Take the ACT Online

ACT Online Testing

With a choice between testing on a computer, or with paper and pencil, students can maximize performance and confidence by taking the ACT in the way that feels best for them. Since February 2024, ACT is offering an online testing option at select locations nationwide. Explore online test availability in your region and register today.

Scroll for additional helpful information and FAQs. 

Differences Between the Paper and Online ACT Exam

  • Digital testing gives you a modern, screen-and-keyboard testing experience while the paper ACT offers a classic format well-known to all.
  • Both options are now the Enhanced version, with fewer questions and shorter passages to help you stay focused and finish strong.
  • For those that register for the multiple choice tests, the scores will be reported in two to eight weeks. For those that registered for the writing test, those scores will be reported in five to eight weeks.

ACT Online Testing FAQs

Will you still offer a paper ACT test?

Yes. ACT wants to ensure you have options when it comes to your preferred test format.

You can choose to take science in any test format, to achieve your goals and boost your strengths. Digital testing gives you a modern, screen-and-keyboard testing experience while the paper ACT offers a classic format well-known to all. You can build your best Composite score over multiple tests in the format that is most comfortable to you.

What are the benefits of online testing?

  • Enhanced accessibility. An online option allows us to provide additional accessibility features, including support for screen reader users, text-to-speech functionality, zoom, and answer masking. These are not "features" for many of our students, but necessities for equal access. By offering an online option, we can helpmore students meet their academic and career success  goals. 
  • Test prep and testing can align. Many of our test prep options, including free practice exams, offer online components, so sitting down with a computer at a test center on test daywill feel like preparing at home.
  • Similar to school-day testing. If a student has taken the ACT during the school day, they will experience many similarities if they take the national online test option. 
  • Test day enhancements. Students have noticed test enhancements like seamless pacing, improved efficiency, and streamlined essay writing with the online option

How will I take an online ACT test?

If you select “Computer” during test registration, you will be able to find test centers that are offering the online ACT test. You may then choose between bringing your own device (BYOD) or using a test center provided device.

Will I be able to test at home on my own device or from another location?

The online ACT is not available as a “remote” exam and must be taken on a test center-managed device at your chosen test center. If an accommodation is needed for an alternate location (i.e. hospital, etc.), please review our accommodations policies.

Test Center Locator

Can I switch from online to paper once I have registered, or vice versa?

You will have until the late registration deadline to make changes to your test format, for a fee. You will not be able to change your desired test format at the test center on test day.

Will the two ACT test formats cost the same?

Whether you choose to test online or using the paper version, your cost will be the same.

Can I register for the online format with a fee waiver?

Students who also qualify for a fee waiver for paper-based testing will qualify for, and be able to use, the same fee waiver for the online format.

Can international students take the ACT exam online?

Yes, for students outside of the U.S., the ACT is only available online.

Can I use scratch paper even though I am taking the test on a computer?

Yes, you may use scratch paper if you are taking the ACT online. However, ACT does not provide scratch paper. The testing site is responsible for providing it for online testing. All scratch paper is collected at the end of the exam.

For paper testing, scratch paper is not permitted. Annotations must be done in the test booklet.

Can I bring a calculator or use the calculator app on the computer?

You will still be able to bring your own permitted calculator to the test center regardless of your test format. A built-in calculator application is also available if you take the ACT exam online at a testing center.

How should I prepare for taking the ACT?

We offer many online test prep options that will help you simulate taking the ACT on a computer. These options are also available within MyACT.org. If you are interested in more robust test prep, you’ll also be able to download a tutorial video that will walk you through the online testing platform. Don’t forget other essential tips like getting a good night’s sleep and eating breakfast before your test.

Can I still request accommodations for the online ACT?

To learn more about our testing accommodations, please review our accommodations policies. There will also be accessibility tools built
into the software to help with your online testing experience. The following accessibility supports will be available to all students:

  • Choice of colors and color contrast
  • Magnification
  • Line reader tool (mimics straight edge used in paper testing for visual tracking)
  • Highlight text or parts of an item
  • Answer-masking or custom masking
  • Mark an item for review
  • Option eliminator
  • Indicator of time remaining
  • Online calculator

If you are a person with a disability or an English Llearner who needs additional supports, please respond “Yes” during registration in MyACT.org when asked if you need accommodations or language supports to access the test. Then work with your school official to request authorization from ACT.

What if there are technical difficulties while I am testing?

If the computer you are on experiences difficulties on test day that cannot be easily or quickly resolved by the testing staff, they may be able to move you to a new testing device. If a new device is unable to resolve the issue, your test center will let ACT know, and
ACT will work with your test center for rescheduled testing.

What devices will be supported at test centers?

Personal Chromebooks, Windows S Mode, iPads and tablets are not supported at this time. If youregistered for the BYOD option, test centers are not required to provide back-ups on test day and showing up without a device will result in you being unable to test. If you registered for online testing, non-byod, then sites will be responsible for providing and preparing all devices for examinees on test day.

Will I need to print my admission ticket or ID?

The admission ticket policy is not changing. We recommend bringing your ticket, because it will contain critical information that will help you log in to the test platform on test day. While you won’t be turned away for not bringing your ticket, you will still need to bring an acceptable form of identification.

  • On test day, it is best to leave any electronic device, other than a permitted calculator, acceptable watch or timing device and your testing device (if BYOD) at home.
  • Textbooks, foreign language or other dictionaries, scratch paper, notes, or other aids or reading materials should be left at home and are not permitted on test day.
  • Highlighter pens, colored pens or pencils, mechanical pencils or correction fluid/tape can not be used on test day and should be left at home. Don't forget your number 2 pencil!