ACT Registration

How do I find the ACT test dates, locations and registration deadlines?

You should register as soon as you are sure of which date and location in which you are interested. It is possible to register late (a late fee of $21.00 will apply), but many testing locations are filled long before the registration time closes!

Alternatively, you can attempt to go through the standby testing system. For an additional fee of $42, you can go to the test center on the day of the test and take the test only if there is an available seat. Although it may be possible to test through the standby system, this is not ideal. Do your research and register on time!

How do I register for the ACT exam?

The best and fastest way to register is through ACT’s online registration website. Be sure to check the information on that site often, too! Testing centers and dates can change!

In order to register online, you will need to create a free and safe student account. Using this account, you will also be able to print your admission ticket, change your registration information, view your score report, or request additional copies of your score report.

However, if you are under the age of 13 or are unable to register using a credit card, you may still register through the mail. You may obtain a mail registration packet from your high school advising office. You can also request one directly from the ACT website.

How do I reschedule or cancel my ACT exam?

If at all possible, do not cancel your ACT test. If you are unable to attend, try your best to reschedule. You can do so by logging into your ACT online account or by calling 319-337-1270 no later than the late registration deadline for your preferred test date.

If you are unable to take your exam on the scheduled day or reschedule your test, you will not receive a refund for any of your fees.

What if I am a disabled person who needs accommodations?

If you currently receive accommodations in school due to a professionally diagnosed and documented disability, you may submit documentation to support a request for one of the following:

  • Center Testing #1: Standard Time National Testing with Accommodations
  • Center Testing #2: Extended Time National Testing (50% time extension).

Approved students taking the ACT (without the Writing Test) have up to 5 hours total to work on all four multiple-choice tests at their own pace. Approved students taking the ACT Plus Writing have up to 5 hours and 45 minutes to complete all five tests. Both options include time for breaks between tests.

Special Testing: Testing at school with extended time and alternate formats is available, but not as part of national or international testing at a test center.

For a list of documents that have to be submitted to obtain these accommodations, check the ACT website page on disability policy.

If you are requesting accommodations, be sure to begin the process of submitting required information as soon as possible. Only certain testing centers can provide these accommodations, and they often become full!

Questions & Answers

  • ACT Question

    if you pay the $42 for the standby option and there is no standby seat, do you still have to pay?

    • answer by ACT test prep

      Well, you have to pay that fee first, but if you don’t get to take the exam because there is no space, then the fee is refunded to you.

  • ACT Question

    Do you know if its possible to register on the phone?

    • answer by ACT test prep

      No, you can only re-register over the phone if you have previously signed up online or via mail. There’s a fee for re-registering on the phone, too.

  • ACT Question

    If my test date was rescheduled (bad weather) will I still be able to see my scores when originally planned?

  • ACT Question

    How can I cancel my registration for the ACT test this Saturday? I do not need a refund.

  • ACT Question

    I set my alarms and I was so tired that I slept through my act this has never happened before and my family does not have the money to pay for another test I already begged my mom to take it could I please get my test rescheduled

  • ACT Question

    If I missed the day of my test due to personal reasons, can I reschedule for a later test date?

  • ACT Question

    if I change my ACT testing date will I be charged for the new test and an additional fee? Or will the money I paid towards the test I missed be added towards paying for the new test?

  • ACT Question

    What if you need to cancel because of the flooding. We can’t make it over the bridge to our testing site it just closed.

  • ACT Question

    If I am sick the morning of a test, can I reschedule that day for another date?

  • ACT Question

    Since signing up, there’s been a death in my family. The funeral has been scheduled for this Saturday, when I’m registered to take the test. What are my options? I’m a high school senior.

  • ACT Question

    If my test was rescheduled from Sept 14 to Sept 21 when should my scores be expected?