PSAT 10 exam-day guide
PSAT 10 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admission ticket
Print or download your admission ticket from your College Board account. Confirm the exact test center address and reporting time printed on it, and check it again the night before in case of a room change. If you cannot access your ticket, confirm the procedure with your school counselor or the provider before test day.
Acceptable photo ID
Most test takers must present a valid photo ID that matches the name on the admission ticket. Acceptable forms and exceptions vary, so confirm the current ID requirements with the provider rather than assuming a school ID or digital copy will be accepted.
Approved calculator
Bring a permitted calculator you know how to use, with fresh batteries or a charged battery. Check the current approved calculator list with the provider, and note that the digital test includes a built-in graphing calculator you can use as a backup.
Two No. 2 pencils and an eraser
Bring several sharpened No. 2 pencils and a soft eraser. If you are testing digitally, confirm with the provider whether any paper materials are provided or required, since some centers supply scratch paper and pencils.
Charged device and charger (digital testing)
If you are taking the digital test, bring a fully charged laptop or tablet that meets the provider's device requirements, plus your charger and cable. Install and update the testing app in advance and complete any required exam setup steps before test day.
Watch without audible alarms
A simple watch can help you pace yourself, but smartwatches and any device that can connect to the internet or make noise are typically prohibited. Confirm the current device policy with the provider.
Snacks and water for the break
Bring a small snack and water to have during the scheduled break. Keep them in a bag you can leave at the edge of the room, since food and drinks are generally not allowed at your desk.
Layered clothing
Room temperatures vary, so dress in layers you can adjust. Avoid clothing with slogans or content that could distract others.
Know your route and arrival time
Plan your transportation and leave a buffer for traffic or delays. Arrive at the reporting time on your ticket, and confirm with the provider how late arrivals are handled, since late entry may not be permitted.
Sleep and a normal breakfast
Get a full night of sleep and eat a normal breakfast you are used to. Avoid trying new energy drinks or unfamiliar foods on test morning.
Leave prohibited items at home
Do not bring phones, smartwatches, or other electronics into the testing room unless the provider explicitly allows them. Confirm the current policy on phones and personal items, including where they must be stored.
Review test format and timing
Confirm the current section order, number of questions, and timing for the PSAT 10 with the provider, and practice pacing with a full-length timed section beforehand so you know how the clock will feel.
Plan the day
Confirm your test center location, reporting time, and transportation plan. Check the provider's website for any changes to the schedule or requirements. Do a final review of the test format and the tools you will use, such as the built-in calculator and any reference sheet, and take one timed practice section under realistic conditions.
Prepare your bag with your admission ticket, ID, approved calculator, pencils, eraser, watch, snacks, water, and charger if testing digitally. Charge all devices and update the testing app if applicable. Stop heavy cramming and shift to light review of your own notes and formulas.
Re-check the admission ticket and provider messages for room or time changes. Lay out clothes and your bag by the door. Eat a normal dinner, avoid screens late, and go to bed at your usual time. Set two alarms and confirm your wake-up plan.
Eat a normal breakfast, dress in layers, and leave with your bag and ID. Arrive at the reporting time rather than cutting it close. Once seated, follow the proctor's instructions, enter your information carefully, and use the first minute of each section to note the time you should finish.
Pace yourself by checking the clock at set intervals rather than constantly. Answer every question, since there is generally no penalty for guessing on this test, and flag questions to return to if the platform allows it. Use the scheduled break to eat, drink, and stretch, and return promptly when the proctor calls time.
Note anything you found difficult while it is fresh, but do not obsess over answers. Confirm with the provider when and how scores are released and how to send scores to schools if you choose to do so.
Rules to check
Bring the admission ticket and an acceptable photo ID. The name on your ID should match the name on your ticket; confirm the exact ID requirements and any exceptions with the provider before test day.
Follow all proctor instructions. Do not open test materials, start sections, or continue working after time is called, and do not communicate with other test takers during the test.
Electronic devices are generally restricted. Unless the provider explicitly permits a device for digital testing, keep phones and smartwatches off and stored as directed; confirm the current policy with the provider.
Only approved calculators may be used during the math portion. Check the current approved list with the provider, and do not share calculators or other materials during the test.
Breaks are scheduled and supervised. Stay in designated areas, do not access phones or notes during breaks, and return when the proctor directs; confirm the break policy with the provider.
Scores are based on correct answers, and there is generally no penalty for incorrect answers, so it is usually to your advantage to answer every question. Confirm the current scoring policy with the provider.
Report any testing irregularity, such as a disruptive environment or a device failure, to the proctor immediately and follow the provider's procedure for documenting it.
Do not remove test materials, scratch paper, or notes from the testing room, and do not discuss specific questions with others afterward in a way that could compromise test security.