Information for Examinees
What’s Changing, What’s Staying the Same, and Why It Matters
| What's Changing | What's Staying the Same | How This Helps You | When Will this Change Take Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shorter test — 10 fewer minutes and 44 fewer questions when English, math, reading and science are taken. | Core content and subject areas remain the same. | Less time in the test center, more time back in your day. | Spring 2026 State and District Administrations |
| More time per question. | Same skills and knowledge assessed. | You can slow down, think clearly, and do your best. | Spring 2026 State and District Administrations |
| Math section now has 4 answer choices instead of 5. | Other sections already had 4 choices. | Keeps things consistent and reduces decision fatigue. | Spring 2026 State and District Administrations |
| Shorter reading passages. | Reading section still measures comprehension and analysis. | Helps reduce mental fatigue while keeping the same standards. | Spring 2026 State and District Administrations |
| Composite Score Calculation based on EMR | Superscoring still supported. ACT score scale (1–36) and benchmarks remain unchanged. | You can build your best Composite score over multiple tests. | Fall 2025 State and District Administrations |
| Enhanced ACT | Number of Questions | Minutes Per Section |
|---|---|---|
| English | 50 | 35 |
| Mathmatics | 45 | 50 |
| Reading | 36 | 40 |
| Science | 40 | 40 |
| Writing | 1 | 40 |
Taking the ACT
- Instructions for completing non-test information
- Checklist for taking the ACT
- Acceptable forms of ID
- Prohibited calculators
- Receiving and sending your scores
- Testing rules and policies for the ACT test
FREE Practice for the ACT Test
- An overview of the ACT test and what to expect on test day
- A full-length practice ACT test (including writing prompt)
- Answers and a scoring key for each test section
- A breakdown of the content covered in each test section
- General test-taking strategies
- Ways to approach each section of the ACT
Spring 2026 Preparing for the ACT (PDF)
Spring 2026 Preparing for the ACT-Spanish (PDF)
Starting in fall 2025, the ACT Composite score will be the average of the section scores from English, mathematics, and reading. Fall 2025 State and District testers will take the legacy ACT test but will receive the new ACT composite score. When a student takes science, it will appear as a section score and be used to calculate the STEM score (science + mathematics) but will not be used to calculate the Composite.
See page 69 of the Fall 2025 Preparing for the ACT for more information on composite scores.
Preparing for the ACT Test - Online
- Practice test in each subject
- Answers and scoring key
- Navigating the online test system
To take an online practice test, download the TestNav application for your operating system.
Senior Year
How to avoid the senior slide.
Junior Year
Five questions to ask while college planning.
3 Stages of Taking a College Entrance Exam
Become prepared and confident for the ACT test.
Your ACT Score Report
Understand and use your scores to plan your future.
Financial Aid
How to Pay for College
College and Career Planning
Preparing for What's Next