The digital PSAT® offers a user-friendly format to minimize test taker fatigue, and maximize your child’s performance on test day. Much like the digital SAT®, the digital PSAT is available through the College’s Board’s testing application, BlueBook™. This revamp has caused some to wonder if one format is easier than the other, what’s different between the two, and if it can still prepare their child for the digital SAT.
What Is the Digital PSAT?
The PSAT is a standardized exam that is available in three levels of difficulty:
- PSAT™ 8/9, which targets students in eighth and ninth grades.
- PSAT™ 10, which targets students in the tenth grade.
- Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which targets students in eleventh grade.
All three levels can help your child prepare for the formal SAT. While the material on the PSAT 10 is identical to what’s covered on the PSAT/NMSQT, your child cannot use PSAT 10 scores to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. Only scores earned on the PSAT/NMSQT as an 11th grade student can determine whether or not they are eligible for the National Merit Scholarship.
By beginning PSAT test prep early and taking these modified practice exams through the years, your child can gauge how prepared they are to take the SAT in their junior or senior year.
What Makes the Digital PSAT Different?
The College Board revamped both the PSAT and SAT to improve accessibility for all test takers. With built-in features like zoom, annotation, and highlighting, the digital PSAT still consists of two segments – one Reading and Writing section and one Math section – each containing two timed modules. Although the digital PSAT is shorter than the traditional paper format, your child will have more time per question.
| PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and PSAT/NMSQT Structure | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Section | Module 1 | Module 2 | Time Per Module |
| Reading and Writing | 27 questions | 27 questions | 32 minutes |
| Math | 22 questions | 22 questions | 35 minutes |
| Total Testing Time | 2 hours and 14 minutes | ||
The Reading and Writing section on the digital PSAT evenly divides 54 questions across two modules. The questions in this section are grouped together based on skills being tested, and go from easy to hard within each skill. Your child has a little over a minute to complete each question.
The Math section covers 44 questions across two evenly divided modules. Your child has about a minute and a half per question, but can use a calculator throughout this entire section. Much like the Reading and Writing section, the difficulty level of questions goes from easiest to hardest, however, the questions are not grouped by skill.
Although the digital PSAT is conducted online, your child cannot take it at home. They can only take the digital PSAT at a qualified testing center or their school. Your child will have a 10-minute break between sections.
Is the Digital PSAT Harder Than the Paper PSAT?
The content covered on the digital PSAT isn’t harder than what was included on the paper PSAT. What differs between these formats is their approach to the test taking experience.
The digital PSAT offers shorter reading passages, fewer questions, and a multistage adaptive design to help your child perform their best on exam day. Once your child progresses through the first module in each section, the difficulty of questions in the second module will reflect performance on the first module. For example, if your child performs well in the first module, the second module will include more challenging questions, unlocking the potential for a higher score. Likewise, if your child earns a low score on the first module, they will see easier questions on the next module, limiting the maximum score they could earn.
These changes aim to reduce the fatigue many students experience when taking traditional standardized exams.
When Are Digital PSAT Scores Released?
When digital PSAT scores are released can vary depending on which level of the exam your child took. Generally, scores for the digital PSAT are available four to six weeks after tests are administered.
| 2025 PSAT 8/9 and 10 Score Release | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Answer Submission | K-12 Scores Available in Portal | Scores Available to Students | Electronic Score Reports Available |
| Mar. 15, 2025 | Apr. 1, 2025 | Apr. 3. 2025 | Apr. 9, 2025 |
| Mar. 28, 2025 | Apr. 15, 2025 | Apr. 17, 2025 | Apr. 23, 2025 |
| Apr. 11, 2025 | Apr. 29, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | May 7, 2025 |
| Apr. 30, 2025 | May 13, 2025 | May 15, 2025 | May 22, 2025 |
In 2024, those who took the PSAT 8/9 generally received their scores within two weeks of their test date. However, in 2025, those taking the PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 can expect to receive their scores within four weeks of their test date.
Those taking the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2024, can expect to receive their results on October 24, November 7, or November 14, depending on when their school administered the test.
When PSAT scores become available, students can find them online through their personal BigFuture® School account.
Get Ahead with C2’s Digital PSAT Prep Program
While various test prep resources are available through the College Board website, personalized support can give many students the foundation they need to succeed.
Three-to-one and small-group instruction allow students to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses rather than follow a one-size-fits-all approach. They’ll start with a comprehensive practice test to obtain their baseline PSAT scores. Then, highly qualified tutors strategically craft customized lesson plans to address areas of improvement. Your child can monitor their progress and build confidence as their exam date approaches.
C2 offers numerous options, including intensive summer boot camps and small-group lessons, to meet the needs of your child.
Next Steps
The digital PSAT/NMSQT is the ultimate way for your child to prepare for the SAT, which they’ll take during their junior or senior year of high school. Additionally, those who achieve high scores on the PSAT are automatically entered into the applicant pool for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship.
At C2 Education, we’re committed to helping your child master the art of test taking, familiarize themselves with exam materials, and feel adequately prepared on test day. Parents and guardians can reach out today to get their child on track for success!
