You can register for the ACT® online at ACT.org through your MyACT account. The process takes about 30 to 40 minutes and requires a photo, a payment method, and answering a few decisions about the test format you want and which sections to include.
This guide offers a detailed step-by-step walkthrough on how to register for the ACT. We’ll also go over new decisions to consider with the Enhanced ACT (paper vs. digital, science, writing, etc.), current fees, upcoming test dates, and deadlines.
Before You Register — What to Have Ready
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A recent headshot photo that meets the ACT’s photo-submission requirements (clear, front-facing; no filters or group shots)
- A credit or debit card (or fee-waiver eligibility info)
- The name of your student’s high school and its four- or six-digit code
- A tentative list of colleges and their ACT codes to receive score reports (up to four are included for free; additional reports are $20 each as of September 2026)
You’ll also want to decide ahead of time whether to do the digital or paper test and whether to take the optional science and writing sections.
Step 1 — Create a MyACT Account
Go to ACT.org and create a free MyACT account (or log in if an account already exists). You’ll need the student’s full legal name (matching what appears on their ID), date of birth, email address, and phone number.
Good to know: Test-takers need their own MyACT accounts in order to register. Parents can help them set it up, but it’s under the student’s name.
Step 2 — Choose Your Test Date
From the MyACT dashboard, click “Register for the ACT.” Then select a test date.
The ACT is offered nationally seven times per year in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July. (The July slot was previously not available in New York, but it will be starting in 2027).
Here are the upcoming 2026/2027 test dates and deadlines.
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Photo Upload/Standby Deadline |
| Sat, Oct 17, 2026 | Sep 11, 2026 | Sep 29, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 |
| Sat, Dec 12, 2026 | Nov 6, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | Dec 7, 2026 |
| Sat, Feb 27, 2027 | Jan 22, 2027 | Feb 9, 2027 | Feb 22, 2027 |
| Sat, Apr 10, 2027 | Mar 5, 2027 | Mar 23, 2027 | Apr 5, 2027 |
| Sat, Jun 12, 2027 | May 7, 2027 | May 25, 2027 | Jun 7, 2027 |
| Sat, Jul 10, 2027 | Jun 4, 2027 | Jun 22, 2027 | Jul 5, 2027 |
Source: ACT National Test Dates Schedule 2026-2027
Planning ahead: Consider taking the ACT at least two months before your earliest application deadline. Scores are typically posted within four weeks of the test.
Should your child take the ACT in the summer? C2 Center directors help families map a testing timeline based on the student’s baseline score, target, and application deadlines. This helps you register for the right date, not just the next one.
Step 3 — Pick Paper or Digital
The Enhanced ACT offers both paper and digital (online computer-based) formats.
These have the same test content, scoring model, and allowed completion times. However, not every test center location offers both formats on every test date. Check availability when selecting your center during ACT registration.
The digital test has a built-in Desmos graphing calculator, along with text highlighting, answer masking, and accessibility features. Students can bring their own approved calculator or use one provided by the test center (subject to availability).
For the paper ACT, annotations go in the test booklet. Students are asked to bring an approved calculator.
Tip: If your student practiced for the ACT on one format, stick with that for test day.
Step 4 — Decide on Optional Sections (Science and Writing)
Next, you’ll choose whether to include or skip the optional science and writing sections. (Both of these sections can be added or removed through the late registration deadline.)
As of September 2026, science is an additional $5. It adds 40 questions and 40 minutes to the ACT. The score is reported separately from the average composite of the core three categories (English, math, and reading).
Those who take this test will also get a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) score. It’s recommended for STEM-bound students and those applying to target schools that request it.
The writing section is an additional $25 as of September 2026. It’s a single essay and adds 40 minutes to the testing time. Students get a separate score for this optional portion, plus an ELA (English language arts) score. Fewer schools require it now for admissions.
Step 5 — Select a Test Center
You can search for ACT test centers near you by entering your zip code or city on ACT.org. Choose a location that offers your student’s preferred format (paper or digital).
Tip: Register early. Popular centers fill up quickly, especially for fall test dates.
Step 6 — Upload Your Photo
Upload a photo to your MyACT account. You can do this during the registration process or by the photo-submission headline for your test date. But if you miss the deadline, your registration is canceled without a refund.
Make sure it meets the ACT’s requirements: It should be a recent, front-facing photo of the head and shoulders (crop if needed).
Hats are generally not allowed in account photos, but those who wear head coverings for religious reasons can wear one as long as it’s adjusted to provide a full view of the face.
Step 7 — Pay and Confirm
The final step is to pay for the ACT and confirm your registration.
As of September 2026, the fees are:
- $70 for the three core sections (English, math, and reading)
- $5 for the optional science add-on
- $25 for the optional writing add-on
- $20 per extra report for target colleges
The fee for the standard ACT includes a personal score report, a high school report, and up to four college score reports.
There’s a $40 fee for late registration, as well as a $40 change fee to switch your date or testing location.
Fee registration waivers are available to eligible students based on family income or enrollment in free or reduced-cost lunch. This may include up to six free score reports. Ask your school guidance counselor for information on ACT fee waivers.
Once you confirm your registration, print or save your admission ticket.
After You Register — What’s Next
Review the admission ticket to confirm that your student’s name is correct. Double-check the testing center and test date as well. Add it to your calendar, and plan to be there by 8 a.m., as late arrivals won’t be admitted to the test.
What to bring on test day:
- ACT admission ticket
- Acceptable photo ID
- Approved calculator and No. 2 pencils with erasers (if doing the paper format)
- Snacks for the break
Start preparing for the test with a comprehensive ACT study guide. It’s also good to know what ACT score you’re targeting for the schools you’re applying to.
C2 Education’s free diagnostic test is a smart first step after registering. It maps strengths and gaps so ACT test prep time is focused, not wasted.
Registered? Now Make a Plan
Registering for the ACT is the easy part. Preparing for it is what can actually make a difference. At C2, we start with a free diagnostic and consultation, then build a personalized ACT prep plan around your student’s goals, timeline, and target schools — with expert tutors and a 3:1 small-group format.
Book a free diagnostic or find a C2 center near you.
Read next: ACT vs. SAT: which test is right for you?
SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. None of the trademark holders are affiliated with C2 Education or this website.
Sources:
ACT. ACT Test Fees. https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/fees.html
ACT. ACT Test Dates. https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/test-dates.html
ACT. Fee Waivers. https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/fees/fee-waivers.html
ACT. Photo Submission Requirements. https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/photo-submission-requirements.html
ACT. Registration. https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html
ACT. Scores. https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/scores.html
ACT. Test Day. https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-day.html
ACT. ACT Online Testing. https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-day/online-testing.html
ACT. High School Codes Lookup. https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/high-school-codes-lookup.html
ACT. Test Center Locator. https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/test-center-locator.html
