ACT Test Dates in 2026

Every year, ACT, Inc. sets the ACT exam dates for the next one to two years. Below is a comprehensive table outlining the 2026 national test dates, including registration deadlines for each test day. The ACT is offered seven times per year in the U.S.; there are no national test dates in January, March, May, August, or November 2026.

*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.

What's New: The Enhanced ACT in 2026

As of 2026, the Enhanced ACT is the only version offered. The key changes that affect every 2026 test date are:

• Shorter test. The core ACT covers English, Math, and Reading in about 2 hours 5 minutes — roughly an hour shorter than the legacy ACT, with 44 fewer questions overall.
• Science is now optional. Science no longer counts toward your Composite score. You can register for the ACT, the ACT with Science, the ACT with Writing, or the ACT with Science and Writing.
• Fewer answer choices. Math questions now have four answer choices (down from five), and English and Reading passages are shorter.
• Digital or paper. Since September 2025, students can choose either a digital or a paper-and-pencil version at national test centers.

These changes affect how you prepare and how colleges interpret your scores, so confirm whether your target schools want a Science score before you register.

ACT Test Times

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. With the shorter Enhanced ACT, the core test (English, Math, and Reading) typically finishes before noon; adding Science and/or Writing extends your testing time accordingly.

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.

Test Locations

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.

Registration and Fees

The cost of taking the ACT depends on which version you choose. The base fee for the core ACT (English, Math, and Reading) is approximately $68, with an additional fee of about $4 to add Science and about $25 to add Writing. 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. All deadlines are 11:59 PM Central Time.

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.

Test Format

The Enhanced ACT consists of three core sections — English, Mathematics, and Reading — which together produce your 1–36 Composite score. Science and Writing are both optional add-ons that are reported separately and do not affect the Composite.

As noted above, the core test runs about 2 hours 5 minutes; choosing the ACT with Science and/or Writing adds to your total testing time.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I expect my ACT scores?

ACT scores are typically posted about two to four weeks after each national test date, though multiple-choice scores can occasionally take up to eight weeks. Writing scores are normally available about two weeks after your multiple-choice scores. For example, ACT's published target release for the September 19, 2026 test is around October 6, 2026.

What if I miss my ACT test date?

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.

Can I reschedule the ACT?

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).

Want to see ACT dates alongside SAT, AP, and LSAT schedules? Check out our Exam Date Calendar for a unified view of all upcoming test dates.