Review the different ACT test dates below and find a day that works for you and your schedule.
Choosing an ACT test date well in advance is a good idea as it will help you determine how much time you have to prepare for the exam.
It is also important to keep in mind that there are cutoffs for registering – we have also listed the ACT registration dates below.
Summary: Review the ACT dates and registration deadlines below. Once you have a date scheduled, consider investing in one of the best ACT prep courses.
ACT Test Dates & Registration Dates for 2023-2024
Find the ACT dates for the 2023-2024 testing season below. Be aware of the registration and standby deadlines as well.
| ACT Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Standby Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 15, 2023 | June 16, 2023 | June 23, 2023 | July 7, 2023 |
| September 9, 2023 | August 4, 2023 | August 18, 2023 | September 1, 2023 |
| October 28, 2023 | September 22, 2023 | October 6, 2023 | October 20, 2023 |
| December 9, 2023 | November 3, 2023 | November 17, 2023 | December 1, 2023 |
| February 10, 2024 | January 5, 2024 | January 19, 2024 | February 2, 2024 |
| April 13, 2024 | March 8, 2024 | March 22, 2024 | April 5, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 | May 3, 2024 | May 17, 2024 | May 31, 2024 |
| July 13, 2024* | June 7, 2024 | June 21, 2024 | July 5, 2024 |
*Indicates exam not given in the state of New York.
ACT Test Registration
Registering for the ACT used to be a very strenuous process. However, it has become very easy to register for the ACT. The whole process can be completed online (preferred method) or by mail.
The ACT registration process will take around 30 minutes and will include various tasks such as submitting a headshot photo and entering payment details.
You can follow these steps to register for the ACT:
- Create an online account with the ACT – You can do so by visiting this link.
- Visit your dashboard and click register
- Choose your location and ACT test date
- Make payment for the exam
- Add photo ID and personal information
- Choose which colleges to send scores to (optional)
- Confirm your ACT registration and test date.
Once you register for your exam, visit our ACT practice test home to find resources and exams to practice with.
If you are curious about potentially taking the SAT as well, read our guide on the ACT vs SAT.
ACT Registration Fees
Unfortunately, you will need to pay some fees to take the exam. You can find a summary of the ACT registration fees below:
| ACT Registration Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full ACT (No Writing) | $63 | Includes reports for you, your high school, and 4 colleges. |
| Full ACT (Writing) | $88 | Includes reports for you, your high school, and 4 colleges. |
| Late Registration | $36 | Additional fee if you register for the ACT after the deadline. |
| Standby Registration | $63 | Additional fee if you want to test on standby. Refund if not admitted. |
| Change Fee | $42 | Additional fee for changing your ACT test date or location. |
| Additional Score Reports Sent | $18 each | Additional fee if you want to send a score report to more than 4 colleges. |
ACT Test Locations
The ACT is given at local high schools, career schools, colleges, and other locations. To find ACT testing locations, visit the test center locator.
Arranged Testing
In certain circumstances, you may be able to have special testing accommodations. Typical reasons to request for arranged testing include
- You are homebound or confined.
- You require a test to be given on a non-Saturday and a test center is not available within 50 miles of your home.
- Test centers are not available in your country or within 50 miles of your home in the U.S. or Canada.
If you require a non-Saturday test because of religious reasons, there are a select number of test locations that can accommodate your needs.
Please note that you will not be admitted to a non-Saturday test site unless you bring a letter from your cleric or a notarized statement saying that your religious beliefs prohibit you from taking the test on a Saturday.
When to Take the ACT
Typical high school students choose to take the ACT for the first time during their junior year. It is advised that you select an ACT test date that is at least 2-3 months before the application deadlines of your preferred colleges and universities.
The typical ACT schedule runs from September to July.
You should also be aware of any deadlines for scholarships that you are pursuing. It normally takes between three and eight weeks after your test before your ACT scores are reported.
If you have taken the ACT plus writing exam, you typically receive your scores in about 10 days.
What is most important is that students take the exam early enough. Schools will make clear what the last test date is for which they will accept scores.
For most schools, this is December of your senior year. Depending on the school, students applying early action or early decision might need to take an earlier test.
Advantages of Taking the ACT in Your Junior Year
- You will have completed most of the courses covered by the ACT.
- If you do not score as well on the ACT as you would like, you can retake the test in the summer or in the fall of your senior year.
- You will be prepared when colleges contact you during the summer before your senior year.
- You can use your test results to help plan what courses you want to take during your senior year.
If you are gearing up to prepare for the exam, use our free ACT practice tests.
ACT Test Dates and Registration FAQs
How can I register for the ACT?
You will need to create an account with ACT. Once you create an account, you can visit your student dashboard and click “register.” You will be walked through the process from there.
For more information on this, view our section on registering for the ACT above.
Can you change ACT dates?
Yes, you can change your ACT testing dates. However, you should try to stick to your original date as changing can be a hassle and you will be charged a fee.
If you do need to change your test date, you can do so via your online portal. You can also call ACT Student Services at 319-337-1270.
When should I take the ACT?
Most students take the ACT the first time during the fall of their junior year of high school. This allows students to have completed courses throughout their high school careers that will help them do well on the exam.
This time period also allows for time to retake the ACT if you did not score as well as you would have liked (very common).
What are the fees associated with registering for the ACT?
The general fees are $63 for the full ACT exam or $88 for the full ACT exam plus writing. You may be charged additional fees if you change your test date, test location, or want to send out additional score reports to colleges.
