ACT Practice Test
Updated October 2026Facts verified Oct 29, 2026 against ACT, Inc.
ACT: upcoming dates and official changes
- Nov 6, 2026: The regular registration deadline for the December 12, 2026 ACT national test date is November 6, 2026.[6]
- Nov 29, 2026: The late registration deadline for the December 12, 2026 ACT national test date is November 29, 2026.[6]
- Dec 12, 2026: The next upcoming national test date for the ACT is December 12, 2026.[6]
- The ACT English section consists of 50 questions, of which 40 are scored.[1]
- The ACT Mathematics section consists of 45 questions, of which 41 are scored.[1]
- The ACT English section allows 35 minutes of testing time.[1]
- The ACT Mathematics section allows 50 minutes of testing time.[1]
- The ACT has no passing score; both individual section scores and the Composite score are reported on a scale of 1 to 36.[2]
- The ACT change fee is $49.00 for making a test form change, test day change, or test center change.[3]
- The ACT Test fee covering the English, math, and reading sections is $70.00.[3]
- There is no limit to how many times students can take the ACT test.[4]
- ACT maintains and delivers score reports from September 2011 to current, with records older than 3 years subject to an archive fee.[5]
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
ACT Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions (English) | 50 questions (40 scored)[1] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Number of questions (Mathematics) | 45 questions (41 scored)[1] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Number of questions (Reading) | 36 questions (27 scored)[1] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Number of questions (Science (Optional)) | 40 questions (34 scored)[1] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Number of questions (Writing (Optional)) | 1 essay prompt[1] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Time limit (English) | 35 minutes[1] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Time limit (Mathematics) | 50 minutes[1] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Time limit (Reading) | 40 minutes[1] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Time limit (Science (Optional)) | 40 minutes[1] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Time limit (Writing (Optional)) | 40 minutes[1] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Passing score | No passing score (scale 1–36)[2] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Change fee) | $49.00[3] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Exam fee (EMR Composite) | $70.00[3] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Exam fee (EMR + Science) | $75.00[3] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Exam fee (EMR + Science + Writing) | $100.00[3] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Exam fee (EMR + Writing) | $95.00[3] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Late registration) | $42.00[3] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Science Add-On) | $5.00[3] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Standby testing) | $75.00[3] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Writing Add-On) | $25.00[3] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Retake policy | Unlimited attempts[4] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Validity | Scores available from September 2011 to current (archive fee for 3+ years)[5] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Delivery | Paper or computer at test center (online-only internationally)[7] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Score release | Within 2–4 weeks[6] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Next exam date (December 2026) | December 12, 2026[6] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Late registration deadline (December 2026) | November 29, 2026[6] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Registration deadline (December 2026) | November 6, 2026[6] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
| Registration deadline (Time of day) | 11:59 pm Central Time[6] | ACT, Inc. · Oct 29, 2026 |
ACT Test Format
The ACT test has three required multiple-choice sections: English, math, and reading, plus optional science and writing add-ons. The core test takes about 2 hours 5 minutes; adding science and writing brings it to roughly 3 hours 25 minutes.
The exam is offered on paper or on a computer at national test centers. The ACT also offers an optional writing essay. The ACT is used by more than 3,600 colleges, universities, and scholarship agencies to make admission and financial aid decisions. As a result, the test takes the integrity of its scores very seriously. The organization conducts numerous internal and external review processes to ensure that examinees receive accurate, fair, and reliable scores. It also responds to inquiries from college admission officers, high school counselors, and other stakeholders who may have concerns about a score or an incorrect test center report.
Most of the ACT’s content areas focus on what students are likely to have learned in high school, with the exception of the reading and science sections. The ACT’s reading and science sections, which are skills-based, aim to assess students’ ability to read text critically and interpret data and information.
In the ACT’s reading section, test-takers will be asked to understand and interpret texts that cover a wide variety of topics, from humanities to natural sciences to social science. The ACT reading section includes passages that are similar to those students will encounter in first-year college courses.
The ACT has a built-in timer that shows how much time is left on each question. It’s important to use this tool to manage your time effectively. If you are not sure about the answer to a question, try not to linger over it. It’s better to move on and come back to it later than spend too much time on one question and end up missing the rest of the test.
Check out: Complete study guideline of free ACT Practice Test
Please refer to the table below for the complete format and structure of the ACT test:
ACT Exam Format & Structure
| Subject Test | Time Allowed | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| English Test | 35 minutes | 50 questions |
| Mathematics Test | 50 minutes | 45 questions |
| Reading Test | 40 minutes | 36 questions |
| Science Test (optional) | 40 minutes | 40 questions |
| Total (English, Math, Reading) | 125 mins (2 hrs & 5 mins) | 131 questions |
| Total with optional Science | 165 mins (2 hrs & 45 mins) | 171 questions |
Important Note: Science and the essay (Writing, 40 minutes) are both optional add-ons since 2025; only English, Math, and Reading count toward the composite. Try our GRE practice test. Practice with the free ACT practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (500+ questions with answer explanations).
ACT Scoring Guide
The ACT scoring guide is your one-stop resource for everything you need to know about the test scoring process. It includes information about the different sections of the exam, how your scores are calculated and what you can do to improve your performance on future tests.
Your ACT score is based on how many questions you answer correctly. Unlike some other tests, the ACT doesn’t penalize you for incorrect answers, so it’s important to try to answer every question on each section. You’ll get a raw score for each section—the number of questions you answered correctly—and a scaled score that’s based on how you did relative to other students.
Your composite ACT score is the rounded average of your English, math, and reading section scores; if you take the optional Science section you also receive a STEM score (average of math and science). You’ll also get reporting-category breakdowns for each section. These subscores are based on how well you did in a smaller set of questions that offer more insight into your strengths and weaknesses. However, the subscores don’t add up to your composite ACT score or give you any extra points.
ACT writing is not included in your composite score, but you’ll receive a separate subject score for it. This score is based on the scores of two different readers who evaluate your essay in four categories, or domains: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions.
If you’re applying to colleges, the ACT scoring guide can help you plan your college list by finding the schools where your scores are most competitive. Begin by making a list of dream schools, target schools, and safety schools. Dream schools are where you’d love to go if your grades, test scores, and other qualifications were perfect.
Please refer to the table below:
Students taking community college placement exams can prepare with our free COMPASS college placement test practice — covering reading comprehension, writing skills, and pre-algebra through trigonometry.
Job seekers pursuing ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate can prepare with our free WorkKeys career readiness practice test — covering Applied Math, Workplace Documents, and Business Writing.
If you want more targeted practice, the june act pdf page covers the same material with additional questions and explanations.
| Section | Overall Score Range | Sub-Score Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| English | 1-36 | Usage/Mechanics (1-18) Rhetorical Skills (1-18) Essay (2-12) |
| Math | 1-36 | Pre/Elementary Algebra (1-18) Algebra/Coordinate Geometry (1-18) Plane Geometry/Trigonometry (1-18) |
| Reading | 1-36 | Social Sciences/Sciences (1-18) Arts/Literature (1-18) |
| Science (optional) | 1-36 | Not in the composite; reported in the STEM score (Math + Science) |
Free ACT Study Tools
Interactive ACT resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- ACT Science Question and Answers 1 — 21 questions with instant scoring and answer explanations
- ACT flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- ACT study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- ACT cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
According to ACT, Inc., “English 50 (40 scored) 35 Grammar, usage, and rhetorical skills”[1]
ACT content outline and where to practise each area
The content areas below are copied from the official ACT content outline published by ACT, Inc.. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.
| Official content area | Practice on this site |
|---|---|
| ACT English Test[8] | ACT English Practise punctuation between clauses and phrases, grammar and usage, and rhetorical choices such as whether a sentence belongs in a paragraph. |
| ACT Mathematics Test[8] | ACT Math Work through pre-algebra, algebra, functions and trigonometry problems, and check your setup on every problem before you start calculating. |
| ACT Reading Test[8] | ACT Reading Read literary and informational passages, and practise questions on the author's purpose, tone and evidence that you can point to in the text. |
| ACT Science Test[8] | ACT Science Read graphs, tables and experiment descriptions, and compare conflicting viewpoints on the same data. |
| ACT Writing Test (Optional)[8] | ACT Writing Plan and write an argument that takes a clear position on a complex issue and supports it with reasoning and examples. |
ACT Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the ACT - American College Testing exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
Worked examples: how to reason through ACT questions
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Example 1
Question: A literary passage repeatedly describes a factory as "a great iron beast devouring the countryside." What is the author's purpose in using this language?
- To convey a critical, negative perspective on industrialization through vivid metaphor
- To describe the factory's literal physical size
- To persuade readers to support factory construction
- To compare factories to actual animals for scientific accuracy
Answer: A. To convey a critical, negative perspective on industrialization through vivid metaphor
Explanation:
A is correct. Calling a factory "a great iron beast devouring the countryside" is a metaphor. The words beast and devouring make the factory sound like a destructive animal, and that shows the author's critical view of industrialization.
B is wrong because the image is figurative. It says nothing measurable about the factory's size. C is wrong because the language is negative, so it works against support for factories rather than encouraging it. D is wrong because a metaphor is not a scientific comparison. The author is not claiming factories are animals.
Rule to remember: when a passage keeps returning to vivid figurative language, ask what attitude the words carry. Author's-purpose questions usually ask about perspective, not literal description.
Example 2
Question: If both scientists use the SAME data set but reach different conclusions, this most likely means they differ in their:
- Interpretation of the data
- Access to the data
- Spelling of technical terms
- Reading speed
Answer: A. Interpretation of the data
Explanation:
A is correct. If both scientists use the same data set, the evidence is identical. The difference must come from how each scientist reads that evidence: their assumptions, the variables they focus on, or how they explain a pattern.
B is wrong because the question says they share the same data, so access is not the difference. C is wrong because spelling has no effect on a scientific conclusion. D is wrong because reading speed is unrelated to how evidence is interpreted.
Rule to remember: in Conflicting Viewpoints passages, first find what the viewpoints share, such as data or observations, and then find where they split. When the data are the same, the disagreement is about interpretation. Eliminate any option that contradicts a condition stated in the question.
Example 3
Question: The standard form of 70600 is...
- 7.06×10^-4
- 7.06×10^5
- 7.06×10^6
- 7.06×10^4
Answer: D. 7.06×10^4
Explanation:
D is correct. Standard form (scientific notation) writes a number as a decimal with a single nonzero digit before the decimal point, multiplied by a power of 10. To get from 70600 to 7.06, move the decimal point left, and count each move as one power of 10. That gives 7.06 × 10^4, which equals 70600.
B is wrong because 7.06 × 10^5 is larger than 70600 by a factor of 10. C is wrong because 7.06 × 10^6 is larger again by another factor of 10. A is wrong because a negative exponent gives a small decimal, not a large whole number.
Rule to remember: large numbers get positive exponents and small decimals get negative ones. Check your answer by multiplying it back out.
How to use these practice tests
Start with the full practice test to see where you stand in each section. Then do the section sets for your weakest areas: English, Math, Reading and, if you are taking it, Science.
When one type of question keeps costing you points, switch to the narrower sets: punctuation for clauses and phrases, rhetorical strategy, algebra, functions, trigonometry, author's purpose and conflicting viewpoints. For each question you miss, write down why the right answer is right and why your choice was wrong.
Practise under real timing. English gives you 50 questions in 35 minutes, and Mathematics gives you 45 questions in 50 minutes, so learn the pace each section needs. If you add Writing, practise planning and writing an essay in 40 minutes with the writing set.
Our questions are written by us, not taken from the real exam. Before test day, work through ACT's own free practice material on act.org so the official question style and format are familiar.
- ✓Review the official ACT exam content outline
- ✓Take a diagnostic practice test to identify weak areas
- ✓Create a study schedule (4-8 weeks recommended)
- ✓Focus on your weakest domains first
- ✓Complete at least 3 full-length practice exams
- ✓Review all incorrect answers with detailed explanations
- ✓Take a final practice test 1 week before exam day
- +Industry-recognized credential boosts your resume
- +Higher earning potential (10-20% salary increase on average)
- +Demonstrates commitment to professional development
- +Opens doors to advanced career opportunities
- −Exam preparation requires significant time investment (4-8 weeks)
- −Certification fees can be $100-$400+
- −May require continuing education to maintain
- −Some employers may not require certification
Sample ACT Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free ACT practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
Is the ACT Writing test required for all test takers?
- A. Yes, always
- B. No, it is optional
- C. Only for juniors
- D. Only on retakes
Answer: B. No, it is optional
The ACT Writing test is optional, though some colleges require it.
On the ACT Reading test, a question asking for the 'main idea' of a passage is best answered by identifying what?
- A. The central point the whole passage supports
- B. A single supporting detail
- C. The author's name
- D. The hardest vocabulary word
Answer: A. The central point the whole passage supports
Main-idea questions target the passage's overall central point.
On the ACT English test, the word "OMIT" in an answer choice means:
- A. Delete the underlined portion entirely — it should not be included
- B. Replace the underlined portion with nothing written out
- C. Keep the original underlined text unchanged
- D. Insert a comma at the underlined position
Answer: A. Delete the underlined portion entirely — it should not be included
When "OMIT the underlined portion" (or "DELETE the underlined portion") appears as an answer choice on ACT English, it means removing the text entirely is the best revision — often used for redundancy or unnecessary information.
The ACT Writing test is scored by how many human raters?
- A. Two raters, each scoring 1–6 across four domains
- B. One rater giving a single holistic score
- C. Three raters averaging their scores
- D. A computer algorithm scoring grammar only
Answer: A. Two raters, each scoring 1–6 across four domains
Two trained raters each score the essay on four domains (Ideas & Analysis, Development & Support, Organization, Language Use & Conventions) on a 1–6 scale. Scores are combined for a total out of 12 per domain.
Take the full ACT practice test
📘 What is the ACT test used for?
The ACT is a standardized college admissions exam accepted by nearly all four-year U.S. colleges and universities. It measures academic readiness in English, Mathematics, and Reading, with optional Science and Writing sections. Scores help colleges compare applicants on a common scale.
START ACT PRACTICE TEST🔢 How many questions are on the ACT?
The core ACT has 131 multiple-choice questions: English (50), Mathematics (45), and Reading (36). The optional Science section adds 40 questions, and the optional Writing test adds one essay. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so you should answer every question.
START ACT GENERAL TEST📈 What is a good ACT score?
The ACT composite runs from 1 to 36, the rounded average of English, Math, and Reading. The national average was about 19.4 for the 2024 class. A 24 or higher is competitive for most four-year colleges, and 30+ is typical for highly selective schools.
START ACT PRACTICE TEST📝 How is the ACT English section tested?
ACT English gives you 50 questions in 35 minutes covering punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills within passages. You correct errors and improve clarity, organization, and style. Mastering comma rules, clauses, and author strategy is the fastest way to raise your English subscore.
START ACT ENGLISH TEST➗ What math is on the ACT?
ACT Math has 45 questions in 50 minutes covering pre-algebra, elementary and intermediate algebra, coordinate and plane geometry, trigonometry, and functions. A calculator is permitted throughout. Practising algebra, functions, and trigonometry problems builds the speed you need to finish the section in time.
START ACT MATH TEST📖 How does ACT Reading work?
ACT Reading gives you 36 questions in 40 minutes across passages in prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science. Questions test main ideas, details, inferences, and author’s purpose. Skimming for structure first, then locating evidence, helps you answer accurately under the tight time limit.
START ACT READING TEST🔬 Is the ACT Science section optional?
Yes. Under the enhanced ACT, Science is an optional 40-question section testing data interpretation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints rather than memorized facts. If you take it, Science combines with Math into a STEM score. Many STEM-focused programs still value a strong Science result.
START ACT SCIENCE TEST✍️ What is the ACT Writing test?
The ACT Writing test is one optional essay completed in 40 minutes. You analyze multiple perspectives on an issue and develop your own argument with evidence. It is scored from 2 to 12 and reported separately from your composite. Check whether your target colleges require or recommend it.
START ACT WRITING TEST🔁 How many times can you take the ACT?
You can take the ACT as often as you like, though ACT Inc. recommends no more than 12 times. Most students test two to three times. ACT automatically builds a Superscore from your highest English, Math, and Reading scores across dates, so retaking can lift your reported composite.
START ACT PRACTICE TEST⚖️ Should I take the ACT or the SAT?
Both exams are accepted everywhere, so choose the format that fits your strengths. The ACT offers an optional Science section and rewards speed and content recall, while the SAT emphasizes evidence-based reading and reasoning. Taking a full-length practice test of each is the best way to decide.
START ACT PRACTICE TESTACT Questions and Answers
Disclaimer: This practice test is for educational and preparatory purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ACT, Inc., the official administrator of the ACT exam. For official ACT registration, testing dates, and score reporting, please visit the official ACT website at act.org.
Official Resources
- ACT (act.org) — the official website of ACT Inc., the nonprofit that develops and administers the ACT exam, where you register and view your scores.
- About the ACT Test — the official overview of the exam’s sections, format, and testing options.
- Understanding Your ACT Scores — the official guide to how the 1–36 composite and section scores are calculated and reported.
Sources & last verified
- ACT, Inc. — number of questions, time limit (official source). “English 50 (40 scored) 35 Grammar, usage, and rhetorical skills” Verified Oct 29, 2026 · source checked Oct 29, 2026.
- ACT, Inc. — passing score (official source). “The highest possible ACT score is 36 . This is both the maximum composite score and the maximum score for each individual section (English, Math,…” Verified Oct 29, 2026 · source checked Oct 29, 2026.
- ACT, Inc. — exam fee (official source). “Change Fee $49.00 Includes making a Test Form Change, Test Day Change, or Test Center Change.” Verified Oct 28, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.
- ACT, Inc. — retake policy (official source). “There is no limit to how many times students can take the ACT test. On average it takes students 2-3 times to achieve their testing…” Verified Oct 29, 2026 · source checked Oct 29, 2026.
- ACT, Inc. — validity (official source). “Send scores from test events September 2011 to current, plus your Superscore. Scores are delivered to valid college code recipients. Note: writing scores prior to…” Verified Oct 29, 2026 · source checked Oct 29, 2026.
- ACT, Inc. — registration deadline, late registration deadline, next exam date, score release (official source). “December 12, 2026 November 6 November 29 December 7 December 22” Verified Oct 29, 2026 · source checked Oct 29, 2026.
- ACT, Inc. — delivery (official source). “If you select “Computer” during test registration , you will be able to find test centers that are offering the online ACT test. You may…” Verified Oct 29, 2026 · source checked Oct 29, 2026.
- ACT, Inc. — other (official source). “act english test” Verified Oct 29, 2026.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- act.org — Passing score, test delivery, score validity, exam format, time limit, retake policy, exam dates, late registration, registration deadline, score release · verified Oct 2026