National ACT test dates
2026–2027 ACT Test Dates
Use this ACT exam timetable to compare test dates, registration deadlines, late deadlines, photo upload and standby deadlines, and initial paper score release dates.
Compare every deadline
ACT Exam Timetable 2026–2027
Choose a date that leaves enough time for preparation, score reporting, and your college application deadlines.
| Test Date | Registration Deadline(Late fee applies after this date) | Late Deadline | Photo Upload & Standby Deadline | Paper Initial Score Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 19, 2026 | August 14 | September 1 | September 14 | October 6 |
| October 17, 2026 | September 11 | September 29 | October 12 | October 27 |
| December 12, 2026 | November 6 | November 29 | December 7 | December 22 |
| February 27, 2027 | January 22 | February 9 | February 22 | March 16 |
| April 10, 2027 | March 5 | March 23 | April 5 | April 20 |
| June 12, 2027 | May 7 | May 25 | June 7 | June 23 |
| July 10, 2027 | June 4 | June 22 | July 5 | July 20 |
National test dates apply to the United States, U.S. territories, and Puerto Rico. Deadlines occur at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Confirm availability and your assigned test center in MyACT.
Make the dates work for you
How to plan your ACT test date
Use the first deadline column to register, the late deadline to make final changes, and the score-release date to work backward from applications.
1. Pick your score target
Choose a test date that gives you time to study and still leaves room for a retest if your first score is below your target.
2. Work backward from deadlines
Compare the paper initial score release date with scholarship, early-action, and regular-decision deadlines before registering.
3. Protect your seat
Register by the regular deadline, upload your photo by the listed deadline, and confirm your test center in MyACT.
ACT test-day checklist
- Print or save your admission details in MyACT.
- Bring an acceptable photo ID and permitted calculator.
- Arrive early; late arrivals may not be admitted.
- Check whether your registration includes Writing or Science.
- Verify the test center address and transportation plan.
- If you are sick, do not report; request a test date change.
- Keep your MyACT login available for score updates.
- Review college score-reporting deadlines before test day.
Official resources: ACT test dates and registration · ACT test-day checklist · Standby testing
Quick answers
ACT Test Dates FAQs
Answers to common questions about registration, deadlines, score timing, missed tests, rescheduling, and test-day planning.
1. How many times in a year is the ACT test given?
ACT National Saturday testing is offered seven times per year, although the exact dates vary by testing year.
2. When should I expect my ACT scores?
More than 97% of ACT scores are released online within about 2–4 weeks after the test. Optional Writing scores may be released later while all components are processed.
3. Can I register for the ACT after the deadline?
After the late registration deadline, you may be able to request and pay for standby testing through MyACT. Seats, materials, and staff are not guaranteed.
4. What if I missed my ACT test date?
Log in to MyACT and request a test date change by the regular deadline for your preferred new date, or contact ACT Registration. Fees may apply.
5. Can I reschedule the ACT?
Yes. After registering, you can request a test date change or test center change when seats and materials are available. Use the “Make Changes to Your Registration” option in MyACT.
6. How much does it cost to change an ACT test date?
ACT currently lists a $44 test date change fee. Late registration or other service fees may also apply, so check the current ACT fee schedule before making a change.
7. What if I’m sick the day of the ACT test?
Do not report to the test center if you are sick. Request a test date change through MyACT or ACT Registration; the new-date fee and any late fee may apply.
8. What happens if I don’t show up to the ACT test?
You can request a test date change by the regular deadline for a future date. If you do not reschedule, registration and service fees are generally nonrefundable and no score report is issued.
9. Can I cancel the ACT test and get a refund?
ACT registration fees are generally nonrefundable. If you still want to test, a test date change may refund the basic fee from the original date after the required change process is completed.
10. What time do ACT registration deadlines close?
The listed registration, late, and photo deadlines occur at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Allow extra time for payment, photo upload, and confirmation.
11. What is the photo upload and standby deadline?
It is the final date shown in the timetable for uploading your registration photo and requesting standby testing for that test date. Standby seats are not guaranteed.
12. How do I find an ACT test center?
Use the official ACT test-center locator while registering in MyACT. Availability can change, so choose a center early and verify its address before test day.
13. Is the July 2027 ACT available in New York?
ACT says July testing will be available for learners in New York starting in 2027. Test centers will continue to be added as registration becomes available.
14. Can I take the ACT on a non-Saturday?
Non-Saturday testing may be available if you cannot test on Saturday for religious reasons. Review ACT’s arranged-testing guidance and contact ACT early.
15. When should I request accommodations or English Learner supports?
Requests, including appeals, must be submitted through the Test Accessibility and Accommodations system by the published accommodations deadline for the test date.
16. Are the ACT Science and Writing tests required?
Science and Writing are optional add-on tests. Review your college requirements and select the options you need before the late deadline.
17. Can I change from paper to online testing?
Before the late registration deadline, you may be able to change between paper, online, and BYOD options if a seat is available. Make changes through MyACT.
18. What should I bring on ACT test day?
Bring your admission details, an acceptable photo ID, and a permitted calculator if you plan to use one. Check ACT’s current test-day checklist for prohibited items and arrival guidance.
For policy changes and current fees, always confirm details on the official ACT registration and test dates page.
