US Students
District Testing
ACT Test Day
Be fully prepared for test day by knowing exacty what to bring and what to leave at home.
From your admission ticket and photo ID to pencils, calculators, and snacks, we've got you covered so you can focus on doing your best.
What to Expect on Test Day
Everything you need to know for a smooth test day.
Morning Prep
How can I set myself up for a smooth test day?
- Dress comfortably in layers.
- Gather items you're bringing before you need to leave.
- Consider doing a practice run going to your test center to estimate travel time.
Arrival Time
What time does the ACT start?
- Plan to be inside the test center no later than 8:00 a.m. to allow time for check-in.
- Late arrivals cannot be admitted.
Check-In
What happens at check-in?
- Present your photo ID, and ticket, if you have it, at check-in for staff to verify.
- Staff may use additional security procedures, or have additional rules.
During the Test
- If you decide not to take science or writing, let staff know so they dismiss you at the appropriate time.*
- Once your test begins, you cannot request a test date change.
- Use only a permitted calculator on the math section.
- Follow all rules; prohibited behavior may result in dismissal and your test not being scored.
Breaks
Are there breaks during the test?
- A short break is scheduled after the second test. You may not leave the supervised test area or site (e.g. go to your car in the parking lot.)
- Electronic devices are not allowed during breaks.
- If taking the writing test, you'll get five minutes to relax and prepare before the essay.
Finishing Up
- Notify staff if you do not want your test scored; otherwise, your answers will be scored.
- Make sure you have all of your belongings.
Ending Times
Online Test Ending Times
- ACT 11:05 a.m.
- ACT + Science: 11:55 a.m.
- ACT + Writing: 12:00 p.m.
- ACT + Science and Writing: 1:00 p.m.
Paper Test Ending Times
- ACT 11:25 a.m.
- ACT + Science: 12:15 p.m.
- ACT + Writing: 12:30 p.m.
- ACT + Science and Writing: 1:30 p.m.
Reminders
What should I keep in mind on test day?
- Your scores will be based only on the number of questions that you answer correctly; there is no penalty for guessing.
- ACT may perform enhanced security, including photographing examinees.
- Cheating hurts everyone - .
*Students who choose not to take an optional test they registered for won’t be refunded.
What to Bring on Test Day
Ensure a smooth testing experience by bringing all required items and
helpful tools while also knowing what to leave at home.
What to Bring with You
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Admission Ticket |
| Print your admission ticket from after uploading your photo; it includes your registration match information and launch code. | |
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Photo ID |
| Bring an acceptable photo ID to enter the test center. | |
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Pencils |
| Bring sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers (no pens or mechanical pencils). | |
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Testing Device |
| If using BYOD, bring a fully charged laptop and charger. | |
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Watch/Timing Device |
| Allowed for pacing, must have no alarm and stay on your desk. | |
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Bilingual Dictionary |
| Bring an ACT-approved bilingual dictionary if needed; staff will inspect it. | |
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Calculator |
| Bring a permitted calculator for the math test only (optional). | |
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Snacks |
| Allowed during breaks; outside the testing room. | |
DO NOT Bring the Following Items
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Books & Notes |
| No textbooks, dictionaries (except approved bilingual), scratch paper, or notes. | |
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Writing Tools |
| No highlighters, colored pens, or correction fluid/tape. | |
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Electronics |
| No devices except approved calculator or watch. Phones, smart watches, fitness bands, and devices with Wi-Fi or recording must be off and out of sight. | |
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Reading Material |
| Do not bring books, magazines, or other reading materials. | |
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Tobacco |
| No tobacco products in any form. | |
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Prohibited Devices |
You may not use or access cell phones or electronic devices in the testing room or during breaks, including smart watches and fitnessbands. All devices must be off and out of sight. If a device is accessed or activated, you will be dismissed, your test won't be scored, and the device may be confiscated.
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How Long is the ACT?
The ACT includes multiple-choice sections in English, math, reading, and optional science, with a total of 171 questions.The timed portion of these multiple choice tests take 2 hours and 45 minutes.
If you take the optional writing test, you'll get a 5-minute break before the 40-minute essay.
How Long is Each Section of the ACT?
Each ACT section varies in length and number of questions and is designed to measure skills essential for success in college. Learn more about ACT format, sections, and structure.
English Test
Measures your ability to make decisions to revise and edit short texts and essays in different genres.
35 MINUTES / 50 QUESTIONS
(REQUIRED)
Math Test
Measures the mathematical skills you have typically acquired in courses up to the beginning of grade 12.
50 MINUTES / 45 QUESTIONS
(REQUIRED)
Reading Test
Measures your ability to read closely, reason logically, and integrate information from multiple sources.
40 MINUTES / 36 QUESTIONS
(REQUIRED)
Science Test
Measures interpretation, analysis, reasoning, and problem-solving in biology, chemistry, and Earth & space sciences.
40 MINUTES / 40 QUESTIONS
(OPTIONAL ADD-ON)
Writing Test
Measures writing skills taught in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses.
1 PROMPT
(OPTIONAL ADD-ON)
Essential Documents for Test Day
Make sure to bring your ACT Admission Ticket and a valid photo ID to ensure smooth check-in at the test center.
What is an ACT Admission Ticket?
Your admission ticket is an important document that provides key information for test day. For paper tests, it includes match information to link your answer sheet to your MyACT registration. It may also contain messages for your test center with location-specific details, as well as an overview of your registration and what to bring.
How do you print an ACT admission ticket?
You can print your ticket from your MyACT account once your photo has been uploaded and approved. If you have accommodations requiring approval, you won't be able to print your ticket until they are approved. It's a good idea to review your ticket in advance to make sure all details are correct, but wait to print closer to your test date in case of any updates.
What if I forget my admission ticket on test day?
You can still be admitted to the test, but for paper tests, missing match information may delay your scores.
Acceptable Forms of ID
Current Official Photo ID
You must present an original, valid photo ID issued by a city, state, federal agency, or your school. The ID must be a hard plastic card - paper or electronic IDs are not accepted. The name on your ID must match your registration, and your photo must clearly identify you.
ACT Student Identification Form with Photo
If you do not have a current official photo ID, you must present the ACT Student Identification Form (PDF) with a photo. This form must be fully completed by a school official or notary public, a relative cannot complete it.
Please note: You will not be admitted to test if you present any forms of ID other than those listed as acceptable.
Test Day Rules
Stay prepared, follow the rules, and help keep the ACT fair.
ACT Calculator Policy
The ACT calculator policy helps ensure fairness, prevent distractions, and protect test security. Bring a permitted calculator you know well for the Math test. Online testers will also have an on-screen calculator, but you may bring your own. Make sure your calculator is allowed before test day.
Prohibited Behavior
To ensure fairness for all examinees, avoid disturbances in the testing room, and protect the security of the test materials, certain behaviors are prohibited at the test center. You will be dismissed and your answer document will not be scored if you are found engaging in any of these behaviors.
Stand Against Cheating
Students who cheat put honest test-takers at a disadvantage. ACT's procedures give everyone a fair chance to show what they've learned. Cheating hurts everyone, so help keep the ACT fair by reporting it anonymously through the and following all testing rules.
Missed Your Test Date?
Once your ACT registration is submitted, it cannot be canceled. See Registration Changes for details.
Rescheduled Test Centers
Sometimes a test center cancels due to weather or other unforeseen events. Affected tests will be rescheduled. Check Rescheduled Test Centers for updates and procedures.
Unexpected Registration Updates
Occasionally, ACT may need to change your test location or format (paper or online, including BYOD) to ensure you can test. If a change is required, ACT will attempt to move you to a nearby location that offers the same format you selected, first. We aim
to minimize disruptions.
Important:
- If you registered for BYOD, but the new test center only offers online testing through devices at their location, you will not be required to complete device readiness.
Security Measures
We regularly review measures to deter and detect test security issues while maximizing student access.
Test Day Photo and Security Procedure
- Students submit a recognizable head-and-shoulders photo when registering via the ACT website, mobile, or mail.
- They also provide gender and high school information to help verify identity throughout testing.
- The photo appears on the student's ticket and the examinee roster used by test center staff.
- On test day, staff match the student's ticket, roster photos, and photo ID before granting admission.
- Students affirm in writing that they are the person on the test booklet and answers sheet and acknowledge that impersonation is illegal.
- ACT may perform additional security measures, such as capturing images during check-in.
- After scoring, the student's photo appears on the score report sent to their high school to support score integrity.
- To prevent fraud, students must register in advance and cannot change test center or dated on the test day.
Why We Do This
Our test security procedures are designed to ensure that examinees have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic achievement and skills, that examinees who do their own work are not unfairly disadvantaged by examinees who do not, and that scores reported for each examinee are valid.
Register for the ACT Today
Secure your test date and start your path to college success!
It's easy, fast, and the first step toward achieving your best score.