Overview
The ACT is a college admission test used mainly by universities in the United States. Outside the US it is taken on computer at a test centre. Since September 2025 the Composite score uses English, maths and reading only; science and writing are optional add-ons.
Who it is for
- Students applying for undergraduate study in the United States
- Students who prefer a curriculum-based test as an alternative to the SAT
- Students applying to STEM programmes who want to show science skills with the optional Science section
- Students who want an optional essay score with the Writing section
Versions
The ACT
English, maths and reading. Gives the Composite score.
The ACT with Science
Adds the optional 40-minute Science section. It does not affect the Composite.
The ACT with Writing
Adds the optional 40-minute essay. It does not affect the Composite.
The ACT with Science and Writing
Includes both optional sections.
Where it is accepted
- Undergraduate admission at universities in the United States
- Undergraduate admission at some universities outside the US that accept ACT scores
- Some university scholarship programmes
Always check the current requirements of the university, employer, regulator or visa authority you are applying to.
Test format
| Section | What it involves |
|---|---|
| English | 50 questions, 35 minutes. |
| Math | 45 questions, 50 minutes. |
| Reading | 36 questions, 40 minutes. |
| Science (optional) | 40 questions, 40 minutes. |
| Writing (optional) | 1 essay prompt, 40 minutes. |
Total time: 125 minutes for English, Math and Reading; up to 205 minutes with both optional sections (sum of official section times)
Scores and validity
- Scoring
- Each section is scored 1–36. The Composite (1–36) is the average of English, Math and Reading, rounded to the nearest whole number. Science and Writing are reported separately. There is no pass mark.
- Validity
- ACT does not state a fixed expiry in the pages checked. Each university decides how old a score it accepts.
How long results take is shown at the top of this page.
Fees
The ACT (no Science, no Writing), non-US
USD 188.50
Source (opens in a new tab)The ACT with Science, non-US
USD 198.50
Source (opens in a new tab)The ACT with Writing, non-US
USD 213.50
Source (opens in a new tab)The ACT with Science and Writing, non-US
USD 223.50
Source (opens in a new tab)Late registration
USD 42
Source (opens in a new tab)Test date or test centre change
USD 49
Source (opens in a new tab)
| Item | Official fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The ACT (no Science, no Writing), non-US | USD 188.50 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
| The ACT with Science, non-US | USD 198.50 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
| The ACT with Writing, non-US | USD 213.50 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
| The ACT with Science and Writing, non-US | USD 223.50 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
| Late registration | USD 42 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
| Test date or test centre change | USD 49 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
Fees are set by the test owner, were checked on 21 October 2026, and can change. Confirm the price when you book. GAPICT never takes exam fees.
On test day
Identification
An original, current government-issued photo ID such as a passport or national ID. Name and date of birth must match the admission ticket. A photo must also be uploaded to your MyACT account by the photo deadline.
Arrive early, bring only what the test owner allows, and expect identity checks and a photo at check-in. Read our test day guide and exam day FAQs.
How to book
Exam seats for ACT are booked and paid on the test owner's own system. Delivered through: ACT-established international test centres (computer-based).
- 1
Register through a MyACT account on act.org, choosing an international test centre and date.
- 2
Create or sign in to your account on the official booking site.
- 3
Choose your exam, then a test centre, date and time.
- 4
Pay the exam fee to the test owner and keep your confirmation email.
- 5
Check the ID rules and arrive early on test day.
You register and pay with ACT. ACT sets change and refund rules.
Need help booking?
We can walk you through the test owner's registration, step by step.
GAPICT's status with these organisations
- ACTPlanned
ACT FAQs
Do I have to take Science?
When are the international test dates?
What happens if I do not upload a photo?
Are fee waivers available in Pakistan?
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 21 October 2026. If anything here differs from the test owner's website, the owner's website is correct.
- ACT Global – International CBT (opens in a new tab)
- ACT Global – Non-US fees (opens in a new tab)
- ACT – Test enhancements (section times and questions) (opens in a new tab)
- ACT – Understanding your scores (opens in a new tab)
- ACT Global – Scores (non-US) (opens in a new tab)
ACT and related names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe the test. GAPICT is independent of ACT Education Corp., is not endorsed by it, and is not currently an authorised centre for this test.