PSAT 10
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ExploreAbout this exam
The PSAT 10 is one of the in-school assessments in the College Board's SAT Suite, which the source describes as "an integrated system of tests including the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9." It is a preliminary, practice-oriented assessment taken by students in school rather than a credential you register for or pass on your own; the source directs students to "Ask your principal or counselor which assessments your school offers." According to the source, "The PSAT 10 includes a Reading and Writing Section and a Math Section," and College Board publishes a structure page describing the Reading and Writing Section and the Math Section, including question and passage types and the math content tested. The source does not state section timing, question counts, scoring, or fees on the pages provided, so treat those details as unconfirmed until your school or College Board's structure page supplies them. Preparation is free and official: the source points to "SAT Practice on Khan Academy," which offers personalized plans and practice tests and is described as good preparation for any test in the SAT Suite, plus the Student Question Bank, full-length practice tests, and a study plan builder. Test takers should also download Bluebook and complete exam setup on their device, since finishing setup produces the admission ticket required on test day. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with College Board.
What you'll study
About PSAT 10 preparation
What sections are on the PSAT 10?
The source states plainly that "The PSAT 10 includes a Reading and Writing Section and a Math Section." College Board also publishes a structure page covering the Reading and Writing Section and the Math Section separately. The source pages provided do not list module counts, question totals, or time limits, so confirm those with your school.
Who takes the PSAT 10, and how do I sign up?
It is an in-school assessment, so you take it through your school rather than registering individually. The source advises: "Ask your principal or counselor which assessments your school offers." There is no separate student registration described in the source, and no fee is stated.
How should I prepare, and in what order?
Start with the free official practice the source recommends: SAT Practice on Khan Academy, which offers personalized plans and practice tests and is described as good preparation for any test in the SAT Suite. Then work through full-length practice tests and the Student Question Bank, and build a schedule with the study plan builder.
Do I need a device, and what is the admission ticket?
Yes. The source instructs test takers to "download Bluebook™ and complete exam setup on your testing device," and notes that when you finish, "you'll get an admission ticket that you need to bring on test day." Complete setup well before test day so a device or setup problem does not derail you.
Is the PSAT 10 hard?
The source does not publish a difficulty rating, so any difficulty claim would be guesswork. Treat it as a grade-appropriate preliminary assessment in an integrated suite whose content aligns across tests. Use a full-length practice test to gauge your own level, then target the Reading and Writing or Math skills that cost you points.
Can I retake it if my score is low?
The source does not describe a retake policy for the PSAT 10. Because it is administered in school, availability depends on your school's testing schedule. Ask your counselor whether another administration is offered; do not assume you can simply sign up again on your own.
How long is the test, and how many questions are there?
The source pages provided do not state section timing or question counts for the PSAT 10. Rather than rely on remembered figures, check College Board's PSAT 10 structure page or ask your school's test coordinator, who will have the current administration details for your test day.
What are the most common mistakes test takers make?
Two stand out from the source. First, skipping exam setup in Bluebook and arriving without the admission ticket it generates. Second, bringing prohibited devices; unless you have a College Board-approved accommodation, you cannot access those items during the test or breaks. Also review the calculator policy before test day.
Where do I get my scores, and does the PSAT 10 offer scholarships?
The source says scores are viewable in Student Score Reports through your College Board account. BigFuture School, a free app for U.S. in-school test takers age 13 and older who provide a mobile number during exam setup, also delivers scores and college and career guidance. The source does not tie the PSAT 10 itself to a specific scholarship.