11th.  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/NMSQT Student Guide

PSAT Day FAQs

Q.  When and where is the PSAT test?

• The PSAT will be administered to 10^th and 11^th grade students on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at Westfield High School 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. What can I expect with the Digital PSAT/NMSQT?

• Check out this video, What to expect with the digital PSAT/NMSQT.

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

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

Q.  How long is the test?

• The Digital PSAT/NMSQT is normally 2 hours, 14 minutes long; however, students with College Board-approved extended time will test longer. Students testing with extended testing time may test beyond the school day.

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

• School-issued Chromebook, fully charged
• Chromebook Charger
• Two or more No. 2 pencils - not mechanical
• College Board Approved Calculator Desmos is provided in the Digital PSAT. Westfield will not be providing handheld calculators to students.
• Water and snacks. Snacks may be consumed during breaks. We request that snacks are peanut-free and carried in a clear Ziplock bag.

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?

• Fairfax County will be providing breakfast and lunch option for all students.  Snacks can 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?

• For students who have taken or plan to take the SAT, official SAT Practice is available on Khan Academy®. Khan Academy and the College Board analyzed gains between the PSAT/NMSQT and the SAT and found a positive relationship between use of Official SAT Practice and score improvements on the SAT. The following video demonstrates How to Link College Board + Khan Academy Accounts.
• This Khan Academy SAT practice can also help a student prepare for the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and includes options to download an official practice PSAT/NMSQT exam and the scoring form.  

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

• The College Board’s deadline for PSAT accommodation requests was August 8th.  Any student who has College Board approved accommodations will receive the appropriate accommodations on test day.  Please be aware that students with an extended time accommodation will finish testing later.  
• For questions about the College Board accommodation request process, please contact our SSD Coordinator, Patty Prose at @email. 
  • PSAT Testing Accommodations Notice
  • https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/taking-the-tests/students-with-disabilities

Q.  What will accommodations look like with the Digital PSAT/NMSQT?

• Some accommodations are administered differently on the digital tests compared to the paper/pencil tests. Differences are highlighted in the Using Accommodations on Digital Tests.
• Note: accommodations cannot be changed or waived on test day.

Q.  When will my student receive PSAT scores?

• Directions on how to access scores and score release dates are published by College Board via the College Board website. PSAT/NMSQT scores will be added to the Student Information System (SIS) Test history by the end of first semester.

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

• Please contact our Assessment Coach, Susan Fox at @email