How to Search for Test Dates and Test Centers
The best way to find available test dates and testing locations is through the ACT website. Seven test dates in the United States and Canada are listed for the current and following academic year, typically in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July nationally. International test dates are given for the current academic year only, and a total of five are available (one each in September, October, December, April, and June). Testing is normally held on Saturdays, but a few selected dates are made available for students who must test on other days for religious reasons. The test center search page allows students to find test centers around the world. U.S. and Canadian locations are searchable by state and city, while international centers can be found by country. Clicking on the links for the individual test centers will show available test dates for the current academic year.
Online Registration for the ACT
ACT encourages all students to register for the exam online via its website, although paper registration is available for American and Canadian test centers (all students taking the ACT outside of the United States or Canada are required to register online). Online registration takes about 40 minutes to complete. In addition to providing personal and demographic information, students take a survey that helps them "explore possible careers that align with [their] stated interests." Students should be prepared to provide details about their high school courses, and they must also submit a current headshot photo before taking the exam. Photo submission carries its own set of deadlines, which depend on the photo type (digital uploads are due about one week before the test, while paper photos must be received approximately three weeks in advance).
ACT Fees
The base fee for the ACT is $46.00 without the writing test or $62.50 with the writing test. There is no additional base testing cost if the student is taking the exam in the United States or Canada, but exam administrations in other countries carry an extra charge of $57.50. The ACT test fee includes score reports for four colleges, but students may send their scores to fifth and sixth colleges for $13.00 each. Standard registration closes approximately one month before the date of the test, but students may register late (up to about two weeks prior to the test date) by paying a fee of $29.50. Students who wish to change either their test date or their test center are required to pay a fee of $26.00. ACT offers a Test Information Release for $20.00, which includes test questions and student answers. Test Information Releases are available only for selected test dates at selected test centers. Some American students may be eligible for fee waivers based on demonstrated economic need. The fee waiver process must be initiated by the student's high school counselor.
Registration Policies
The maximum number of times any student may take the ACT is 12, including any cancelled test dates or scores. Admission to the test center will only be granted for students with valid admission tickets (which will include a copy of the photo used for registration) and current photo identification. The name on the ticket must match the name on the identification, with some reasonable exceptions (e.g. a shortened first name of "Jon" on the ticket and "Jonathan" on the ID).
Registration for Disabled Students
Students who are confined to their homes or hospitalized may take the ACT through what the organization calls "arranged testing." Instead of registering online, test-takers who wish to pursue this option must download the Request for Arranged Testing Form from the ACT website and ask a high school official to complete it. ACT also offers various accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Disabled students should register online, where they will be given the option to disclose their intent to request accommodations. The student will then receive an email from ACT with instructions on how to complete the registration and request process in conjunction with their school.
