Information for Examinees
State and District Testing
The ACT Test Overview
The Enhanced ACT streamlines the testing experience with fewer questions, more time per question, and greater flexibility,
while preserving the rigor, reliability, and college-readiness insights educator’s trust.
In Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, the following changes were implemented.
| What Changed | What Stayed the Same | How This Helps You | When Did 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 |
| 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
Get a taste of the ACT test with practice questions (and answers) found in this free study guide.
- 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
| Paper Practice Tests and Scoring Keys | Online Practice Test Scoring Keys taken in TestNav |
| Preparing for the ACT - Practice Test and Scoring Key - 1 (PDF) | Online Practice Test Scoring Key - 1 (PDF) |
| Paper Practice Test and Scoring Key - 2 (PDF) | Online Practice Test Scoring Key - 2 (PDF) |
| Paper Practice Test and Scoring Key - 3 (PDF) | Online Practice Testing Scoring Key - 3 (PDF) |
| Paper Practice Test and Scoring Key - 4 (PDF) | Online Practice Testing Scoring Key - 4 (PDF) |
Getting Ready for Online Testing in TestNav
Use the Getting Ready for Online Testing in TestNav resource to learn how to access TestNav, navigate the testing platform, and use the tools and features available during online testing. The practice-test answers and scoring keys are not included in this resource. Use the practice tests and scoring keys listed above to review your answers and calculate your scores. The same practice tests can also be accessed in TestNav for online practice.
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