ACT® Registration - Test Dates & Cost for 2023

The American College Testing Program (ACT®) is a standardized test used by colleges and institutions to evaluate the academic preparedness and success of prospective students. If you are planning to take the ACT, but aren't sure if you qualify, or how to register, this comprehensive guide is for you. In order to help you register for the ACT in a timely manner, we will also discuss the ACT test dates, test fees, and fee waivers.

ACT Test Dates 2023‒24

The following table provides a quick reference to the key registration dates and deadlines for the 2023 ACT testing year, including both regular and late registrations.

You must note that before taking the test, it is important to be aware of the ACT policies and guidelines, as any violation may lead to the cancellation of scores. Read our guide on ACT Test Policies and Accommodations so that nothing catches you by surprise on the test day.

Generally, the ACT test dates are released a year in advance, and based on the past 5-year test schedules, we have made a list of tentative test dates up to the year 2026. Please note that the dates below are just the projected dates and are subject to change as per the ACT's decision.

ACT test dates 2024 - 2025

Following are the projected ACT test dates for 2024 - 2025:

ACT test dates 2025 - 2026

Following are the projected ACT test dates for 2025 - 2026:

ACT Registration

For both paper and computer-based tests, the registration process is the same and can be done online through the ACT’s website. It is important to note that schools are responsible for managing ACT registrations for students participating in state testing. The ACT's website has removed the "register-by-mail" form. Students who would rather not register online must get in touch with ACT directly (by phone, for example) to learn about other choices.

To register for your test, you need to have the following things ready:

1. A computer with an internet connection
2. Credit card or some other payment method
3. High School Course Details
4. A headshot photo

How to register for the ACT?

Registering for the ACT test is quite easy and takes around 30 minutes to complete. All you need to do is visit the ACT official website and complete the following steps.

1. Create a MyACT online account
2. Select a test time and location
3. Create a student profile and finish the application by providing the supporting documentation
4. Use a credit/debit card or an online money transfer method to pay the test fee

Make sure that you are registering at least three to four weeks before the test date. If you register after the deadline, you will need to pay the late registration fee.

How to reschedule the ACT Test?

To make changes to your ACT registration, log in to your MyACT account and choose the “Make Changes to Your Registration” option, or call ACT Registration at 319-337-1270. The revisions that can be made to your test registration are:

1. Change of Test Center for the Same Test Date - You may change your test center as long as a seat is available at your new chosen test center on your preferred test date. However, you will not be able to request any changes after the late registration deadline.
2. Test Option Change - If a seat is available, you may add the writing option before the deadline for late registration. The fee for the writing test is not refundable.
3. Test Date Change - If you are unable to take the test on the scheduled date, are absent due to illness or some emergency, or had your registration revoked for failing to meet the test security standards of ACT, you may use the test date change option to register for a new test date. In this case:
   • You will have to pay the full fee for the new test date as well as the test date change fee
   • If you call during the late registration period, you will also be charged a late fee
   • Your registration fee for the original test will be refunded later in both the above scenarios

However, if you register for a new test instead of going for the test date change option, your registration fee for the original test or any other additional fees (such as late charge or test center change fee) will not be refunded. If you used an ACT Fee Waiver for your original registration, the waiver will also be applied again to your new test date but will only cover the test registration charge or late fee; the test change fee will still be due.