Key takeaways
Understanding the ACT registration process for 2026 is important for students aiming to take the test. Key dates, costs, and preparation strategies can help you navigate through registration smoothly and avoid unexpected act fees and services. Here’s what you need to know.
- The ACT will be offered on five national test dates in 2026: April 11, June 13, July 11, September 19, and October 17 (source: ACT).
- Don't miss the registration. Register early to avoid late fees, which can add up to $38 if you miss the regular deadline.
- The standard registration fee for the ACT (no writing) is $68, and with additional costs for optional services like the fee for writing test ($25) and score reports ($20 each) (source: ACT).
- Utilize the ACT Fee Waiver Program if eligible, which allows qualifying students to take the take the act for free and access valuable prep resources.
Contents
It’s the time to understand the key dates and ways to save money if you’re planning to take the ACT in 2026. Whether it’s your first attempt or a retake, here’s what you need to know to register without stress-and without surprise fees.
What Are the ACT Test Dates for 2026?
The ACT will be offered several times throughout the year in the U.S. Here are the confirmed national dates so far:
| Test Date | Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Photo Upload & Standby Deadline | Notes |
| April 11, 2026 | March 6, 2026 | March 24, 2026 | April 3, 2026 | “Enhanced ACT” begins with shorter core test options. |
| June 13, 2026 | May 8, 2026 | May 29, 2026 | June 5, 2026 | Science section is optional for all testing modes. |
| July 11, 2026 | June 5, 2026 | June 24, 2026 | July 3, 2026 | No test centers scheduled in New York for July. |
| Sept 19, 2026 | August 14, 2026 | Sept 1, 2026 | Sept 11, 2026 | Science section optional; standard 2026–27 pricing applies. |
| Oct 17, 2026 | Sept 11, 2026 | Sept 29, 2026 | Oct 9, 2026 | Standard fall testing cycle. |
| Dec 12, 2026 | Nov 6, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | Dec 4, 2026 | Final national test date for the 2026 calendar year. |
How Much Does ACT Registration Cost in 2026?
Here’s a breakdown of standard ACT fees for 2026:
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | Description | |
| ACT Test (no writing) | Fee Type | Amount (USD) | Description |
| Writing Add-On Fee | ACT Test (No Writing) | $68.00 | Includes the core sections: English, Math, and Reading. |
| Science Add-On Fee | Writing Add-On Fee | $25.00 | Optional 40-minute essay; can be added or removed through the late deadline. |
| Late Registration Fee | Science Add-On Fee | $4.00 | Optional section for all test formats (paper and online) as of late 2025/2026. |
| Standby Testing Fee | Late Registration Fee | $40.00 | Applies if you register after the regular deadline but before the late deadline. |
| Change Fee | Standby Testing Fee | $72.00 | Refunded if you are denied admission to the test center or if the registration is canceled. |
| Additional Score Reports | Change Fee | $48.00 | For switching your test date, test center, or test form (subject/tier change). |
| ACT My Answer Key (TIR) | Additional Score Reports | $20.00 each | For sending scores to more than the four colleges included in your registration. |
| Score Verification | ACT My Answer Key (TIR) | $34.00 / $42.00 | $34 if ordered before the test; $42 if ordered after (available for April, June, and Dec). |
| Score Verification | $67.00 / $134.00 | $67 for multiple-choice or writing; $134 for both. |
Note: All pricing includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges (if codes are provided when you register).
Students who qualify for the ACT Fee Waiver Program can receive up to four fee waivers to take the ACT test for free. The program also includes benefits such as free learning resources and additional score reports.
For a limited time, schools can purchase national Prebilled ACT $99 Bundle vouchers, which cover the registration fee for two ACT National tests, including the optional science test add-on fee and late registration fee.
How to Apply for an ACT Fee Waiver?
To qualify for an ACT fee waiver, you must:
- Be as student in 11th or 12th grade at a U.S. high school
- Be testing in the United States, U.S. territories, or Puerto Rico
- Meet at least one of the following indicators of economic need:
- Registered in a federal free or reduced-price lunch program
- Participate in a program for the economically disadvantaged (e.g., GEAR UP or Upward Bound)
- Live in foster care, be under state care, or be homeless
- Get government help because of low income or live in public housing paid for by the federal government
- Have a family income that’s at or below the limit for getting free or reduced-price school lunches (based on USDA guidelines)
What to Know About Preparing for the ACT in 2026?
The test is changing – not just test questions, but in structure and pacing – so your study plan needs to reflect that. Here’s what’s new: the ACT now takes about 2 hours, down from nearly 3. The composite score will now be calculated from English, Math, and Reading – unless you choose to include science.
So how do you prepare for a format of standardized test that’s still evolving? The Official ACT Prep Guide and ACT’s free online sample questions reflect the new test. Avoid older books and test booklets that follow the five-choice, non-adaptive, longer format-they won’t match what you’ll see on test day.
Use tools like Bluebook-style tests from ACT to simulate full sessions. If you qualify for fee waivers, ACT also gives you access to official online prep-don’t overlook that benefit.
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist
Sources: College Board, ACT, Reddit
