Last Updated: July 07, 2025
ACT 2025-26 Test Dates
The
ACT is conducted multiple times a year in the United States and abroad in many countries. The
National Test Dates apply to tests conducted in the United States, its territories, and Puerto Rico. The
International Test Dates are for tests conducted around the globe. Not all tests are conducted in every country, so check before registering.
ACT Test Dates Terminology
- Test Date - This is the date when the ACT is being conducted.
- Registration Deadline - The regular registration deadline date. Students should register by this date to avoid paying a late registration fee.
- Late Registration Deadline - Students can register for the ACT by paying the additional late registration fee.
- Standby Deadline - After the late registration deadline has passed, students can still register for standby testing. They will be allowed to take the test only if a spot is available on the day of testing. The fee will be refunded if a spot is unavailable, and the student will need to choose an alternative test date.
- Photo Upload Deadline - This deadline coincides with the Standby deadline, and students have to upload their photos online by this date.
National ACT Test Dates
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Standby and Photo Upload Deadline |
| Sept 6, 2025 | Aug 1, 2025 | Aug 19, 2025 | Aug 29, 2025 |
| Oct 18, 2025 | Sept 12, 2025 | Sept 30, 2025 | Oct 10, 2025 |
| Dec 13, 2025 | Nov 7, 2025 | Nov 24, 2025 | Dec 5, 2025 |
| Feb 14, 2026 | Jan 9, 2026 | Jan 23, 2026 | Feb 6, 2026 |
| Apr 11, 2026 | Mar 6, 2026 | Mar 24, 2026 | Apr 3, 2026 |
| June 13, 2026 | May 8, 2026 | May 29, 2026 | June 5, 2026 |
| July 11, 2026 | June 5, 2026 | June 24, 2026 | July 3, 2026 |
Global ACT Test Dates
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Photo Upload Deadline |
| Sept 5-6, 2025 | Aug 8, 2025 | Aug 22, 2025 | Aug 29, 2025 |
| Oct 17-18, 2025 | Sept 19, 2025 | Oct 3, 2025 | Oct 10, 2025 |
| Dec 12-13, 2025 | Nov 14, 2025 | Nov 28, 2025 | Dec 5, 2025 |
| Feb 6-7, 2026 | Jan 9, 2026 | Jan 23, 2026 | Jan 30, 2026 |
| Apr 10-11, 2026 | Mar 13, 2026 | Mar 27, 2026 | Apr 3, 2026 |
| June 12-13, 2026 | May 15, 2026 | May 29, 2026 | June 5, 2026 |
| July 10-11, 2026 | June 12, 2026 | June 26, 2026 | July 3, 2026 |
Administering ACT
ACT is offered as an online and paper-based test. Students can take the test online or on paper at a test center. The online test is only administered in specific testing locations. ACT is not offered remotely. Students can switch between the two formats until the late registration deadline for their test date. However, an update fee will apply. The cost of both formats is the same. Science will be a part of the ACT till February 2025. After that, Science will be optional for online testing till July. Starting in September, Science will be optional for both online and paper testing.
Some Tips to Remember
- Students should consider registering two months before the registration deadline.
- Testing dates are on Saturdays.
- International students do not have the option to select paper and pencil testing for the ACT, as this choice is only available to candidates from the USA.
- Some test centers also allow testing on non-Saturday days, but only for religious reasons.
- The ACT fees are non-refundable, although the test can be rescheduled.
- Scores are available anywhere between 2 days to 8 weeks, with no specific deadline.
CLICK HERE to find test centers by entering state or territory and zip code.
