Trying to find the best time to take your ACT? We have listed all ACT test dates below to help you choose the time that best fits your schedule.
The ACT is administered on Saturdays. Special exceptions made for students to take the exam on a Sunday if they cannot take the exam on a Saturday.
Most high school students will elect to take their ACT in the spring of their junior year of high school. Another common time to take the ACT is the fall of senior year. Many students will end up taking the ACT twice (or more).
Summary: Find the best ACT test date for you below. Check out our best ACT prep course reviews for a resource to help you get a top score.
ACT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines for 2021 & 2022
The ACT test dates for the 2021-2022 testing season are shown below.
| ACT Test Date | ACT Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
| September 11, 2021 | August 6, 2021 | August 20, 2021 |
| October 23, 2021 | September 17, 2021 | October 1, 2021 |
| December 11, 2021 | November 5, 2021 | November 19, 2021 |
| February 12, 2022 | January 7, 2022 | January 21, 2022 |
| April 2, 2022 | February 25, 2022 | March 11, 2022 |
| June 11, 2022 | May 6, 2022 | May 20, 2022 |
| July 16, 2022 | June 17, 2022 | June 24, 2022 |
ACT Prep Resources
If you are serious about getting a high score on your ACT, try one of the following resources
ACT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines for 2022 & 2023
The projected ACT test dates for the 2022-2023 testing season are shown below.
| ACT Test Date | ACT Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
| September 10, 2022 | August 5, 2022 | August 19, 2022 |
| October 22, 2022 | September 18, 2022 | October 2, 2022 |
| December 10, 2022 | November 4, 2022 | November 18, 2022 |
| February 4, 2023 | January 6, 2023 | January 13, 2023 |
| April 8, 2023 | March 3, 2023 | March 17, 2023 |
| June 10, 2023 | May 5, 2023 | May 19, 2023 |
| July 15, 2023 | June 9, 2023 | June 23, 2023 |
ACT Test Centers
The ACT is given at local high schools, career schools, colleges, and other locations. To find a test site in your area, go to the official registration website. Tests are typically given on a Saturday. 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.
Picking your ACT Test Date
Typical high school students choose to take the ACT for the first time during their junior year. It is advised that you select a test date that is at least 2-3 months before the application deadlines of your preferred colleges and universities.
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 scores are reported. If you have taken the ACT plus writing exam, you typicall 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.
The advantages of taking the ACT in your junior year include:
- 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.
ACT registration can be conveniently completed online. An advantage of online ACT registration is that you will know instantly whether your chosen test center has open availability. Additionally, you can print your ACT admission ticket.
Beginning with the 2010-2011 testing year, online options were added for students with disabilities who choose to take the ACT at national test centers as well as for students who wish to test in a standby mode.
ACT Test Late Registration
If you missed the registration period for one of the ACT test dates, you may still be able to register during the late registration period. This late registration period typically extends for 14 days following the regular registratio deadline.
In order to complete your late ACT registration, you will have to pay a $35 fee. Unfortunately, this fee is in addition to the standard registration fee.
ACT Standby Registration
If you missed both the regular and late registration periods, you may still be able to take the ACT via the standby registration period. You can request standby status through the ACT website. You will have to pay a $56 standby fee. This fee is in addition to the regular registration fee.
You will be asked to show up at the testing location on the day of your exam. If a seat is open, you will be able to take the test. If a seat is not open, and you are not able to take the test, your money is refunded.
ACT Testing FAQs
When should I take the ACT for the first time?
Taking the ACT your junior year allows you to take the exam again in the summer or fall of your senior year.
What is the best month to take the ACT?
It is best to find a time of the year where you are not super busy. This will allow you to prepare for the exam and be in a good headspace when it comes time to take the exam.
Remember to keep deadlines in mind. If you need to apply to a certain school before a certain date, ensure you will have enough time to receive your scores.
How many times is the ACT given each year?
It is typically given in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July.
Last Updated: 12/7/2021
