Bring your printed admission ticket, an acceptable photo ID, sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers, and an approved calculator. A watch (with no alarm) and snacks for the break are smart extras. Leave your phone and anything electronic at home or in your bag. Packing the night before means one less thing to stress about on test-day morning.
What to bring
- Your admission ticket. Print it from your MyACT account once your photo is approved. It has key information for test day, including your login details if you are testing online.
- Acceptable photo ID.You need a valid, current photo ID to enter the test center. Check ACT's ID requirements ahead of time so there are no surprises at the door.
- Sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers. Bring several. No pens and no mechanical pencils are allowed.
- A permitted calculator. It is optional and only for the Math section, but most students want one. Make sure yours is on the approved list. See what calculator to use on the ACT.
- A watch for pacing (optional). It must be silent with no alarm and stay on your desk. A simple analog watch helps you track time without relying on a wall clock.
- Snacks and water for the break. Keep them in your bag for use during the break, outside the testing room. A little fuel keeps your energy up.
- Your device and charger, if testing BYOD. If you registered for bring-your-own-device online testing, bring a fully charged laptop and its charger, set up in advance.
What to leave at home (or in your bag)
The prohibited list is strict, and having a banned item out can get your scores canceled, so take it seriously:
- Phones, smartwatches, fitness bands, and any other electronic devices.
- Highlighters, colored pens, and correction fluid or tape.
- Textbooks, notes, scratch paper, and dictionaries (except an approved bilingual dictionary if you have one).
- Books, magazines, and other reading material.
If you bring a phone, silence it completely and store it where the test center directs. Do not even glance at it during the test or breaks.
What test day actually looks like
Plan to arrive early, well before the reporting time on your ticket, so you are not rushing. Staff will check your ID and ticket, assign you a seat, and read instructions before testing begins. You will work through the sections in order with a break partway through. During that break, use the time well: eat your snack, hydrate, stretch, and reset. Do not compare answers with other students; it only rattles your nerves. For the mental side, see how to manage ACT test-day anxiety.
The night before
Do not cram. Lay out everything on this list, set a couple of alarms, and get real sleep. Our guide on what to do the night before the ACT walks through a calm routine, and what to do the week before the ACT helps you taper so you arrive fresh.
The bottom line
Ticket, ID, pencils, and a calculator are the essentials; a watch and snacks make the day smoother; phones and electronics stay away. Pack the night before, arrive early, and you can walk in focused on the one thing that matters, doing your best on the test.
Start practicing
Start with a free diagnostic, then drill your weak spots with 15-question quizzes and track how you're doing across Reading, English, and Math. Compare plans whenever you're ready to go further.
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.