ACT Test Date: What Time Does the ACT Start & How Long Is It?

Students planning to enroll in colleges and universities in the United States must complete the ACT test. Being aware of the test dates, the test’s duration, and the preparation required can make a big difference in a student’s performance.

The article presents a complete outline of the ACT starting date, test duration, a202nd test contents to help students prepare thoroughly for the test and reach their target scores. If you’re just getting started, it helps to first understand what does ACT stand for? before diving into the details of test dates and scheduling.

What is the ACT Test Date?

Many students ask when is the ACT, and the answer depends on the official national test dates scheduled throughout the year. The ACT test is offered several times throughout the academic year, with national test dates typically falling on Saturdays.

Here is a table of dates for the year of 2025 listed below:

How do I know when to register for the ACT?

Initiating the ACT registration is an important part of participating in the exam. The registration deadline for each national test date is usually scheduled five weeks before the test. Registering early allows students to make sure they receive the test date and location they want.

Registration is possible online at the ACT website, allowing students to see all the available test dates. Setting up reminders for registration cutoffs is a smart strategy to prevent students from being unable to take the test owing to late registration. Legacy Online School ensures students know when to register for the SAT during prep classes.

How Long Does the ACT Take and What is the Schedule?

“Understanding the ACT schedule helps students manage their time and energy effectively during the test. In our ACT preparation at Legacy Online School, we emphasize that while the core sections follow a fixed timing structure, choices such as the optional science or writing components can extend the overall duration, making pacing strategies especially important.”

Legacy Online School 

If you’re wondering when does ACT start, it typically begins in the morning, and the total time to take the ACT is approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes, not including breaks.

Students should also note that if they choose to take the ACT with a writing section then an additional 40 minutes is added to the total testing time, bringing the overall duration to 3 hours and 35 minutes.

What time should I arrive at the test center?

If you’re wondering when does the ACT start, students should arrive at the test center no later than 7:30 AM for an 8:00 AM start.

Those who arrive early can complete the check-in process, get accustomed to the testing environment, and mentally prepare for the examination.

It is wise to make arrangements for possible traffic snarl-ups and ensure students have all the materials required like admission ticket, valid photo ID and acceptable calculators.

What are the ACT start and end times for each section?

Following the initial check-in, the testing schedule typically looks like this:

1. The English section begins at 8:00 AM and lasts until 8:45 AM;
2. The mathematics section starts at 8:50 AM and continues until 9:50 AM;
3. The reading section begins at 9:55 AM and ends at 10:30 AM;
4. The science section runs from 10:35 AM to 11:10 AM.
5. (Optional) The writing test will commence at 11:15 AM and conclude at 11:55 AM.

What is the duration of each section of the ACT?

Students who are also preparing for the SAT should check out our guide on ACT vs SAT math to understand how the math sections differ between the two exams and focus their preparation accordingly.

Are there extended time options for the ACT?

Yes, ACT offers extra time for students with documented disabilities in need of accommodations. Students who need extra time have to refer to the special department of their school and make the necessary paperwork.

The additional minutes will usually allow an extra 50% of time for the exam (with a total testing time of about 4 hours and 30 minutes for the ACT without writing and 5 hours and 30 minutes for the ACT with writing).

How does the timing affect my test-taking strategy?

Time management is a crucial element of successfully taking the ACT and here are several strategies students can use in the future shown below:

1. Practice pacing oneself
2. Ensure that all questions are completed in the allotted time
3. Check into strategic time managing insights like multiple choice tricks with excluding fully incorrect answers
4. Develop a rhythm during practice tests to feel more comfortable with timing
5. Familiarize oneself with test question types.

How to Register for the ACT and Important Deadlines?

Registering for the ACT is a straightforward process that can be completed online and here are the following steps on how to do it:

1. Visit the official ACT website
2. Create an account
3. Select preferred test date and test center
4. Provide personal information: name, address, and school details
5. Choose whether to take the ACT with or without the writing section.

When is the registration deadline for the ACT?

There is the registration deadline for each national test date, which is usually five weeks before the test date. For instance, if the ACT is to be held in June, then the registration period would be up in early May. Students should make sure that they do not miss out by keeping a calendar with the key dates that should be marked: registration deadlines and test dates. After registering, students can get a head start on preparation by reviewing the ACT score chart to understand how their raw scores will convert into scale scores and what targets to aim for.

Can I change my test date after registering?

Yes, students can request a test date change after registering, but they must do so before the registration deadline for their originally scheduled test date.

The process for changing a test date involves the following steps:

1. Log into the ACT account
2. Selecting the option to change the test date
3. Paying any applicable fees.

What Should I Expect on ACT Test Day?

Test security is one of the key elements of the ACT to provide a level playing field for all students when taking the test. Students will go through a screening process whereby their identity will be confirmed when they reach the test center.  They will have to put their personal belongings in designated areas and will be subject to security checks.

No electronic devices such as cell phones and smartwatches are allowed in the testing room. Being aware of these security precautions in advance can make students more comfortable and ready to test on test day.

Students must bring the following to the ACT test center listed below:

1. Admission ticket from their ACT account (printed)
2. A valid photo ID: a driver’s license or school ID
3. Acceptable calculators
4. Extra batteries
5. Snacks for breaks
6. A watch to monitor time discreetly.

How can I prepare for each section of the ACT?

Preparing for the ACT requires a strategic approach to each section of the exam and here is how they can do with the following steps:

1. Begin by familiarizing oneself with the format and types of questions found in the English, mathematics, reading, and science sections
2. Utilize official ACT practice materials, including sample questions and full-length practice tests
3. Introduce timed practice sessions to study schedules to develop pacing
4. Practicing essay prompts and receiving feedback on writing for the writing section if there will be one.

For students seeking a more structured and comprehensive academic environment alongside their test prep, Legacy Online School’s Legacy High School Program offers the curriculum and support needed to excel both in school and on exam day.

Maya Robinson, ACT Preparation Advisor

Sources: ACT, College Board