Plan Your Testing Schedule

Note: The digital PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 8/9 testing window is October 2–31, 2023.

As you begin planning your fall testing schedule, here are some things to consider as you schedule your test day(s) and the devices and locations that will be used for testing.

Scheduling Your Test Day(s)

  • The digital PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 8/9 have the same number of questions and the same testing time, approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes, not including breaks.
  • Schools should plan just over 3 hours to complete testing for standard test takers.
  • Testing must be completed in a single sitting, except for students with specific accommodations.
  • Students may only test once during the window, unless there is an irregularity that requires/allows retesting.
  • Testing start times are flexible.
  • Fewer rooms for students testing with accommodations may be needed.
  • Standard and accommodated test takers will test during the window.
  • Full support will be provided for schools administering the PSAT/NMSQT on Saturday, October 14th.
  • All testing, including retesting, must occur during the testing window. Be sure to allow time for retesting when scheduling your test day(s).

Questions to Consider

  • Are there days that you cannot support testing?
  • If you’re planning on offering the digital PSAT/NMSQT and/or PSAT 8/9 on the same days as paper SAT School Day, does testing time, breaks, and other factors impact which rooms you will use?
  • Do you want to support mixed mode testing on the same days?
  • When should you test students with accommodations?
  • How do you want to support retesting?

Assessing Devices and Testing Locations

  • Each student will need a device to take the test.
  • Each staff member will need a device to facilitate/manage the test administration.
  • Testing rooms should have easy access to outlets in the event a device battery needs charged.
  • Ensure rooms selected for testing have adequate Wi-Fi if using laptops, iPads, Chromebooks or other devices that aren’t directly connected to the internet.

Questions to Consider

  • How does device access for your students and staff impact your testing schedule options?
  • Do the rooms you plan to use for testing have easy access to outlets?
  • Do the rooms you plan to test in have adequate Wi-Fi access?

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