PSAT Information
PSAT/NMSQT Testing Information
LCHS9 administers the PSAT/NMSQT to ninth grade students who are registered before the deadline.
2026 Administration Date: Tuesday, October 20
Students will test digitally on computers in the gym using College Board’s Bluebook testing application. The information below will help students and families prepare for testing.
About the PSAT/NMSQT
The PSAT/NMSQT is part of the College Board SAT Suite of Assessments. It measures skills in Reading and Writing and Math and provides students with valuable experience with the digital format used on the SAT.
The test is administered digitally through Bluebook, College Board’s testing application.
What Students Need for Testing
Students should be prepared with:
- Their school-provided testing computer
- A pen or pencil for scratch work
- An approved calculator, only if they prefer using their own instead of the calculator built into Bluebook
Scratch paper will be provided by testing staff. Students should not bring their own paper or notes into the testing room.
Phones, Smartwatches & Electronic Devices
College Board maintains strict test-security rules concerning electronic devices.
Students may not possess or access prohibited electronic devices during testing or during breaks unless specifically permitted as part of an approved testing accommodation.
Prohibited items include:
- Cell phones
- Smartwatches
- Fitness trackers
- Smart glasses and other wearable technology
- Earbuds and headphones, including Bluetooth devices
- Cameras and recording devices
- Electronic communication devices
- Apple Pencils, smart pens, styluses, and other electronic writing instruments
- Separate electronic timers
- Other devices capable of communicating, recording, accessing the internet, or accessing outside information
Before testing, students’ bags, phones, smartwatches, and other prohibited electronic devices will be stored in the locker room. Students will not have access to these items during testing or breaks.
College Board rules state that accessing a prohibited electronic device, or having a prohibited device make noise, can result in dismissal from testing and cancellation of the student’s scores.
Students are strongly encouraged to leave unnecessary electronic devices at home on test day.
Review the College Board PSAT/NMSQT Testing Rules
Calculator Information
Students may use a calculator throughout the entire Math section of the PSAT.
Built-In Desmos Calculator
- Bluebook includes a Desmos calculator, so students do not need to bring a calculator.
- Students can switch between scientific and graphing calculator modes during the Math section.
- Students who plan to use Desmos are encouraged to practice with it before test day so they are familiar with its features.
Personal Handheld Calculators
Students may instead bring an approved handheld calculator. College Board recommends using a calculator the student already knows how to operate rather than purchasing or learning a new calculator immediately before the test.
Scientific, four-function, and many graphing calculators are permitted, provided they meet College Board requirements.
Important 2026 Calculator Change: CAS Calculators
College Board no longer allows calculators with Computer Algebra System (CAS) functionality on SAT Suite assessments.
Examples of prohibited CAS calculators include certain:
- TI-Nspire CAS models
- TI-89 and TI-92 models
- HP Prime models
- Casio ClassPad models
A TI-Nspire model without “CAS” in its name is permitted, provided it otherwise meets College Board requirements.
Students should check their specific calculator model before test day. Calculators cannot be shared, and stored documents and programs that perform prohibited symbolic algebra functions must be removed.
Check College Board’s Current Calculator Policy and Prohibited Calculator List
Preparing for the PSAT
Students have several free resources available to help them prepare.
Practice in College Board Bluebook
Bluebook is especially valuable because it is the same application students will use for the actual PSAT.
Bluebook provides two primary ways to prepare:
Test Preview
The test preview is a short, untimed set of questions that allows students to explore the digital testing environment and practice using its tools.
Students can become familiar with features such as:
- Navigating between questions
- Marking questions for review
- Eliminating answer choices
- Using the built-in Desmos calculator
- Using other Bluebook testing tools
Full-Length Practice Tests
Bluebook also provides full-length PSAT practice tests that more closely simulate the actual testing experience.
These tests are timed, and students who are signed in to their College Board account can receive scores after completing a practice test.
Taking at least one Bluebook practice test before October 20 is one of the best ways for students to become comfortable with the digital testing environment.
Access Bluebook Practice and Full-Length Practice Tests
Khan Academy Preparation
Students can also use Khan Academy’s free Official Digital SAT preparation materials.
Although these resources are labeled SAT preparation, they are useful for PSAT students because the PSAT and SAT assess the same general Reading and Writing and Math skill areas, with the PSAT serving as a preparatory assessment within the SAT Suite.
Khan Academy provides instruction and practice in areas including:
Math
- Algebra
- Advanced Math
- Problem Solving and Data Analysis
- Geometry and Trigonometry
Reading and Writing
- Information and Ideas
- Craft and Structure
- Expression of Ideas
- Standard English Conventions
Students can work through lessons, examples, videos, practice questions, quizzes, and unit tests at their own pace.
For students who need additional foundational review, Khan Academy also provides Get Ready for SAT Prep resources that can help students strengthen prerequisite skills before moving into more advanced SAT preparation.
Khan Academy Digital SAT Preparation
Recommended Preparation
Students do not need to spend hours each day studying for the PSAT. Consistent, focused preparation can be more useful.
A good preparation plan is to begin by completing a Bluebook test preview or practice test. Students can then identify areas where they need additional help and use Khan Academy for targeted practice.
Before October 20, students should also spend some time practicing with the Desmos calculator or the approved handheld calculator they intend to use.
Most importantly, students should arrive at school on time, well rested, and ready to give their best effort.
Additional College Board Resources
What Students Should Bring on Test Day
College Board Calculator Policy