American College Testing (ACT) is a standardized test that is an important determinant in gaining admission to most colleges and universities in the United States and other countries around the world.
In 2015, ACT will begin to be offered as a computer-based test instead of the traditional paper-based test. The test syllabus, total score, and multiple-choice format will not be affected by this change as only the test-taking format changes.
Administered both in the United States and other countries around the world, ACT assesses college academic readiness of both native and international students under a standardized format. Many colleges and universities in the United States offering four-year course programs accept the ACT.
ACT, Inc., says that the ACT assessment measures high school students' general educational development and their capability to complete college-level work with the multiple-choice tests covering four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science.
ACT Highlights
Exam Name |
ACT (American College Testing) |
Level/Most popular for |
International |
Accepted for |
The United Kingdom and Australia, World |
Conducting Body |
ACT, Inc. |
Mode of Exam |
Both Paper-Based and Computer-Based Mode |
Application Mode |
Online |
Application Fees |
With Writing Section: 68 USD Without Writing Section: 52 USD |
Medium |
English |
Website |
ACT Exam Eligibility Criteria
1. Students across grade levels can sit for the ACT test, but it is commonly taken by students who have completed or are appearing for 10+2 secondary education exams, and looking to apply to U.S. undergraduate programs.
2. The conducting body of the ACT does not prescribe any minimum eligibility criteria or official prerequisite to be able to appear for the test.
3. ACT scores remain valid for five years after the date of the test. Fluency in English is a basic requirement for any candidate to fetch a decent score on the test.
4. No, there is no age limit for appearing in the ACT. Candidates from all age groups are eligible to appear on the college entrance test.
5. ACT is taken by high school graduates in the USA and those above the age of 13 years.
ACT Exam 2025 Application Process
Candidates who want to give the ACT exam need to register for the ACT online only.
1. On the ACT home page, click on ‘Register for the ACT Test’
2. You will be redirected to the ACT Web account page
3. Click the ‘Create Account’ tab
4. Fill in all required details, including details like first name, last name, date of birth and e-mail ID
5. Create a user ID and password
6. Mention country, ZIP code, gender, and other required information
7. Create your profile complete the application request submit the required documentation and confirm the registration.
8. Pay the exam fee to complete your registration. You can pay the fee through a debit/credit card or make an online payment.
ACT Exam 2025 Fee
Fee Type |
Description |
Cost |
Registration Fee |
The basic fee for the ACT test |
$150 (without writing) |
Registration Fee with Writing |
The writing fee is $16.50 |
$166.50 (with writing) |
International Fees |
Chargeable for Indian Students as you will be taking the test outside of US |
$51 |
Late Fee |
Charged if you register after the deadline but before the final late registration |
$35 |
Waitlist Fee |
Charged if you register after the late registration deadline |
$51 |
Change Fee |
Charged if you change the test date, test center, or test type |
$35 |
Question and Answers Test Information Release (TIR) fee |
Sends you the test questions and correct answers after the exam are complete so you can see what mistakes you made (optional) |
$20 |
ACT Exam 2025 Pattern
1. ACT exam pattern is as follows- four sections, namely, English, Math, Reading, and Science.
2. There is an optional section which is called the Writing section, which has one 30-40 minute writing prompt that will define an issue, along with two points of view on that issue.
3. The ACT test is for four hours and students have to answer 215 questions.
4. The test is designed such that the speed and endurance levels are measured.
Test |
No of questions |
Time |
English |
75 Questions |
45 minutes |
Mathematics |
60 questions |
60 minutes |
Reading |
40 questions |
35 minutes |
Science |
40 questions |
35 minutes |
Options Writing Test |
1 Prompt |
30 minutes |
ACT Exam 2025Result
American College Test (ACT) scores are released within two to eight weeks after the test date. The score of ACT are posted online and can be accessed by using the secure ACT web account.
Scores are added every week, so, students should keep on checking the scores till the time they see theirs.