If you’re planning to take the ACT®, understanding the ACT test schedule is the first step. This guide covers everything you need to know about ACT test dates, registration deadlines, fees, eligibility requirements, and testing locations so you can confidently plan for exam day.
ACT® Test Schedule & Dates (2026-2027)
Use the ACT test schedule below to find official ACT test dates, registration deadlines, late registration deadlines, and standby deadlines for the 2026-2027 testing year. Reviewing the schedule early can help you register on time and choose the testing date that best fits college admissions timelines.
| ACT Test Dates 2026–2027 |
Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Standby Deadline & Photo Upload Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| September 19, 2026 | August 14 | September 1 | September 14 |
| October 17, 2026 | September 11 | September 29 | October 12 |
| December 12, 2026 | November 6 | November 29 | December 7 |
| February 27, 2027 | January 22 | February 9 | February 22 |
| April 10, 2027 | March 5 | March 23 | April 5 |
| June 12, 2027 | May 7 | May 25 | June 7 |
| July 10, 2027* | June 4 | June 22 | July 5 |
July testing will be available for learners in New York starting in 2027.
You must note that before taking the test, it is important to be aware of the ACT policies and guidelines, as any violation may lead to the cancellation of scores. Read our guide on ACT Test Policies and Accommodations so that nothing catches you by surprise on the test day.
Generally, the ACT test dates are released a year in advance, and based on the ACT test schedules over the past 5 years, we have made a list of tentative test dates up to 2029. Please note that the dates below are just the projected dates and are subject to change as per the ACT's decision.
ACT Test Dates 2027–2028
The following are the projected ACT test dates for 2027–2028:
| Test Dates for 2027–2028 |
|---|
| September 11, 2027 |
| October 16, 2027 |
| December 11, 2027 |
| February 26, 2028 |
| April 8, 2028 |
| June 10, 2028 |
| July 15, 2028 |
ACT Registration
For both paper and computer-based tests, the registration process is the same and can be done online through the ACT’s website. It is important to note that schools are responsible for managing ACT registrations for students participating in state testing. The ACT's website has removed the "register-by-mail" form. Students who would rather not register online must get in touch with ACT directly (by phone, for example) to learn about other options.
To register for your test, you need to have the following items ready:
- A computer with an internet connection
- A credit card or some other payment method
- High school course details
- A headshot photo
How to Register for the ACT Test
Registering for the ACT test is quite easy and takes around 30 minutes to complete. All you need to do is visit the ACT official website and complete the following steps.
- Create a MyACT online account
- Select a test time and location
- Create a student profile and finish the application by providing the supporting documentation
- Use a credit/debit card or an online money transfer method to pay the test fee
Register at least 3 to 4 weeks before the test date. If you register after the deadline, you will need to pay the late registration fee.
How to Reschedule the ACT Test
To make changes to your ACT registration, log in to your MyACT account and choose the “Make Changes to Your Registration” option, or call ACT Registration at 319-337-1270. The revisions that can be made to your test registration are:
- Change of Test Center for the Same Test Date: You may change your test center as long as a seat is available at your new chosen test center on your preferred test date. However, you will not be able to request any changes after the late registration deadline.
- Test Option Change: If a seat is available, you may add the writing option before the late registration deadline. The fee for the writing test is not refundable.
- Test Date Change: If you are unable to take the test on the scheduled date, are absent due to illness or some emergency, or had your registration revoked for failing to meet the test security standards of ACT, you may use the test date change option to register for a new test date. In this case:
- You will have to pay the full fee for the new test date and the test date change fee.
- If you call during the late registration period, you will also be charged a late fee.
- Your registration fee for the original test will be refunded later in both of the above scenarios.
However, if you register for a new test instead of opting for the test date change option, your registration fee for the original test or any other additional fees (such as late charges or test center change fees) will not be refunded. If you used an ACT Fee Waiver for your original registration, the waiver will also be applied again to your new test date, but will only cover the test registration charge or late fee; the test change fee will still be due.
ACT Test Fees and Cost
When you register for the ACT, you’ll choose which sections you want to take. Both the Science section and the Writing test are optional. You can take the ACT with or without Science, and you can also decide whether or not to add the Writing test. Your registration fee will depend on the combination you select.
Your ACT test cost depends on whether you choose to add the optional Science and Writing sections. The tables below outline the current ACT test price along with other registration and service fees.
| Types of Test | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| The ACT Test (Reading, English, and Math sections) | $70 | Score reports for you, your high school, and up to four universities are included. |
| Writing section (Add-on fee) |
$25 | Score reports for you, your high school, and up to four universities are included. |
| Science Section (Add-on fee) |
$5 | Score reports for you, your high school, and up to four universities are included. |
The following are some other cases in which the applicant may have to pay additional fees.
| Fee Type | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Late registration | $40 | Changes made in the registration or test date during the late period of the test. |
| Standby testing | $72 | If you are denied admission to the test center on the test day or if your registration is canceled because no photo was submitted, your fee will be reimbursed. |
| Change Fee | $48 | Changes made in the test date or test center. |
| Score reports to 5th and 6th college choices | $20 | Requests need to be made online before the test date. This is refundable on written request if you do not take the test. |
| Additional Score Reports | $20 | Requests for additional score reports after registration. |
| Score Verification | $67 | For multiple-choice tests. |
| $67 | For Writing Test. | |
| $134 | For both sections | |
| Test Information Release | $34 | If requested before the test begins. |
| $42 | If requested after the test. |
Can I register for the ACT after the deadline?
Before the registration deadline, you can take the ACT without having to pay a late fee. If you miss the registration deadline, you'll have to pay a $40 late fee to take the exam.
If you register after the late registration deadline, you can also opt for standby testing by paying a fee of $72. The standby testing period starts immediately after the late registration deadline and lasts until 8 days before the test date. However, requests for standby space are only provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and the acceptance of test applications is not guaranteed.
ACT Test Requirements and Eligibility
Although there are no formal eligibility requirements, students should review the following ACT test requirements before registering.
| ACT Test Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| ACT Eligibility | No fixed criteria |
| Age Limit | No maximum age limit |
| Number of attempts for the ACT | Up to 12 times |
| Educational Eligibility Criteria | No particular academic criteria |
| ID Proof | Official government-issued ID card or your current school ID |
ACT Test Locations and Testing Centers
Students who are taking the ACT in the U.S. can visit the ACT Test Center page to find nearby testing locations by following these steps:
- Select your state from the drop-down menu. Selecting your city name and test center is optional.
- Click “Search” once all the details are filled.
The list of test centers in your state will appear. You can choose your preferred test center according to your test date.
The ACT test plays a crucial role in measuring students’ aptitude and college readiness, giving colleges the insights they need to evaluate applicants. To boost your confidence and performance on test day, start with an ACT question bank. You can also explore a free ACT practice test to familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types — an important step toward achieving your dream college goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far in advance can I register for the ACT?
What are the different ACT test payment methods?
Can I get a refund for my ACT registration?
Are ACT test fees tax-deductible?
When are ACT scores released?
Most students receive their ACT multiple-choice scores about 2 to 4 weeks after their test date, with over 97% of scores becoming available during that time. Students can view their scores by signing in to their MyACT account.
If you take the optional writing section, your complete score report may be released later, as writing scores require additional processing. ACT also publishes an official score release date for each national test administration, so you can check your expected ACT score release date when registering for your exam.
What is ACT standby testing?
Read More About the ACT Test
Are you wondering what the ACT is? This guide contains all the information you need to know about the ACT, including why you should take it and how to plan your test prep.
ACT SyllabusHave you started studying for the ACT? Follow this road map to learn everything about the ACT syllabus, question types, and weighting of various topics.
How to Study for the ACTPlanning to take the ACT but unsure of where to begin? Here is the much-needed guide to help you make an effective study plan and achieve your target score.
ACT Scoring GuideWant to know how the ACT is graded? Read this scoring guide to learn about the scoring component and how each section's score contributes to your final score.
