What to Bring on Test Day
Bring These
Admission Ticket
Print a copy of your admission ticket to bring to the test center. If you forget your ticket on test day, your scores may be delayed.
If you have lost your ticket, you can print another through your MyACT account.
Acceptable Photo identification
Acceptable photo identification is required to be admitted to the test center. You will not be admitted to test if your ID does not meet ACT requirements.
Mask
Unless required by your local laws at the test center, masks are not required for admission. However, you may wish to bring a mask and ACT recommends masks in accordance with CDC guidance.
Number 2 pencil
Bring sharpened, No. 2 pencils with good erasers (no mechanical pencils or ink pens). Do not bring any other writing instruments; you will not be allowed to use them.
Watch or Other Timing Device
You may bring a watch, timer, or stopwatch to pace yourself during testing, but it may not have an alarm. Your watch or other timing device must be removed and placed on your desk while in the test room, so that it remains visible to staff during the test. If an alarm sounds, you’ll be dismissed and your test will not be scored.
Calculator
Bring a permitted calculator to be used on the mathematics test only. You are not required to use a calculator at all, but if you do, it
is your responsibility to know whether your calculator is permitted.
Snacks
to eat outside the test center on break.
Don't bring any of these; you can't access them:
Textbooks, foreign language or other dictionaries, scratch paper, notes, or other aids
Highlighter pens, colored pens or pencils, or correction fluid/tape
Any electronic device, other than a permitted calculator and acceptable watch or timing device
Reading material
Tobacco in any form
Prohibited devices
The prohibited use of devices is in effect from the time you are admitted to your testing room until you are dismissed at the end of the test, including break times. Specifically:
You may not handle or access a cell phone or electronic device at any time in the testing room or during break times. This includes smart watches, fitness bands, and any other devices with recording, Wi-Fi, internet, or communication capabilities.
All devices, including cell phones and wearable devices, must be turned off and placed out of sight.
If you access your device or it activates or alarms in the testing room or during break times, you will be dismissed, your test will not be scored, and your phone or device may be taken away.
Calculator Policy
The ACT calculator policy is designed to ensure fairness for all examinees, avoid disturbances in the testing room, and protect the security of the test materials.
Bring a permitted calculator to be used on the mathematics test only. It is your responsibility to know whether your calculator is permitted.
Acceptable Forms of ID
Current official photo ID
Must be an original, current (valid) ID issued by a city/state/federal government agency or your school.
ID must be in hard plastic card format. Paper or electronic formats are NOT acceptable.
Your first and last names must match the ticket. The photo must be clearly recognizable as you.
ACT Student Identification Form with photo
You MUST present this ACT Student Identification Form (PDF) with photo if you do not have a current official photo ID as described above.
This document must be fully completed by a school official or notary public; neither may be a relative.
Unacceptable Forms of ID
You will not be admitted to test if you present any forms of ID other than those listed as acceptable. The following are examples of unacceptable identification:
ACT ticket alone
Birth certificate
ChildFind ID card
Credit, charge, bank or check cashing cards, even with photo
Diploma
Family portrait or graduation picture, even if the name is imprinted on the photo
Fishing or hunting license
ID issued by an employer
ID letter that is not an official ACT identification form
LA Wallet
Learner's driving permit (if it doesn't include a photo)
Temporary/replacement driver's license (if it doesn't include a photo)
Organization membership card
Passport or other photo ID so old that the person presenting it cannot be identified
Personal recognition by anyone, including members of the test center staff, classmates, parents, counselors, and teachers
Photo ID of parents
Photo with your name embossed or printed on it by a photographer
Photocopies or reproductions
Photos issued by a business for promotional purposes (e.g., amusement parks)
Police report of a stolen wallet or purse
Printed, stamped, or photocopied signatures
Published photo, including yearbook or newspaper
Report card
Social Security card
Telephone calls to counselors, teachers, or school officials
Traffic ticket, even with a physical description and signature
Transcript, even with photo
Web page with photo
ACT Test Descriptions
The full ACT consists of four multiple-choice sections—in English, mathematics, reading, and science—with an optional writing section.
TestNumber of QuestionsMinutes Per TestEnglish7545Mathematics6060Reading4035Science4035Writing (optional)1 essay40
Your scores will be based only on the number of questions that you answer correctly; there is no penalty for guessing. Try to answer every question within the time allowed for each section.
What to Expect on Test Day
Going to the Test Center
Dress comfortably. Consider dressing in layers, so you'll be comfortable.
Arrive by 8:00 am.
If you're unsure where your test center is located, do a practice run to see how to get there and what time you'll need to leave.
If possible, travel to the test center on a non-test day to plan your travel time.
You must arrive on time to be admitted to test. Your testing time is located on your admission ticket. You will NOT be admitted to test if you are late. Testing staff will check your photo ID during check in. Be ready to begin testing after all on-time examinees are checked in.
Please note that ACT may visit test centers to conduct enhanced test security procedures. Testing staff may use an electronic device or paper materials to administer the test.
During the Test
Once you break the seal on your test booklet, you cannot request a Test Date Change, even if you do not complete all your tests.
A permitted calculator may be used on the mathematics test only. It is your responsibility to know whether your calculator is permitted. Please refer to the ACT Calculator Policy (PDF).
Do not engage in any prohibited behavior at the test center. If you do, you will be dismissed and your answer document will not be scored.
During your registration process, you will agree to the ACT Terms and Conditions, which contains detailed information about prohibited behavior. On test day, you will once again be asked to agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Taking a Break
A short break is scheduled after the second test. Using cell phones or any electronic devices during the break is prohibited. You may eat or drink outside the test room during the break.
If you take the ACT with writing, you will have time before the writing test to relax and sharpen your pencils.
Finishing Up
After the science test you should expect to take a shorter, multiple-choice test covering one of the previous subject areas. The results of the fifth test help develop future test questions and will not be reflected on your scores, so please try your best.
Students taking the ACT (no writing) with standard time are normally dismissed about 12:35 p.m.; students taking the ACT with writing are normally dismissed about 1:35 p.m.
If you do not want your scores reported, you must tell a member of the testing staff before you leave the test center. If you do not, your test will be scored.
Additional Reminders
Please note that ACT may visit test centers to conduct enhanced test security procedures including, but not limited to, collecting images of examinees during check-in or other security activities on test day.
Also remember that cheating hurts everyone. If you see it, report it.
Unexpected Changes
Missed Your Test Date?
Once you have submitted your registration to ACT, by any method, it cannot be canceled. For more information see Registration Changes.
Rescheduled Test Centers
Occasionally, a test center must cancel a test administration due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances. When this occurs, the test will be rescheduled for a future date. Visit Rescheduled Test Centers to find out if your test center has been rescheduled and for more information about procedures.