Does the PSAT/NMSQT have an essay?

No, the PSAT/NMSQT does not include an essay section.

The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) focuses only on multiple-choice questions and student-produced math responses, covering:

• Reading
• Writing and Language
• Math

There is no essay, and there hasn’t been one on the PSAT/NMSQT even when the SAT included an optional essay in the past. When the College Board removed the SAT Essay from most testing formats in 2021, it had no impact on the PSAT/NMSQT since the essay was never part of that exam.

Why It Matters:

• Shorter test duration: The PSAT/NMSQT takes around 2 hours and 14 minutes (in its digital format).
• Simplified prep: Students can focus on core skills—reading comprehension, grammar, and math—without needing to prepare for essay writing.
• No essay = less test-day stress, especially for younger students.

If you’re looking for tests with essay components, you’d have to consider earlier versions of the SAT (before 2021) or specific school assignments. The current SAT and PSAT/NMSQT are both essay-free.