PSAT 8/9 Test Dates: Everything You Need to Know for 2025–2026
If you’re preparing your student for early standardized tests, understanding the PSAT 8/9 test dates is essential. The PSAT 8/9 serves as an early benchmark for grades 8 and 9, helping families and educators track academic progress and identify strengths well before the SAT. Here’s what you should know.
What Is the PSAT 8/9?
The PSAT 8/9 is the first in the SAT Suite of Assessments, designed for students in 8th or 9th grade. It assesses reading, writing, and math skills and gives a baseline for future tests like the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT. Students receive personalized feedback, early insights into potential college and AP success, and access to practice resources.
2025–2026 PSAT 8/9 Testing Windows
Unlike national test dates, the PSAT 8/9 is administered by individual schools within broad testing windows. For the 2025–2026 school year, the available windows are:
- Fall Window: October 1–31, 2025
- Spring Window: March 2–April 30, 2026
During these periods, schools choose a day that fits their schedule—students don’t register individually.
How Schools Choose the Date
Your school or district sets the test date based on school calendars, staffing, and local needs. Each student takes the PSAT 8/9 only once per window, and some schools may offer both spring and fall testing for flexibility.
Key Benefits of the PSAT 8/9
- Early academic benchmarking – Understand strengths and gaps in literacy and math.
- Targeted preparation – Use score data to guide future SAT prep and elective course choices.
- Access to AP Potential – Schools may use scores to recommend Advanced Placement readiness.
- Personalized practice – Students receive access to tailored SAT prep tools.
Preparing for the PSAT 8/9
To get the best scores possible, students should:
- Familiarize themselves with the digital test format using Bluebook.
- Take a practice test to assess pacing and question types.
- Review math fundamentals and grammar skills based on practice results.
- Get plenty of rest the night before the test and eat a healthy breakfast.
When Scores Are Released
After testing, educators usually receive score reports first—typically within a few weeks. Students often access their scores 4–6 weeks after test day, depending on whether the test was in the fall or spring.
The PSAT 8/9 test dates offer a valuable head start in your student’s academic journey. Whether taken in October 2025 or spring 2026, this test provides essential data that can shape future classes, test prep, and college readiness strategies. To ensure success, confirm the test date with your school, practice ahead of time, and encourage healthy test day habits.
If you’d like, I can create a printable calendar, checklist, or follow-up guides like “How to Use PSAT 8/9 Scores” or “Preparing for PSAT 10 After 8/9”—just let me know!