The ACT is offered on national Saturday test dates several times a year, with regular registration deadlines about five weeks before each date and score releases typically starting around two weeks after you test. The exact calendar shifts every year, so use the pattern below to plan, then confirm the current year's dates and deadlines on act.org before you register.
When the ACT is typically offered
Nationally, the ACT runs on Saturdays spread across the school year and summer. You can usually expect dates in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July, though not every month has a sitting every year and some dates may be online-only or limited by format. That spacing gives you room to test in the fall, retake in the spring, and squeeze in one more attempt before senior-year deadlines if you need it. For how to pick among those options, read when to take the ACT and how to choose a test date.
Registration deadlines: regular vs. late
Each test date has two registration windows. The regular deadline falls roughly five weeks before the test. Register by then to avoid a late fee and to get the best choice of test centers and formats. The late registration deadline is usually about two weeks before the test and costs extra. Seats can fill up before either deadline, so "late" does not mean seats are guaranteed. If you need accommodations, the accommodations request deadline matches the regular registration deadline, so do not wait. Once you know your target date, walk through how to register for the ACT step by step.
Photo upload deadline
Registration is not finished until you upload an approved photo, and ACT sets a separate photo deadline, typically about eight days before the test. Miss it and your registration can be cancelled without a refund. Plan to upload your photo when you register, not the night before the cutoff.
When scores come back
Multiple-choice scores usually begin posting within about two weeks of your test date, though ACT releases them in batches so yours may arrive a few days before or after a friend's. Online test scores often come back faster than paper. If you took the optional Writing section, that score arrives later, typically a couple of weeks after your multiple-choice results. For a fuller breakdown, see how long ACT scores take to come back.
Planning backward from your deadlines
Work backward from your earliest college or scholarship deadline. You want your scores in hand with time to retake if needed, which usually means testing at least two months before that deadline. If you are a senior cutting it close, read your last chance to retake the ACT before deadlines before you pick a date. Popular centers and formats fill up, so once you choose a date that fits your timeline, register early. Miss the regular deadline? See ACT late registration deadlines, fees, and risks.
Where to find the official calendar
Log into MyACT or visit act.org and open the current year's test date table. You will see each national date alongside its regular registration deadline, late registration deadline, photo deadline, and estimated score release window. Bookmark that page and check it again before you register, since ACT can adjust dates or add special administrations.
The bottom line
The ACT follows a predictable rhythm: several Saturday dates across the year, regular registration about five weeks out, late registration about two weeks out, and scores starting around two weeks after test day. The specific dates change every year, so confirm the current table on act.org, register before the regular deadline when you can, and leave enough runway for scores and a retake if your timeline allows.
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This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.