The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement test that measures what a student has learned in school. This standardized test is widely accepted by four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. and helps them evaluate candidates.


2025–2026 ACT Test Dates and Registrations

ACT TEST DATEREGISTRATION DATESCORES RELEASE DATE RANGESUGGESTED PREP DATES
April 5, 2025 February 28, 2025 April 15 – May 30 December 2024
June 14, 2025 May 9, 2025 June 24 – Aug 8 February 2025
July 12, 2025 June 6, 2025 July 22 – Sept 5 March 2025
September 6, 2025 August 1, 2025 Sept 16 – Oct 31 May 2025
October 18, 2025 September 12, 2025 Oct 28 – Dec 12 June 2025
December 13, 2025 November 7, 2025 Dec 23 – Feb 6 August 2025
February 14, 2026 January 9, 2026 Feb 24 – March 27 October 2025
April 11, 2026 March 6, 2026 April 21 – June 5 December 2025
June 13, 2026 May 8, 2026 June 23 – Aug 7 February 2026
July 11, 2026 June 5, 2026 July 21  – Sept 4 March 2026

*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date. See .


Note: Multiple choice scores are normally available within two weeks after each national test date, but it can sometimes take up to eight weeks. Writing scores are normally available about two weeks after your multiple-choice scores. For more information regarding ACT score release dates, please visit .

How to Register for the ACT

You can register online for the ACT, a process which takes about 40 minutes. First, find a test date that works for you, and make sure that you register early, before the deadline. To do so, you'll need the following:

  • Computer with internet access
  • Your high school course details
  • Recent photo of yourself that meets the
  • Credit card or other form of payment to pay the registration fee unless you qualify for a

The ACT can be taken with or without the writing and science sections. To determine if you need either, find out if the colleges you're applying to require them. When you register, you can opt into ACT’s Educational Opportunity Service, which will connect you with financial institutions and colleges based on your interests and future plans.

Be sure to print out your ticket to the test center after you register, as you'll need it to take the ACT.

 
 

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