ACT exam-day guide
ACT · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admission ticket / registration confirmation
Print or download your ticket from your ACT account. Confirm the test center address and arrival time on it. If you cannot find it, log in to your ACT account and confirm with the provider.
Acceptable photo ID
Bring a current, government-issued photo ID with your name matching your registration exactly. Confirm the specific ID requirements for your test center with the provider before test day.
No. 2 pencils and eraser
Bring several sharpened No. 2 pencils with good erasers. Mechanical pencils and pens are generally not allowed for the multiple-choice sections; confirm with the provider.
Permitted calculator
Bring an approved calculator with fresh batteries. Check the ACT calculator policy for your model, and know that some questions must be done without a calculator. Confirm the current policy with the provider.
Watch (non-smart)
A simple analog or digital watch can help you pace yourself. Smartwatches and devices with communication features are not allowed in the testing room; confirm with the provider.
Snack and water for break
Bring a snack and drink to have outside the testing room during the scheduled break. Keep them in a bag you can leave at the designated area.
Layered clothing
Dress in layers so you can adjust to room temperature. Avoid clothing with large graphics or slogans that could distract or be misinterpreted.
Confirm test center location and travel plan
Visit the test center location in advance or map the route. Plan to arrive early; late arrivals may not be admitted. Confirm the arrival cutoff with the provider.
Leave prohibited items at home or in the car
Do not bring phones, smartwatches, notes, or other electronic devices into the testing room. If you must bring a phone, confirm the test center's storage policy with the provider.
Review test-day timing and section order
Know the order of sections and the scheduled break so you are not surprised. Confirm the current test format and timing with the provider.
Get a full night's sleep and eat a normal breakfast
Prioritize rest and a familiar meal over last-minute cramming. Bring water but drink moderately before the test.
Plan the day
Confirm your registration, test center address, and arrival time. Print your admission ticket and check that your photo ID matches your registered name. Gather pencils, calculator, watch, snack, and layers in one bag.
Do a light review of test directions and section timing. Take one short, timed practice section to warm up, then stop. Avoid learning new material.
Pack your bag with ID, ticket, pencils, eraser, calculator, watch, snack, and water. Charge any permitted device or replace calculator batteries. Set two alarms and confirm your transportation plan.
Eat a normal dinner, avoid heavy caffeine or alcohol, and go to bed at your usual time. Do not stay up late studying.
Eat a normal breakfast and drink water. Leave early with extra travel time. Arrive at the test center before the stated cutoff; if you are running late, contact the test center and confirm the late-admission policy with the provider.
At the test center, follow staff instructions for check-in and ID verification. Store prohibited items as directed. Use the restroom before entering the testing room.
Read directions carefully and note the time limit for each section. Pace yourself with your watch, answer every question, and use the scheduled break to eat, drink, and stretch. If you finish a section early, review your work within that section only.
If you feel anxious, take a slow breath and return to the next question. Do not dwell on a single hard item; mark it and move on if the format allows.
Rules to check
Bring and present an acceptable photo ID that matches your registration name exactly. If your ID does not match, you may be denied admission; confirm the ID policy with the provider.
Do not bring prohibited electronic devices, notes, or unauthorized materials into the testing room. Follow all test center staff instructions regarding personal items and storage.
Follow the scheduled break rules: leave the testing room only during the designated break, keep your ID with you if required, and return on time. Confirm break and room-access rules with the provider.
Calculators are permitted only for approved models and only on designated sections. Know which questions must be answered without a calculator; confirm the current calculator policy with the provider.
Scoring is based on correct answers; there is no penalty for wrong answers on the multiple-choice sections, so answer every question. The optional writing section, if taken, is scored separately; confirm current scoring details with the provider.
Do not communicate with other examinees during the test, do not share answers, and do not attempt to remove test materials. Any misconduct may lead to score cancellation.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, follow the provider's deadlines and fees. Do not assume a makeup option is available; confirm with the provider.
Report any testing irregularity or illness to the test center supervisor immediately. Score validity and retest options are governed by the provider's policies; confirm with the provider.