The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement test that measures what a student has learned in school. This standardized test is widely accepted by four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. and helps them evaluate candidates.


2026 ACT Test Dates and Registrations

ACT TEST DATEREGISTRATION DATESCORES RELEASE DATE RANGESUGGESTED PREP DATES
February 14, 2026 January 9, 2026 Feb 24 – March 27 October 2025
April 11, 2026 March 6, 2026 April 21 – June 5 December 2025
June 13, 2026 May 8, 2026 June 23 – Aug 7 February 2026
July 11, 2026 June 5, 2026 July 21  – Sept 4 March 2026

*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date. See  Non-Saturday Testing .


Note: Multiple choice scores are normally available within 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. For more information regarding ACT score release dates, please visit  act.org .

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How to Register for the ACT

You can register online for the ACT , a process which takes about 40 minutes. First, find a test date that works for you, and make sure that you register early, before the deadline. To do so, you'll need the following:

The ACT can be taken with or without the writing and science sections. To determine if you need either, find out if the colleges you're applying to require them. When you register, you can opt into ACT’s Educational Opportunity Service, which will connect you with financial institutions and colleges based on your interests and future plans.

Be sure to print out your ticket to the test center after you register, as you'll need it to take the ACT.

 
 

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