Technical Requirements

Device Requirements

ACT online testing requires a test-taking device, sufficient bandwidth at the test center, and a reliable network connection throughout the entire test. Supported laptops may be:

  • School-managed Chromebooks, Windows, or MacBooks.
  • Personal Windows or MacBooks.

iPads, Tablets, personal Chromebooks and Chrome OS Flex are not supported at this time.

Chromebook Test-Taking Devices

  • Operating System: Chrome OS - 112.0.5615.62
  • Management: Must be managed by your school through Google Admin. Personal Chromebooks may not be used.
  • Security: Must be able to deploy the application in Kiosk mode and allow ACT Gatway to manage power.
  • Processor: Chromebook with ARM or Intel processor
  • Memory: 4 GB
  • Disk Space: ~400 MB
  • Screen size: Minimum 9.5”
  • Screen resolution: Minimum 1024x768

Windows Test-Taking Devices

  • Operating System: Windows 11 Home, Enterprise or Education
    • Note: Windows 10 will no longer be an available option for use starting with the October 2026 test date. Windows has stopped supporting Windows 10 as of October 2025.        
  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor
  • Memory: 4 GB
  • Disk Space: ~400 MB
  • Screen size: Minimum 9.5”
  • Screen resolution: Minimum 1024x768

Note: Windows S Mode is not currently supported.

Macbook Test-Taking Devices

  • Operating System: MacOS
    • Required Minimum: MacOS 11.7.5
    • Recommended Maximum: MacOS 14.6.1
  • Security: Must be able to deploy an ACT test-taking application (ACT Gateway), allow ACT Gateway to enable Take a Test mode, and must allow ACT Gateway to manage power.
  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor
  • Memory: 4 GB
  • Disk Space: ~400 MB
  • Screen size: Minimum 9.5”
  • Screen resolution: Minimum 1024x768

Device Readiness

ACT recommends performing readiness checks 2 to 4 weeks prior to the test. It is important to perform these checks to ensure devices meet all technical requirements and are prepared for test day.

How to Check Device Readiness

ACT Gateway will look at the following items:

  • Secure connection
  • Screen size
  • Battery level
  • ACT Gateway version
  • OS version
  • Kiosk mode
  • Ability to connect to ACT domains and services
  • External mass storage devices

Network Requirements

The test center will need at least 1MBps of bandwidth per tester. For example:

  • A 10 Mbps connection can support 10 testers
  • You can find resources here if you need help evaluating your networks bandwidth

Devices must be able to access the following domains:

NOTE: Intermittent network outages during the event can be tolerated, but extended outages will impact the ability to test successfully, or transmit data.

ACT Gateway FAQ

For students, see our student resources page.

For schools supporting students see our school support page.

If you are a test center, instructions are available within Test Center Manager.

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Yes, they can work with their school to have ACT Gateway installed on their school-managed device. In this case, the student is still responsible for performing the device readiness checks if they are bringing their own computer.

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Yes. We provide support for Students and Test Centers during test administration.

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iPads, Tablets, personal Chromebooks and Chrome OS Flex are not supported at this time.

What's Next?

Find up-to-date test ACT Test Enhancement information and FAQs.

ACT Test Enhancements