Since the PSAT/NMSQT is administered directly by high schools, students must contact their guidance counselors in advance to sign up for the test. Online registration for the test is not available. If your school does not offer the PSAT, talk to your counselor or school administrator to find alternate locations. Each high school will choose one test date in October from the options offered by the College Board—one of which is a primary nationwide test date every October, and two of which are alternates. Visit the College Board website for more information on upcoming PSAT dates.

Students who wish to be considered for National Merit Scholarship awards must take the PSAT/NMSQT in their junior year of high school. Students interested in taking the PSAT 10 or PSAT 8/9 should contact their high school counselors directly to find out whether their school offers these tests.