Register for the ACT!

The ACT fits YOUR learning style with flexible and balanced testing to help you do your best!

Register in less than 10 minutes on desktop or mobile and get it done on the go!

*#1 taken college admissions test in nearly half of U.S. states (based on 2024 graduating class).

Next Test: Dec 13  |  Registration Deadline: Nov 4

ACT Testing Fees

  • $68.00 - The ACT Test (includes the English, math, and reading sections)
  • $25.00 - Writing Add-On Fee (can be added or removed through the late deadline)
  • $4.00 - Science Add-On Fee (can be added or removed through the late deadline)

All pricing includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges (if codes are provided whe you register). All fees are non-refundable unless otherwise noted.

When to Take the ACT

Choose a test date at least two months before your college or scholarship deadlines. Multiple-choice scores are released in 2-8 weeks; with writing, scores are available in 5-8 weeks.

Finding an ACT Test Center

Pick a test center that's both available and easy to get to, so test day is less stressful. Early registration gives you the best chance at your first-choice site. Test centers in big cities and on university campuses often fill up fast.

If Your Preferred Site is Full

  • Choose another location: Look for nearby centers with openings.
  • Late registration: If deadline have passed, you may still register with a late fee.

2026 National Test Dates Schedule

Test Date Regular Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline Photo Upload and Standy Deadline
October 18, 2025 September 12 September 30 October 10
December 13, 2025 November 7 November 24 December 5
February 14, 2026 January 9 January 23 February 6
April 11, 2026 March 6 March 24 April 3
June 13, 2026 May 8 May 29 June 5
July 11, 2026* June 5 June 24 July 3


Missed the deadline? Late registration and standby testing may still be options, with an addedd fee.

All deadliines are midnight CT. Non-Saturday Testing may be available for religious reasons. Accommodations and English Learner requests, including appeals, must be submitted in TAA by the late registration deadline.

ACT Testing Details & Policies

Before you register, learn more about the process to request accommodations or English Learner (EL) supports.

Learn about making a request

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You may need this code when interacting with ACT.

High School Codes Lookup

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The writing test is an optional 40 minute essay that measures your skills as a writer.

Learn more about the ACT with writing.

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You may opt to send copies of important messages to a parent or guardian email address.

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To learn what calculators can be used during the test, see our Calculator Policy (PDF).

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You may not receive scores from more than one test date during a scheduled national (Saturday, non-Saturday, or rescheduled test date arranged by ACT). If you are admitted and allowed to test a second time, we will report only the scores from the first test. The second or third set of scores will be cancelled without refund.

You may not receive scores from more than one test date per state administration (initial or makeup) if your school participates in ACT State and District Testing. If you are allowed to test more than once, we will report only the scores from the first test. The second set of scores will be cancelled.

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After you register for a test event, you will be able to make changes to your record. For a small fee, you can make a test center change and a test date change (if changes are made at the same time).

Test Center Change for the same test date - If a seat and materials are available for your test option at your new preferred test center on your preferred test date, you will be able to make a test center change.  You cannot request a test center change after the late registration deadline. Instead, find out about requesting standby testing.

Test Date Change - A test date change can be used to sign up for a different test date if you are absent or unable to test on the original test date or if your registration is cancelled for failure to meet ACT's test security requirements.

Note: If you paid with an ACT Fee Waiver, the waiver will be reapplied to your new test date, but covers only the test fee or late fee for your test option, you must still pay the change fee.

Test Option Change – Before the late registration deadline, you can add the writing test and change between paper or online testing if a seat is available. Starting in April 2025 and through July 2025, the science test will also be available as an optional test if you test online. 

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If you miss the test for any reason, including illness, injury, being denied admission at the test center for lack of ID, or late arrival, your options are listed below.

IMPORTANT: Once you break the seal on your test booklet, you cannot later request a test date change, even if you do not complete all your tests. You must register again and pay the full fee for your test option if you want to retest.

Request and pay for a test date change

Log in to your MyACT account and select "Make Changes to Your Registration" or call ACT Registration at 319.337.1270 by the regular deadline for the new test date. You will be charged an additional fee for the test date change.

If you call during the late registration period, you will also be charged a late fee. (If you register for a new test date instead of making a test date change, your basic fee for the original test date will not be refunded.)

If you decide you do not want to test on another test date, your registration fee and any additional fees (such as late fee or test center change fee) are nonrefundable. If you do not test, no score reports will be sent.

 

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ACT reviews arranged testing requests for examinees who qualify under certain conditions such as distance from test centers and confinement to correctional institutions.

Arranged Testing Policies and Procedures (PDF)

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If you miss the late deadline to register for a test date, or to request a test date or test center change, you may choose to sign in to your ACT account to request and pay for standby testing. Accommodations may be available for standby testing, but seats are not guaranteed. You may contact ACT to see if there is an available seat, test materials, and staff to administer the test.

Standby Testing

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Frequently Asked Questions

The ACT My Answer Key (TIR) is a copy of your answers along with the questions and correct answers from the test, delivered after your scores are released. It is offered only three tests a year, and ACT is the only standardized test that offers this option for you to learn from your personal test performance to boost your scores. 

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The voucher is redeemable for one ACT test registration (either paper or online) through the July 2026 late registration deadline. The voucher will cover:

  • The ACT test registration fee
  • The optional science test add-on fee (available online April-July 2025; and paper or online September 2025-July 2026)
  • Late registration fee

Note: The late registration fee is not covered during the initial purchase of the bundle if purchased during the late registration window of the April 2025 test. 

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A voucher code will be sent (typically within 24 hours) to the email address that is associated with your MyACT account and was used to purchase the bundle.

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No, vouchers are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be combined with any other offer. 

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Complete your ACT registration now and secure your spot for the next test!

Terms and Conditions

For complete details, refer to the Terms and Conditions - English (PDF), Spanish (PDF)