ACT® Registration - Test Dates & Cost for 2023
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 2023‒24
The following table provides a quick reference to the key registration dates and deadlines for the 2023 ACT testing year, including both regular and late registrations.
|
ACT Test Dates 2023 |
Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Standby Deadline & Photo Upload Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 9, 2023 | August 4, 2023 | August 18, 2023 | September 1, 2023 |
| October 28, 2023 | September 22, 2023 | October 6, 2023 | October 20, 2023 |
| December 9, 2023 | November 3, 2023 | November 17, 2023 | December 1, 2023 |
| February 10, 2024 | January 5, 2024 | January 19, 2024 | February 2, 2024 |
| April 13, 2024 | March 8, 2024 | March 22, 2024 | April 5, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 | May 3, 2024 | May 17, 2024 | May 31, 2024 |
| July 13, 2024 | June 7, 2024 | June 21, 2024 | July 5, 2024 |
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 past 5-year test schedules, we have made a list of tentative test dates up to the year 2026. 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 2024 - 2025
Following are the projected ACT test dates for 2024 - 2025:
| Test Dates for 2024 - 2025 | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Photo Upload and Standby Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 7, 2024 | August 9, 2024 | August 23, 2024 | August 30, 2024 |
| October 26, 2024 | September 27, 2024 | October 11, 2024 | October 18, 2024 |
| December 7, 2024 | November 2, 2024 | November 16, 2024 | November 23, 2024 |
| February 8, 2025 | January 10, 2025 | January 24, 2025 | January 31, 2025 |
| April 12, 2025 | March 14, 2025 | March 28, 2025 | April 4, 2025 |
| June 7, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | May 23, 2025 | May 30, 2025 |
| July 19, 2025 | June 20, 2025 | July 4, 2025 | July 11, 2025 |
ACT test dates 2025 - 2026
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 13, 2025 | August 8, 2025 | August 22, 2025 | September 5, 2025 |
| October 25, 2025 | September 19, 2025 | October 3, 2025 | October 17, 2025 |
| December 13, 2025 | November 7, 2025 | November 21, 2025 | December 5, 2025 |
| February 7, 2026 | January 2, 2026 | January 16, 2024 | January 30, 2026 |
| April 11, 2026 | March 6, 2026 | March 20, 2026 | April 3, 2026 |
| June 13, 2026 | May 8, 2026 | May 22, 2026 | June 5, 2026 |
| July 18, 2026 | June 12, 2026 | June 26, 2026 | July 10, 2026 |
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 choices.
To register for your test, you need to have the following things ready:
- A computer with an internet connection
- 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
Make sure that you are registering at least three to four 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 deadline for late registration. 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 as well as 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 the above scenarios
However, if you register for a new test instead of going for the test date change option, your registration fee for the original test or any other additional fees (such as late charge or test center change fee) 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 two test types. One is the ACT without the Writing Test and the other one is with the Writing Test. You can choose the option that you want and pay the ACT fees accordingly.
Refer to the table below to know the registration fee for both the tests.
| Types of Test | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| The full ACT (without writing) | $63 | Score reports for you, your high school, and up to four universities are included. |
| The full ACT (with writing) | $88 | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Test option change | $25 | Through the late deadline in MyACT, you can add or withdraw the Writing Test. |
| Late registration | $36 | Changes made in the registration or test date during the late period of the test. |
| Standby testing | $63 | 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 | $42 | Changes made in the test date or test center. |
| Score reports to 5th and 6th college choices | $16 | Requests need to be raised online before the test date. This is refundable on written request if you do not take the test. |
| Additional Score Reports | $18 | Requests for additional score reports after registration. |
| Score Verification | $55 | For Multiple-choice tests. |
| $55 | For Writing Test. | |
| 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 $36 late fee to take the exam.
If you are registering after the deadline for late registration, you can also go for standby testing by paying a fee of $63. The standby testing period starts immediately after the late registration deadline and lasts until eight 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?
To take the ACT, there are no specific requirements that need to be met by the applicants. However, there are a few things that the students need to know 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 their 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 an important role in checking students’ aptitude and college readiness, and provides colleges with the necessary information to assess their applicants. Practice and prepare for the ACT with UWorld’s ACT Practice Test and take your next steps towards your dream college!
