ACT State and District Testing

Bring the ACT to students in the classroom. ACT® District Testing is available to administer for the 2020-2021 academic year. Talk to an ACT representative about how a flexible implementation model can help as you navigate COVID or access our FAQs for further answers.

The deadline to enroll in the ACT District Testing Program for late spring testing is quickly approaching!

Early Spring Deadline: February 12, 2021

Check out key dates and deadlines and get started with ACT testing in your school!

District Testing 101: Everything You Need to Know About District Testing

In this free, on-demand webinar, explore how the District Testing Program benefits students.

 

Join School Districts Across the Country in Bringing the ACT Test
to Students in the Classroom
 

Quick facts:

  • Since 2007, students in more than 47 states have earned college-reportable scores taking the ACT® test in their own classrooms.
  • The experience can help students realize they have the skills to perform college-level coursework and give your district the information it needs to get them there. The test raises college awareness and exposure among all students.
  • The ACT is tied closely to your district’s curriculum—it’s always been about what students learn in school.

States with school districts providing the ACT test to students are depicted in blue.

What's Next for the ACT Test

Set your students up for success.

Sign up for email notifications to stay informed about how the ACT test continues to improve, innovate, and lead the way toward college and career success.

New This Year for the ACT District Testing Program

 

Flexibility with Non-Test

Starting spring of 2021 all students will use MyACT to answer the non-test questions online, including the section of where to send their scores! Through MyACT, students can complete the questions in the classroom, at home, or up to 2 days after testing. For student testing paper, the non-test items will no longer be bubbled in on the on the answer document. For students testing online, this task will simply be moving into MyACT (previously completed in Student Web Services (SWS)). This flexibility allows schools to streamline this pretest activity, and determine when and where it is completed. 

 

Online Reporting

Schools and districts now have a better reporting option, providing greater insights and easier predictions of academic performance.

Go to Online Reporting

Bundled Pricing

Order ACT District Testing with PreACT® and/or Preact® 8/9 to receive bundled pricing!

(Must have an ACT District Testing contract to receive discounted pricing. Bundled discount is $1.00 off/student PreACT and/or Preact 8/9. No discount code is necessary, billing will be adjusted appropriately).

Quick Enrollment Process

The enrollment process has been streamlined for authorized signatories with standard pricing. Simply agree to terms and conditions and the enrollment is complete.

Enroll Today!

Success Stories

Implement to Win

See how educators are using the ACT to improve and track students' readiness for college and career.

Training & Resources

Here to Help

Strengthen your knowledge of the ACT test and help your students prepare.

Accommodations

Planning for Success

ACT serves examinees with documented disabilities by providing accommodations appropriate to the examinee's diagnosis and needs.

ACT District Testing Program Details

During the 2020-2021 school year, ACT will offer four test dates: one in the fall and three in the spring. Select the date(s) that work best for your district.

Districts may choose from two test options. All participating schools in a district must test using the same test option—either the ACT or the ACT with writing.

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The district assessment coordinator will be our primary contact for the ACT District Testing program. During the implementation phase, we ask that this coordinator serve as the liaison between schools, district officials, and ACT.

During subsequent phases (school establishment, training, materials delivery, administration, and some post-exam activities), we will work directly with the schools. From time to time, we may still ask for the coordinator’s assistance.

Once testing is completed, we will send the district assessment coordinator all district-level reports and an invoice based on the number of students tested and the type of test administered.

District assessment coordinators may also be the school test coordinator at individual schools participating in District testing.

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The ACT: $46

The ACT with writing: $59.50

Additional discounts available for districts with 50%-100% of students in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program (FRLP). View pricing infographic.

Invoices will be generated based on the counts provided in the Student Data Upload.

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Districts may choose to participate in both fall 2020 and one spring 2021 ACT test window—or choose to participate in only fall or only one spring test date. Note that all schools testing under a parent institution (district) must test in the test window selected by the district using the same test option—either the ACT or the ACT with writing.

 

In spring 2020, we’ll request information about schools and testing staff designated for fall 2020. Any testing staff changes that occur over the summer can be submitted to ACT in August. We’ll accept applications for ACT-approved accommodations for the fall 2020 test window beginning in early May. You can continue to submit accommodation applications through early August.

 

In the spring of 2020, we’ll request information about schools and testing staff designated for the spring 2021 administration. Any testing staff changes that occur over the summer can be submitted to ACT when they occur. We’ll accept applications for ACT-approved accommodations for the spring 2021 test window in September. You can continue to submit accommodations applications through mid-January.


Fall 2020 Key Deadlines (PDF)

Early Spring 2021 Key Deadlines (PDF)
Late Spring 2021 Key Deadlines (PDF)
Late April 2021 Key Deadlines (PDF)

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Key Dates and Deadlines

Test Session Enrollment/Signed Agreement & School List (Org. File) Deadline**
 Test Date Online Testing Window
Fall 2020
See Fall Administration Overview 		 August 14, 2020

October 6, 2020
(Test Window 1)

October 20, 2020
(Test Window 2)

 N/A
Early Spring 2021
See Early Spring Administration Overview		 January 15, 2021

March 2, 2021
(Test Window 1)

March 16, 2021
(Test Window 2)

 March 2-4, 2021
(Test Window 1)

March 9-11, 2021
(Test Window 1)

March 16-18, 2021,
(Test Window 2)

March 23-25, 2021
(Test Window 2)
 
Late Spring 2021
See Late Spring Administration Overview		 February 12, 2021

March 30, 2021
(Test Window 1)

April 13, 2021
(Test Window 2)

 March 30-31, 2021
(Test Window 1)

April 1, 2021
(Test Window 1)

April 6-8, 2021
(Test Window 1)

April 13-15, 2021
(Test Window 2)

April 20-22, 2021
(Test Window 2)
Late April 2021
See Late April Administration Overview		 March 12, 2021
 N/A – This window is open to online testing only.
 April 20-22, 2021
(Test Window 1)

April 27-29, 2021
(Test Window 1)
 

*Districts may participate in one of the three spring test dates.
**This deadline is the date an enrollment agreement/signed contract and list of participating schools (org. file) is required. It is possible to enroll, sign the contract, and submit a list of participating schools the same day using a digital signature.

Ready to Bring the ACT to Your Students?

Explore More District Testing Resources

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Have questions? Call 319-341-2800 or complete this contact form.