The American College Testing Program (ACT®) is a standardized test used by colleges and institutions to evaluate the academic preparedness and success of prospective students. If you are planning to take the ACT but aren't sure if you qualify or how to register, this comprehensive guide is for you. In order to help you register for the ACT in a timely manner, we will also discuss the ACT test dates, test fees, and fee waivers.
ACT Test Dates 2025
The following table provides a quick reference to the key ACT registration dates and deadlines for the first half of the testing year 2025, including both regular and late registrations.
| ACT Test Dates 2025 | Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Standby Deadline & Photo Upload Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 8, 2025 | January 3, 2025 | January 24, 2025 | January 31, 2025 |
| April 5, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | March 16, 2025 | March 28, 2025 |
| June 14, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | May 26, 2025 | June 6, 2025 |
| July 12, 2025 | June 6, 2025 | June 20, 2025 | July 4, 2025 |
*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date.
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 test schedules over the past 5 years, we have made a list of tentative test dates up to 2027. 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 2025–2026
The following are the projected ACT test dates for 2025–2026:
| Test Dates for 2025–2026 |
Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Photo Upload and Standby Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 6, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | August 21, 2025 | August 29, 2025 |
| October 25, 2025 | September 20, 2025 | October 10, 2025 | October 17, 2025 |
| December 8, 2025 | November 3, 2025 | November 23, 2025 | November 30, 2025 |
| February 7, 2026 | January 2, 2026 | January 22, 2026 | January 30, 2026 |
| April 11, 2026 | March 6, 2026 | March 26, 2026 | April 3, 2026 |
| June 13, 2026 | May 8, 2026 | May 30, 2026 | June 5, 2026 |
| July 11, 2026 | June 6, 2026 | July 26, 2026 | July 3, 2026 |
ACT Test Dates 2026‒2027
The following are the projected ACT test dates for 2026‒2027:
| Test Dates for 2026‒2027 |
Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Photo Upload and Standby Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 5, 2026 | July 31, 2026 | August 21, 2026 | August 28, 2026 |
| October 24, 2026 | September 19, 2026 | October 9, 2026 | October 16, 2026 |
| December 14, 2026 | November 9, 2026 | November 30, 2026 | December 6, 2026 |
| February 6, 2027 | January 1, 2027 | January 22, 2027 | January 29, 2027 |
| April 10, 2027 | March 5, 2027 | March 26, 2027 | April 2, 2027 |
| June 12, 2027 | May 7, 2027 | May 28, 2027 | June 4, 2027 |
| July 17, 2027 | June 12, 2027 | July 2, 2027 | July 9, 2027 |
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
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
When you are registering for the ACT, you will come across 2 test types. One is the ACT without the Writing Test, and the other is with the Writing Test. You can choose the option that you want and pay the ACT cost accordingly.
Refer to the table below to know the registration fee for both tests.
| Types of Test | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| The ACT Test (Reading, English, and Math sections) | $65 | 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) |
$4 | 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 | $38 | Changes made in the registration or test date during the late period of the test. |
| Standby testing | $69 | 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 | $44 | Changes made in the test date or test center. |
| Score reports to 5th and 6th college choices | $19 | 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 | $19 | Requests for additional score reports after registration. |
| Score Verification | $61 | For multiple-choice tests. |
| $61 | For Writing Test. | |
| $122 | For both sections | |
| Test Information Release | $32 | If requested before the test begins. |
| $40 | 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 $38 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 $69. 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.
Who Is Eligible for the ACT Test?
Applicants do not need to meet specific requirements to take the ACT. However, students need to know a few things before taking the test. Refer to the following table for more information about the ACT eligibility criteria.
| 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 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 practice test or try a full-length ACT mock test. 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?
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.
