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Fall 2026
Registration for the 2026 PSAT/NMSQT is now CLOSED.
Registration for the 2026 PSAT/NMSQT is now CLOSED.
Information for Students and Families
Information for Students and Families
At a Glance
At a Glance
Test Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Participation: The PSAT/NMSQT is optional for eligible Grade 10 and Grade 11 students.
Grade 10 Cost: Free for students enrolled at FIHS; $16 for homeschool students zoned for FIHS.
Grade 11 Cost: $14 for all participating students.
Registration: Complete the PSAT/NMSQT Registration Form. The form is also embedded below.
Registration and Payment Deadline: Monday, August 24, 2026 at 3:30pm
Arrival: Students must arrive at school on time by 8:30am
Location: Fountain Inn High School; the exact testing location will be communicated to students before test day.
Testing Format: Digital; FIHS students will use their district-issued Chromebooks.
Estimated End Time: Additional scheduling information will be provided before test day.
Questions: Contact Cale Bonner, School Testing Coordinator, at 864-452-1937 or hbonner@greenville.k12.sc.us; or Matt Irvin, Assistant Principal, at 864-452-1815 or mirvin@greenville.k12.sc.us
1. About the Assessment
1. About the Assessment
The PSAT/NMSQT is a digital assessment administered by College Board. It measures college- and career-readiness skills in two sections: Reading and Writing and Math.
The standard test takes approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes. Additional time is needed for check-in, instructions, breaks, and dismissal. Students testing with approved accommodations may have a longer testing schedule.
South Carolina requires public high schools to offer a state-funded assessment opportunity to students in their second year of high school. Greenville County Schools uses the PSAT/NMSQT for this purpose. Participation is optional.
For eligible students in their third year of high school, the PSAT/NMSQT also serves as the qualifying assessment for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Participation does not guarantee recognition or a scholarship.
2. Eligibility and Participation
2. Eligibility and Participation
Grade 10 - 9GR=26
Grade 10 - 9GR=26
Students in their second year of high school after initially enrolling in ninth grade—identified by Greenville County Schools as 9GR=26—may choose to participate.
Participation is optional.
The assessment is free for students enrolled full-time at FIHS.
Parent or guardian registration is required.
Grade 11 - 9GR=25
Grade 11 - 9GR=25
Students in their third year of high school—identified by Greenville County Schools as 9GR=25—may choose to participate.
Participation is optional.
The participation fee is $14.
Parent or guardian registration and payment are required.
Eligible Grade 11 participants may be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Special Enrollment Situations
Special Enrollment Situations
A student’s current grade level and 9GR designation do not always match. Students who recently entered a United States high school, students enrolled in the GCS Virtual Program, and students with unusual enrollment circumstances should contact FIHS Testing to confirm eligibility.
Homeschool students who reside in Greenville County and are zoned for FIHS may be eligible to test at FIHS. The fee is $16 for eligible Grade 10 homeschool students and $14 for eligible Grade 11 homeschool students. FIHS must verify eligibility and zoned-school attendance before registration is finalized.
Not sure whether your student is eligible? Contact FIHS Testing before completing registration and payment.
3. Registration and Fees
3. Registration and Fees
Registration will be open from Tuesday, August 11, through Monday, August 24, 2026.
To participate, a parent or guardian must complete the FIHS PSAT/NMSQT Registration Form. Students who owe a participation fee must also submit payment using the method identified in the registration form.
Registration Requirements
FIHS-enrolled Grade 10 students: Registration form required; no payment required.
Homeschool Grade 10 students: Registration and $16 payment required.
Grade 11 students: Registration and $14 payment required.
Registration and payment deadline: Monday, August 24, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.
Submitting the registration form does not finalize registration when a fee is required. Both the form and payment must be received by the deadline.
Homeschool families should contact FIHS Testing so residency, grade level, and zoned-school eligibility can be verified. Fee waivers are not available for Grade 11 or homeschool participation.
Late registrations cannot be guaranteed.
4. Important Dates
4. Important Dates
Tuesday, August 11
Registration opens for eligible students.
Monday, August 17
Families who need FIHS to review accommodations, language supports, health needs, or approved medical devices should contact the school by this date.
Monday, August 24, 3:30pm
Registration closes. All required payments must also be received.
Monday, September 14
Registered students and families will receive information about the Student Readiness Check and test-day procedures.
Tuesday, September 29 - Friday, October 02
FIHS will conduct required Student Readiness Checks. Each participant will receive a specific date and time.
Wednesday, October 14
FIHS PSAT/NMSQT test date. Students must arrive by 8:30 a.m.
Thursday, November 05
Student score reports become available on College Board's website. Scores will also be accessible in the Parent BackPack portal in late November or early December (tentative).
5. Before Test Day
5. Before Test Day
Complete the Student Readiness Check
Every participating student must attend a Student Readiness Check before test day. The session will take approximately 30 minutes. During the session, students will:
☐ Complete the required exam setup in the Bluebook testing application.
☐ Confirm that the district-owned Chromebook and Bluebook application are working correctly.
☐ Review test-security and electronic-device rules.
☐ Review what to bring and what to leave at home.
☐ Receive FIHS testing-location and arrival information.
☐ Ask questions about the test-day process.
The Student Readiness Check is required. Students who do not complete exam setup may not be able to test as scheduled.
Prepare for the Assessment
Students are encouraged to become familiar with Bluebook before test day. College Board provides a test preview, full-length digital practice tests, and additional free practice resources.
Students should also create or verify access to their personal College Board account so they can access scores after testing.
6. Test-Day Information
6. Test-Day Information
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Arrival: Students must arrive by 8:30 a.m.
Location: Fountain Inn High School; the specific testing location will be announced before test day and posted in the school building.
The standard PSAT/NMSQT testing time is approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes. The complete schedule will also include check-in, directions, breaks, and dismissal procedures. Students testing with approved accommodations may have a longer schedule.
Additional scheduling, lunch, and dismissal information will be provided before test day. Students should not make plans that depend on leaving immediately after the standard testing time.
FIHS-enrolled students must bring their assigned district-issued Chromebook and charger. Chromebooks should be fully charged before arrival. FIHS will provide a testing device to eligible homeschool students and other approved participants who do not have a district-issued Chromebook. Personal laptops and tablets may not be used.
Students who do not normally attend FIHS, including eligible homeschool students, are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the school. These students will receive separate check-in and identification instructions.
Be on time! Late arrival may prevent a student from beginning the assessment.
7. Test-Day Rules, Devices, and What to Bring
7. Test-Day Rules, Devices, and What to Bring
What To Bring
A pencil or pen. FIHS will provide scratch paper.
An optional approved handheld calculator. Bluebook also includes a Desmos calculator.
Note: Calculators must be submitted to an STC at least 3 school days before testing in order to verify compliance and clear memories.
A drink or snack for use during the designated break.
An external mouse and mouse pad, if normally used.
Any approved medication, medical device, or assistive technology that has been reviewed with FIHS before test day.
A school-issued ID. A valid photo ID will be accepted if the student is homeschooled or does not normally attend FIHS.
The student’s district-issued Chromebook and charger.
What To Leave at Home
Cell phones
Smartwatches, fitness trackers, smart glasses, or other wearable technology
Bluetooth devices, wireless earbuds, or headphones
Cameras or recording devices
Personal laptops, tablets, or Chromebooks
Separate timers
Notes, books, reference materials, or personal scratch paper
Prohibited calculators, including calculators with computer algebra system—CAS—functionality
Any other item prohibited by College Board or district testing rules
Test Security and Student Conduct
Electronic devices must remain powered off and secured.
Device restrictions apply during testing and breaks.
Students may not photograph, record, copy, discuss, or share test content.
Students may not access notes, websites, AI tools, messaging, or unauthorized assistance.
Students must follow all proctor instructions and remain in assigned testing areas.
Violations may result in dismissal from testing, score cancellation under College Board rules, device confiscation, and school disciplinary action under applicable GCS policies.
Any search of a student or device will be conducted only by authorized personnel in accordance with district policy and applicable law.
Students are responsible for following all FIHS, Greenville County Schools, and vendor testing and electronic-device requirements. Current official policies and testing instructions take precedence over this webpage.
8. Accommodations, Language Supports, and Health Needs
8. Accommodations, Language Supports, and Health Needs
Testing Accommodations
Classroom or school-plan accommodations do not automatically apply to the PSAT/NMSQT. Testing accommodations must be approved by College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities before they may be used.
Families of participating students with an IEP or Section 504 Plan should contact the student’s case manager or FIHS Testing as soon as possible. Previously approved College Board accommodations must still be reviewed for accuracy.
Language Supports
Some participating multilingual learners may be eligible for approved English learner supports based on a documented need. Families should contact the student’s ML teacher or FIHS Testing if they have questions about available supports.
Health or Medical Needs
Families should notify FIHS Testing in advance about health needs, medication, or medical devices that may affect testing. Some medical devices require College Board approval or a specific test-day plan.
Do not submit medical information or confidential plan details through a public webpage or general email. FIHS will provide a secure method for sharing any necessary documentation once contacted.
Accommodations must be applied for prior to Friday, August 20th at 3:00pm. College Board cannot guarantee accommodations submitted after this date.
9. Scores, Resources, and Help
9. Scores, Resources, and Help
Accessing Scores
PSAT/NMSQT score-release timing is based on when completed tests are submitted and processed.
Students age 13 or older may access their results through a personal College Board account. Eligible students may also receive score information through other College Board services. Greenville County Schools expects enrolled-student results to appear in Parent Backpack later in the school year.
Score reports include a total score, Reading and Writing score, Math score, performance information, and resources that can help students identify skills for continued development.
Grade 11 students who meet all National Merit Scholarship Program requirements can review their Selection Index and program information through their College Board score report.
Questions?
Contact:
Cale Bonner, School Testing Coordinator
864-452-1937
hbonner@greenville.k12.sc.us
Matt Irvin, Assistant Principal
864-452-1815
mirvin@greenville.k12.sc.us
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PSAT/NMSQT required?
No. Participation is optional, but registration is required.
Can a student register after August 24?
Late registrations cannot be guaranteed. Contact FIHS Testing immediately.
Does an enrolled FIHS student need photo identification?
FIHS-enrolled students will follow the school’s normal identification procedures. Homeschool students and students who do not normally attend FIHS must bring an approved photo ID or other required identification document.
What if a registered student is absent?
Contact FIHS Testing as soon as possible. Available options will depend on district and College Board requirements.
When will students receive their exact room and dismissal information?
FIHS will provide final scheduling information before test day.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
Information is subject to updates from Greenville County Schools, the South Carolina Department of Education, and vendors. Current official testing guidance takes precedence.
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