Every year, ACT, Inc. sets the ACT exam dates for the next one to two years. Below is a comprehensive table outlining the next series of tests, including registration deadlines for each test day.
| Test Date | Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| February 8, 2025 | January 3, 2025 | January 31, 2025 |
| April 5, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | March 28, 2025 |
| June 14, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | June 6, 2025 |
| July 12, 2025* | June 6, 2025 | July 4, 2025 |
| September 6, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | August 29, 2025 |
| October 18, 2025 | September 12, 2025 | October 10, 2025 |
| December 13, 2025 | November 7, 2025 | December 5, 2025 |
*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date.
For the most up-to-date test dates and registration deadlines, please check the official ACT registration page.
In 2025, the ACT is implementing changes to the Science section:
These changes may affect how you prepare for the test and how colleges interpret your scores.
The ACT is administered in the morning of the designated test day across various locations. Test centers typically open at 7:45 AM, with testing beginning promptly at 8:00 AM local time. The standard ACT (without the Writing section) typically ends around 12:15 PM, while the ACT with Writing may continue until approximately 1:30 PM.
We highly recommend students to arrive at their test centers well in advance to avoid any last-minute stress and get familiar with their testing environment.
ACT test locations are strategically distributed across the United States, US territories, and Puerto Rico. These venues are typically established in high schools, colleges, or designated testing centers.
To find the nearest test center, students can visit the ACT's official test center locator page, where they can search by their zip code or city. Be sure to look the test centers up well in advance, and plan logistics accordingly - especially if your test center is not local.
We also recommend registering early as slots in some popular locations can fill up quickly, and some test centers may not be available for all test dates.
The cost of taking the ACT varies depending on whether you choose the ACT (without Writing) or the ACT with Writing option. Additional fees may apply for services like changing the test center or date, late registration, or standby testing.
If you miss the regular registration deadline, you can still register by the late registration deadline for an additional fee. If you did not register by the late registration deadline, you may be able to request standby testing for an additional fee, though seats are not guaranteed.
Fee waivers are available for eligible U.S. high school students who meet certain criteria, helping to ensure that the test is accessible to all students regardless of their financial situation.
For more information on ACT fees, see the official ACT fees page.
The ACT consists of four main sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. The total testing time is approximately 3 hours without the Writing section, and 3 hours and 35 minutes with the Writing section.
As noted above, in 2025, the Science section will be required for the February test date but optional for online testing in April, June, and July.
Multiple choice scores are normally available 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.
If you miss the test for any reason, including illness, injury, being denied admission at the test center for lack of ID, or late arrival, you can request and pay for a test date change. Log in to your MyACT account and select "Make Changes to Your Registration" or call ACT Registration by the regular deadline for the new test date.
IMPORTANT: Once you break the seal on your test booklet, you cannot later request a test date change, even if you do not complete all your tests.
Yes, after you register for a test event, you can make changes to your record. For a fee of $44, you can make a test center change and a test date change (if changes are made at the same time).