PSAT 8/9 exam-day guide
PSAT 8/9 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admission ticket / registration confirmation
Print or save your registration confirmation and know your test center address. Confirm with your school or the test provider exactly what admission document is required and in what form.
Acceptable photo ID
Many test centers require photo identification. Check with your school counselor or the test provider which forms of ID are accepted for your testing location before test day.
Two No. 2 pencils and an eraser
Bring several sharpened No. 2 (HB) pencils plus a soft eraser. Mechanical pencils and pens are typically not allowed on answer sheets - confirm with the provider.
Approved calculator plus backup batteries
Bring a calculator you have practiced with and fresh batteries. Confirm the current approved calculator policy with the provider, since rules change.
Watch (optional)
A simple non-smart, non-beeping watch can help you pace yourself if the room clock is hard to see. Smartwatches and audible watches are prohibited.
Snack and water for the break
Bring a quick snack and water for the scheduled break. Keep them in a bag you can access only during breaks.
Know your timing strategy
Practice pacing for each section in advance so you know roughly how many minutes per question and when to move on.
Sleep and breakfast plan
Plan a full night's sleep and a normal breakfast. Avoid trying new foods or heavy caffeine on test morning.
Transportation plan
Confirm arrival time and route to the test center in advance, and aim to arrive early. Confirm the required arrival time with the provider.
Leave prohibited items at home
Phones, smartwatches, and other electronics are generally not permitted in the testing room. Confirm the current prohibited-items list with the provider.
Read all instructions carefully
On test day, follow the proctor's directions exactly, including how to fill in identifying information on the answer sheet.
Backup plan for tech issues
If testing on a device, know the provider's procedure for device problems and bring a charged device and charger if permitted. Confirm device rules with the provider.
Plan the day
Confirm test center location, arrival time, and required ID with your school or the provider. Gather pencils, calculator, batteries, and your admission document in one bag.
Take one timed practice section under realistic conditions to check pacing. Review your error log rather than learning brand-new material.
Pack your bag, lay out clothes, and confirm transportation. Do a light review of formulas and strategies, then stop studying early and get to bed on time.
Eat a normal breakfast, arrive early, and bring only approved items into the room. Take a few calm breaths and read the directions carefully.
Work at a steady pace, answer every question, and flag hard items to return to. Use breaks to stretch, hydrate, and reset; don't discuss questions with others.
Note which question types felt hardest while memory is fresh, and ask the provider about score release timing and how to interpret your results.
Rules to check
Follow all proctor instructions. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, ask the proctor before doing it.
Bring and present the identification your test center requires; confirm acceptable ID forms with the provider before test day.
Keep phones, smartwatches, and other electronics out of the testing room unless the provider explicitly permits them.
Stay in your seat and remain silent during testing; only leave during designated breaks and return promptly when the break ends.
Do not communicate about test content with other test-takers during or after the exam, and do not share or reproduce questions.
Use only approved calculators and test aids; confirm the current approved list with the provider.
Understand how scoring works before test day: sections are scored separately, and there is generally no penalty for guessing, so answer every question. Confirm details with the provider.
If you feel unwell or have a problem with your materials or device, raise your hand and tell the proctor immediately rather than trying to fix it yourself.