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Quick answer: The 2026–2027 ACT testing year runs from September 19, 2026 through July 10, 2027, with seven national test dates. The last 2025–2026 date is July 11, 2026. Registration deadlines fall about five weeks before each test date. |
Picking the right ACT date is part scheduling, part strategy — you want scores back in time for your college deadlines, with room for a retake. Below is the full published 2026–2027 schedule, registration deadlines, current fees, and how to choose your date.
2026–2027 ACT Test Date Schedule
ACT has published all 2026–2027 national test dates with complete deadlines:
|
Test date |
Regular registration |
Late registration |
Score release |
|---|---|---|---|
|
September 19, 2026 |
August 14, 2026 |
September 1, 2026 |
October 6, 2026 |
|
October 17, 2026 |
September 11, 2026 |
September 29, 2026 |
October 27, 2026 |
|
December 12, 2026 |
November 6, 2026 |
November 29, 2026 |
December 22, 2026 |
|
February 27, 2027 |
January 22, 2027 |
February 9, 2027 |
March 16, 2027 |
|
April 10, 2027 |
March 5, 2027 |
March 23, 2027 |
April 20, 2027 |
|
June 12, 2027 |
May 7, 2027 |
May 25, 2027 |
June 22, 2027 |
|
July 10, 2027 * |
June 4, 2027 |
June 22, 2027 |
July 20, 2027 |
Deadlines are 11:59 p.m. Central Time. *No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July 10, 2027 date. Source: ACT — confirm on your MyACT account.
When Is the Next ACT Test?
The last date in the 2025–2026 cycle is July 11, 2026 (regular registration closed June 5; no test centers in New York). After that, the 2026–2027 cycle opens with the September 19, 2026 administration.
How to Register for the ACT
- Sign in to your MyACT account at my.act.org (or create one).
- Choose your test date and a nearby test center, and select your sections (core, plus optional Science and/or Writing).
- Upload a clear, recognizable photo — required before you can test.
- Pay the registration fee (fee waivers are available for eligible students).
Registration & Late Deadlines Explained
- Regular deadline: about 5 weeks before test day — standard fee and the widest choice of test centers.
- Late deadline: about 2–3 weeks before — standard fee plus a $40 late fee.
- Photo upload / standby deadline: a few days before — upload your photo or you can’t test; also the last day to request standby.
Enhanced ACT Fees
|
Fee |
Amount (US) |
What it covers |
|---|---|---|
|
Base ACT (core) |
$68 |
English, Math, and Reading (composite) |
|
Science add-on |
+$4 |
Optional Science section, separate 1–36 score |
|
Writing add-on |
+$25 |
Optional 40-minute essay, separate score |
|
Late registration |
+$40 |
Registering after the regular deadline |
|
Test date change |
$44 |
Switching to a different date |
|
Standby testing |
$72 |
Testing without a confirmed seat |
Fee waivers are available for eligible 11th- and 12th-grade students and cover the base fee, late fees, and score reports.
How the Enhanced ACT (2025–2026) Changes Things
The Enhanced ACT made the Science section optional, so the composite is now the average of English, Math, and Reading only. Science (if taken) and Writing are reported as separate scores, math answer choices dropped from five to four, and the core test is shorter. The 1–36 scale is unchanged, and national Saturday testing is now offered online as well as on paper.
Which Test Date Should You Pick?
- Work backward from your earliest college deadline (Early Action/Decision is usually November 1) — your last useful date is typically the October sitting.
- Budget 8–12 weeks of prep per attempt; plan for one retake, spaced at least two months out.
- Mind the gaps: the ACT skips January, March, May, August, and November, so don’t count on a quick redo after December.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is the ACT offered?
Seven times a year in the U.S.: September, October, December, February, April, June, and July (July often excludes New York).
When do ACT scores come out?
Multiple-choice scores typically release about 2–3 weeks after the test date; Writing scores follow about two weeks later.
How much does the ACT cost in 2026?
The base Enhanced ACT is $68 (English, Math, Reading). Science adds $4 and Writing adds $25, so a full ACT with both is about $97.
Can I change my ACT test date?
Yes, for a $44 fee, up until the late registration deadline of your original date.