Test Sections
Critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills are tested on the PSAT/NMSQT
The PSAT/NMSQT measures a student's critical thinking skills in three areas:
- Critical reading
- Mathematics
- Writing skills
Most questions are multiple choice. The remaining are student-produced responses to math questions.
Critical reading
The critical reading section is composed of two 25-minute critical reading sections with a total of 48 questions, including:
- 13 sentence completions
- 35 critical reading questions
Mathematics
Two 25-minute math sections = 38 questions:
- 28 multiple-choice math questions
- 10 student-produced responses or "grid-ins"
Students are advised to bring a calculator with which they are comfortable. However, a calculator is not required. Students should have basic knowledge of four math categories:
- Numbers and operation
- Algebra and functions (but not third-year-level math that may appear on the SAT®)
- Geometry and measurement
- Data analysis, statistics and probability
Writing skills
One 30-minute writing section = 39 questions:
- 14 identifying sentence errors
- 20 improving sentences
- 5 improving paragraph questions