Is ACT testing required for your college application? This is your guide to all ACT testing dates. Keep reading for help planning your ACT test dates and registration.
ACT test scores help colleges and universities determine a high school applicant’s readiness for college. While most participants take the multiple-choice exam in a testing center, some states in the US allow online testing.
The ACT exam has three mandatory sections and two optional ones. In terms of the length of the ACT, the standard test without the optional science and writing sections is a little over two hours. With both sections, it is about three and a half hours long.
ACT testing dates are limited. Students must register before the test date.
The ACT test dates listed apply in the United States, US territories, and Puerto Rico. Students who cannot attend any ACT testing dates that fall on a Saturday for religious reasons can look into Non-Saturday Testing.
Students should register for the ACT test dates at least two months before the college deadline. It can take two to eight weeks for you to receive your results, so sending test scores to colleges at the right time is extremely important.
Refer to the college of your choice to ensure the test dates you select are well before their deadline. Staying on top of the ACT schedule will help you stay organized and set you up for success.
For students preparing to take the ACT, having a clear understanding of the test dates is crucial. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the ACT test dates, helping you plan your testing strategy effectively. It’s also helpful to know any future test dates, in case you need to retake the ACT.
Source: ACT
Staying on top of your ACT planning is key. To ensure that you write the ACT on one of these dates, register a couple of months before the ACT deadlines.
Here, you'll find ACT Test Dates for International Students for the 2025-2026 academic year, helping you plan your exam strategy for admissions abroad.
Source: ACT
Navigating the ACT test schedule is essential for students aspiring to pursue higher education beyond the borders of the United States. So, refer to this guide when you need a reminder!
Students cannot take an ACT test without registering. The registration deadline is typically four to five weeks before the test date. ACT registration is done on the ACT website. It takes thirty minutes.
What You’ll Need to Register for An ACT Test Date:
Students can sign up for late registration if they miss the regular deadline. There is a late fee required for late registration. Make sure you review the regular registration deadlines closely, and be sure not to miss them.
Get professional support from our ACT tutoring services to stay on top of your deadlines!
ACT scores become available over a period of time after the test date and are processed during regular business hours. While ACT aims to provide scores promptly, it cannot guarantee an exact date for score reporting. Keep reading for ACT score reporting dates for 2025.
Source: ACT
Sometimes, your score might not be available on these ACT results dates due to various reasons. This includes delays in receiving answer documents or rescheduling of the test date.
If the information on your answer document doesn't match your admission ticket or is incomplete or inaccurate, your scores will be held until the details are sorted out. Scores might also be delayed if there's a reported issue at your test center or if you have unpaid registration fees.
Once you receive your results, you may need some help to understand your score. It can be tricky to determine what score range you fall into and if you have a good ACT score.
Students who could not manage to register in time for their preferred test dates can use standby testing as a last resort. This method is not guaranteed to secure you a spot. It functions on a first-come, first-admitted basis. Once you submit a standby testing request, it will be subject to seat and test availability.
Standby requests are only valid for the ACT testing date they are submitted. Students cannot transfer an approved standby request to another date. Those who miss a standby date will be refunded. Standby testing can be requested through your ACT account.
Here are the standby deadlines for this year and next.
Remember that even though you may be given a standby date, it isn’t guaranteed you’ll write the ACT on your desired day.
If you still have questions, check out these frequently asked questions.
The ideal time to take the ACT exam typically falls during the spring of your junior year or the fall of your senior year of high school. This timeline allows you to have a lot of preparation time and allows you to retake the exam if needed.
It also lets you obtain your ACT score early and on time for college applications. It's important to check the registration deadlines and available test dates.
The best months to take the ACT are April and October, as they align with the ideal testing windows: spring of your junior year or fall of your senior year.
The recommended duration for ACT study varies depending on factors such as prior knowledge, study habits, and availability. However, it is generally advisable to dedicate several months to ACT preparation for the best results.
The next ACT Dates for this year are:
Ensure that you apply for these test dates well before the deadline!
ACT test-takers must arrive at their designated test center by 8:00 am. Once students have completed the check-in process and are seated, the test typically begins around 8:30 am.
The ACT dates are fast approaching; only two dates are left this year. Securing an ACT test date that suits your schedule is very important. Be sure to schedule your test date well before your college's deadline. Remember to check back here for test dates and registration deadlines!
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