Test Center Resources

ACT Gateway Resources for Test Centers

ACT Gateway

ACT Gateway is the secure testing browser used to take the National Online test. If you are providing devices for students to test on test day, you must download ACT Gateway. ACT Test Center Manager (TCM) will directly control the launch of the ACT test through ACT Gateway on test day to allow for seamless administration.

Ensure Technical Capabilities

  • Your test center is required to provide examinees a strong, reliable connection with network access for their devices on test day to ensure a successful testing experience.
  • You will prepare your devices in the same way as you did with ACT Unity through the new application ACT Gateway.
 

Install ACT Gateway

  • Devices must meet the minimum requirements.
  • Uninstall ACT Unity and download ACT Gateway on supported School Managed devices:
    • For Chromebooks – Install ACT Gateway through the Google Admin Console
    • For Windows devices – Install ACT Gateway directly from the Microsoft Store.
    • For Mac devices – Install ACT Gateway directly from the Apple Store.
    • iPads, tablets and touch screens are not supported at this time.
 

Check Device Readiness

  • ACT requires device readiness checks on all testing devices 2 to 4 weeks prior to the test. 
  • It is important to perform these checks to ensure devices meet all technical requirements and are prepared to offer the test online.
  • The site will be responsible for performing readiness checks on computers that will be provided to online examineees on test day. 

To perform device readiness checks, after downloading the application select “I am a member of the testing staff” 

Register the device and press the button to Run Device Check

2025-2026 National Test Dates Schedule 

Test Date
Registration Deadline
Device Readiness Cutoff Date
September 6, 2025 August 12 August 29
October 18, 2025 September 12 October 9
December 13, 2025 November 7 December 4
February 14, 2026 January 7 February 5
April 11, 2026 March 6 April 2
June 13, 2026 May 8 June 4
July 11, 2026 June 5 July 2
 

BYOD Test Center Support

Test centers may receive requests from students who need help installing ACT Gateway on school-managed devices. Please be prepared to assist as needed.

Important: Students are responsible for completing the final device check after ACT Gateway installation. They must log in with their own credentials and complete the check or their registration will be canceled.

BYOD Tips and Reminders

Examinees are responsible for arriving with their approved testing device fully charged, but we understand that battery issues can happen. To help ensure a smooth testing experience, here are a few helpful tips:

  • Encourage Backup Chargers: Students should be encouraged to bring their own chargers or power banks on test day. If possible, allow them to store these items under their desk during testing so they're ready if needed.
  • Power Cords: BYOD Test Centers are not required to provide power cords. If you have any available, consider making them accessible as a courtesy to students.
  • Backup Devices: Similarly, Test Centers are not required to provide backup devices. Having a small number of spare devices with ACT Gateway installed may be helpful in case of unexpected technical issues.
  • Classroom Adjustments: If a student's device is running low on power, Room Supervisors may allow them to move to a seat near an outlet. We recommend preparing a few accessible seats near power sources ahead of time to ensure the area remains secure and compliant with testing guidelines.
  • Unexpected Power Loss: If a device loses power during testing, the system should automatically pause the test at the most recent question. If a backup device is available, the student may switch and continue testing. Timing restrictions still apply. If no backup device is available, the student will need to reschedule.
  • Bluetooth or other connections are NOT allowed. BYOD devices must be free of any Bluetooth or connected accessories, such as USB drives, headphones, or other devices plugged into C ports, for ACT Gateway to run smoothly. Keeping those ports clear will help ensure a smooth testing experience.

ACT Gateway FAQ

The ACT Gateway application is currently supported on Chromebook, Windows, and Macbook computers. The same application is used for students and test centers for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) anticipated September 2025.

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Yes. Starting with the December test administration, to continue to test online you will have to uninstall the old application and reinstall the new update.

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For Windows devices, follow these instructions.

For Chromebook devices, follow the instructions below; 

  1. Log into your Google Workspace account with administrative access.
  2. From the side bar menu select Devices > Chrome > Apps & Extensions > Users & Browsers.
  3. Select the organizational unit from which you want to remove the ACT Unity app (if you want to remove it for specific users)
  4. Select the ACT Unity app.
  5. From the right of the screen, select the delete delete-icon.jpg icon.

NOTE: Your technical coordinator may need to assist in removing the applications on all devices if other mass installation software was used.

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  1. Visit the Microsoft Store and install ACT Gateway on devices that will be used for testing.
  2. ACT recommends working with your Technical Coordinator prior to test day to set up a guest account for examinees to use on test day. This will ensure examinees have access to the devices and can log in at the start of the test, after breaks, etc. without the need of the Technical Coordinator or other staff to log back in to Windows.
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The technical coordinator downloads ACT Gateway on all testing devices, using Google Admin. The Google Admin account needs to be a single account for an entire site. If the technical coordinator does not own the account, coordinate with the person who does to ensure installation can be completed.

Part 1:

  1. Open Apps & Extensions in Your Admin Console
  2. Log in to the Google Admin console at https://admin.google.com
  3. Select Devices.
  4. Locate DEVICE SETTINGS in the left-hand column and select Chrome management.
  5. Scroll down the screen and select Apps & extensions.
  6. On the left-hand side, select the organizational unit for which you want to install ACT Gateway. Then select the KIOSKS tab to access kiosk applications. Hover over the “+” icon, then select on the top icon that appears: “Add by URL..”

Part 2: Add Application URL and Extension

The Steps listed below explains how to add the required application and extension information to your Google Admin console:

  1. In the Add by URL window, enter the application URL shown above, then select Save.
  2. Enter the extension information by selecting ACT Gateway in the Apps list to view its kiosk settings
  3. Scroll down and select ADD EXTENSION, then select Add from a custom URL.
  4. Update to the extension ID and URL shown above. Then select Confirm and Save.
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  1. Visit the Apple Store and download ACT Gateway Enterprise.
  2. ACT recommends working with your technical coordinator prior to test day to set up a guest account for examinees to use on test day. This will ensure examinees have access to the devices and can log in at the start of the test, after breaks, etc., without the need of the technical coordinator or other staff to log back in.
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Yes. Anticipated September 2025, students will have the option to bring a personal or school managed device as long as it can support the ACT Gateway application.

The student is responsible for performing the device readiness checks if they are bringing their own computer.

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Sites must have devices ready for all online examinees assigned. ACT recommends preparing back up devices in the instance there are technical difficulties. Bring your own device (BYOD) examinees will be responsible for their own devices and sites will not be expected to prepare back up devices for those examinees.

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You will need to ensure you have sufficient bandwidth to support the number of students testing (1 Mbps of bandwidth per tester.) If you have an extended outage you will need to contact ACT.

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Yes. We provide support for Students and Test Centers during test administration.

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In order to support the Bring Your Own Device testing model, anticipated September 2025, you must allow external devices onto the network. If you have additional questions, please contact ACT for assistance.

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What's Next?

Find up-to-date test ACT Test Enhancement information and FAQs.

ACT Test Enhancements