ACT Reading exam-day guide
ACT Reading · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admission ticket / registration confirmation
Print or save your ticket. Confirm with the test provider whether a printed copy is required; if unsure, bring a printed copy.
Acceptable photo ID
Bring the exact ID type and name match your registration requires. Verify acceptable forms and name-match rules with the provider before test day.
No. 2 pencils and erasers
Bring several sharpened No. 2 pencils with good erasers; the Reading test is answered on a bubble sheet.
Permitted calculator (if allowed)
The Reading test itself does not require a calculator, but other sections may. Confirm the provider's calculator policy and approved models.
Watch (non-smart, silent)
A simple analog or digital watch can help you pace passages. Smartwatches and audible alarms are typically prohibited; confirm with the provider.
Snack and water for the break
Bring a quick snack and water if breaks are permitted. Confirm the provider's policy on food, drink, and break timing.
Layered clothing
Test rooms can vary in temperature; dress in layers you can remove. Avoid clothing with inappropriate graphics or messaging.
Directions to the test center and arrival time
Confirm the exact address, arrival time, and check-in cutoff with the provider. Plan to arrive early to allow for check-in.
Leave prohibited items at home or in the car
Phones, smartwatches, notes, and other electronics are generally not allowed in the testing room. Confirm the provider's list of prohibited items.
Review Reading strategy and timing
Know your target pace per passage and your approach to question types. Do a light review only; avoid cramming new material.
Sleep and nutrition plan
Prioritize sleep in the days before the test and eat a normal breakfast. No special supplements are needed.
Backup plan for transportation
Identify a backup route or contact in case of delays. Confirm the provider's policy for late arrivals or missed tests.
Plan the day
Confirm test center location, arrival time, and ID requirements with the provider. Take one or two timed Reading practice sections under realistic conditions, then review errors to identify patterns rather than learning new content. Prepare your materials and clothes the night before. Protect sleep.
Do a light review of Reading strategies (main idea, detail, inference, vocabulary-in-context, author's purpose) and your pacing plan. Pack your bag with ticket, ID, pencils, eraser, watch, snack, and water. Set two alarms. Avoid heavy study or stressful discussions about the test. Get a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate moderately. Arrive at the test center early per the provider's instructions. Leave prohibited items behind. Do a brief mental warm-up (e.g., read a short article and summarize it) but avoid intensive practice. Stay calm and follow check-in procedures.
For the Reading section: skim each passage for structure and main idea, then answer questions by referring back to the text. Pace yourself; do not spend too long on one question. Answer every question; there is no penalty for guessing on the ACT. Use the bubble sheet carefully and check that answers align with question numbers. If breaks are provided, use them to stretch and refocus, and return promptly.
Rules to check
Bring the exact photo ID required by the provider; the name on your ID must match your registration. Confirm acceptable ID forms and name-match rules with the provider before test day.
Arrive by the provider's stated check-in time. Late arrivals may be denied entry; confirm the late-arrival policy with the provider.
Do not bring phones, smartwatches, notes, or other prohibited electronics into the testing room. Confirm the provider's prohibited-item list and storage options.
Follow all instructions from the test administrator. Do not open test booklets early, work past time limits, or communicate with other test takers during the test.
Breaks are typically scheduled between sections; confirm the number, timing, and rules for breaks with the provider. During breaks, stay in designated areas and do not access notes or devices.
The Reading test is scored on correct answers only; there is no penalty for wrong answers, so answer every question.
Do not remove test materials, notes, or scratch paper from the testing room unless the provider explicitly permits it.
If you have a documented need for accommodations, confirm approval and logistics with the provider well before test day.