Next ACT Test Date
Find the next ACT test date and registration deadline. See all upcoming ACT dates for 2025-2026 and never miss a signup deadline.
📋 ACT Exam: Complete guide to ACT (ACT) test dates. See schedules for all available years, registration deadlines, and key dates. Administered by ACT, Inc..
Click a year above to see the complete ACT schedule with exam dates, registration deadlines, and countdown timers.
About the ACT (ACT)
US high school juniors and seniors applying to college. About 1.5 million students take the ACT yearly. Universities accept either SAT or ACT; some students take both and submit the higher.
ACT runs 2 hours 55 minutes (without Writing) or 3 hours 35 minutes (with optional Writing essay). Sections: English (45 min), Math (60 min), Reading (35 min), Science (35 min), and optional Writing (40 min). The science section is the main differentiator from the SAT.
ACTscoring & score release
Scoring: Each of the 4 main sections is scored 1-36; the composite is the average rounded to the nearest whole number. Top-30 schools typically expect 33-36 composite. Median nationally is around 21.
Score release: Multiple-choice scores are typically released 2-8 weeks after the test date. Writing scores take an additional 2 weeks.
How to register for the ACT
Register through the ACT website. Standard registration closes about 5 weeks before the test. Late registration is available with a fee until about 3 weeks before. Standby registration is offered for some test centers.
Recent ACT changes
ACT introduced section retesting in 2020, allowing students to retake individual sections rather than the full test. Online ACT testing expanded post-pandemic but most students still take the paper version.
ACT preparation timeline
Most students prepare 2-4 months. ACT.org offers free practice tests. The science section often surprises students — it's less about science knowledge and more about reading data tables under time pressure.
ACT Test Dates
Find the next ACT test date and registration deadline. See all upcoming ACT dates for 2025-2026 and never miss a signup deadline.
Related
ACT FAQ
When is the next ACT test date?
The schedule above shows all ACT dates with live countdowns. Past dates are grayed out; the days-until badges show the next available date. ACT, Inc. typically announces dates 6-12 months ahead.
How long is the ACT exam?
ACT runs 2 hours 55 minutes (without Writing) or 3 hours 35 minutes (with optional Writing essay). Sections: English (45 min), Math (60 min), Reading (35 min), Science (35 min), and optional Writing (40 min). The science section is the main differentiator from the SAT.
What is a good ACT score?
Each of the 4 main sections is scored 1-36; the composite is the average rounded to the nearest whole number. Top-30 schools typically expect 33-36 composite. Median nationally is around 21.
How much does the ACT cost?
$68 (no Writing) or $93 (with Writing) in 2025. Register through ACT, Inc. at www.act.org.
How long should I prepare for the ACT?
Most students prepare 2-4 months. ACT.org offers free practice tests. The science section often surprises students — it's less about science knowledge and more about reading data tables under time pressure.
Can I reschedule my ACT test date after registering?
Most testing organizations allow date changes for a fee, with deadlines 1-4 weeks before the test. Check ACT, Inc.'s policy at www.act.org.