Nailing down the best ACT test date can help you plan your prep and get your college applications in gear. Find upcoming ACT dates below, along with the registration deadlines for each test date.
The ACT is a nationally administered, standardized paper-and-pencil test that helps colleges evaluate candidates. Generally, you'll take the ACT for the first time in the spring of your junior year, and scores typically come back in two to eight weeks. This allows you to retake the test during the fall of your senior year if you're not satisfied with your score.
ACT Test Date
Registration Deadline
Late Registration Deadline
Standby Deadline
February 11, 2023
January 20, 2023
February 3, 2023
2023-2024 ACT test registration fees are broken down based on what type of test you would like to register for. Some colleges may require you to take a certain type of ACT, so do your research before you decide to skip it.
Test Type
Registration Fee
The Full ACT with no writing
The Full ACT with Writing
Registration Type
Registration Fees
Test date change
Test center change
Additional score report
In order to register for the ACT, you must sign up for an ACT student web account. You must also have a photo ID, as well as a photo of yourself that can be uploaded to the registration site. You will also need access to a printer to print out your ACT admission ticket. You will not be allowed into the testing center without a valid ID and a printout of your ticket.
To learn more about upcoming ACT exam dates and registration deadlines, visit the official ACT website or speak with your high school counselor.
Are you eligible to take the ACT for free? Certain 11th- and 12th-grade students who meet income-based eligibility criteria may be able to apply for a fee waiver. See the test maker’s website for more information.
Are you homebound or disabled? Find out if you’re eligible for ACT arranged testing in your home or a place that’s comfortable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ACT
When to take the ACT?
Generally, students who intend on applying to competitive colleges should plan to take the ACT at least once in the spring of junior year and once in the fall of senior year. The year-round testing months are February, April, June, July, September, October, and December. Every student should consider other factors that may contribute to their ideal test date. This includes the application deadlines for your top schools, early action or early decision timelines, and scholarship deadlines. Competitive test takers should start learning about how the ACT is formatted and the content it covers a year prior to their first important deadline.
How to register for the ACT?
1) To avoid paying an extra fee, you should register for the test before the deadline, about a month in advance. However, you can still sign up through the late registration deadline. Before you go to the website, gather information you will need, which includes your school code and photo.
2) When you're ready, go to ACT’s registration page. Make sure to set aside 35-45 minutes to complete the process. When signing up, you will need to create an account and choose your test date. You'll also decide if you are taking the Writing portion of the ACT. Some colleges require you to take the Writing test and others recommend it. Be sure to include that in your registration if you'll need it to apply.
3) After registration is completed, ACT will ask you to upload your photo. It must be clear and easy to recognize. It should be similar to a passport photo. You must submit your photo by the provided deadline and have a photo ID on test day.
Can you change the ACT test date?
It's better to pick a test date and stick with it—both to keep yourself on schedule and to avoid paying extra fees. However, if something comes up and you need to change your ACT test date, you can do on the website or by calling ACT Student Services at 319-337-1270. You will have to pay a fee to change the date or location and you must register for your new date before the late deadline. Once you've changed your test, be sure to adapt your study plan to fit your new timeline.
When to start preparing for the ACT
For most students, we recommend starting your preparation in the summer following your sophomore year or right before junior year. This will give you ample time to research admissions deadlines for the respective colleges of interest and assess how many hours per week you can dedicate to studying. Studying longer doesn’t always mean you’ll score higher, however, it does increase your chances of performing well if you have an effective study plan. Before you dive into your prep plan, you should learn more about the tests, the requirements of colleges to which you will apply, and set a goal score.
How to prepare for the ACT?
For first-time ACT test takers:
1) Start with a practice test.
2) Speak with a teacher to help you understand your score, your ideal test date, and determine the best preparation option.
If you are taking the ACT again:
1) Determine how far you are from your goal score.
2) Speak with a teacher to help you determine the most effective preparation option based on areas that need improvement and the time you have until test day.
How to register for the ACT?
In order to register for the ACT, you must sign up for an ACT student web account. You must also have a photo ID, as well as a photo of yourself that can be uploaded to the registration site. Before you take your test, you need to print out your ACT admission ticket. On test day, you will not be allowed into the testing center without a valid ID and a printout of your ticket.
To learn more about upcoming ACT exam dates and registration deadlines, visit the official ACT website or speak with your high school counselor.