ACT Registration 2025: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the Exam

Latest Update: 

• The final deadline for standby registration for the ACT exam on April 5, 2025, is March 28, 2025.
• For the next session on June 14, 2025, the regular registration deadline will close on May 9, 2025. Standby registration will be available until June 6, 2025.

Every year, about 1.4 million students in the U.S. take the ACT as part of their college admissions process. Since this exam is a major factor in your college admissions and scholarship opportunities, it’s crucial to register early. Doing so ensures you can secure your preferred test center, avoid late fees, and have sufficient time to prepare effectively.

This blog will guide you through the ACT registration process, covering everything from deadlines and registration methods to fees. You’ll also find tips to help you avoid common mistakes, making sure your registration goes smoothly as you get ready for the exam.

ACT Registration 2025: Step-by-Step Guide for Online & Offline Process

Timely ACT registration ensures you get your preferred test center, avoid errors in personal details, and prevent extra fees. Proper registration also guarantees that your admission ticket is issued and your scores are sent to the right colleges. 

You can register for the ACT exam either online through the official website or by mail using a paper registration form. If you miss the regular registration deadline, standby testing is an option, provided seats are available. Additionally, for those requiring special accommodations, the ACT offers a dedicated process to request necessary adjustments.

ACT registration can be done online or offline. Let's first go through the step-by-step process for online registration.

Online Registration

To register online, just create an ACT account and choose the "Register for Exam" option. Then, fill in your details (like whether you want the ACT with or without writing) and pick your test date and center. 

Next, upload your photo, select up to 4 colleges to receive your scores for free, and complete your payment. You can download your admission ticket before the exam day.

Here are the steps for ACT registration through online mode:

• Step 1: Create a MyACT Account
  • Go to the ACT registration page and click “Sign In”.
  • If you don’t have an account, select "Create an Account", then put your personal details (name, email, etc.).
  • Activate your ACT account using the email sent to you.

• Step 2: Log In and Begin Registration
  • Log in using the credentials. On the dashboard, click "Register for the ACT".
  • Select Test Type: Choose whether you want the ACT with or without Writing. Check if it’s required for your intended schools.
  • Pick Test Date & Center: Choose your preferred test date and location.

• Step 3: Complete Personal Information
  • Confirm your details (personal info, school code, etc.). Re-check for accuracy.
  • Upload Photo: Upload a recent, passport-style photo that meets ACT’s guidelines. Make sure the photo is in passport format. Avoid photos with eyewear, headgear or blurry backgrounds.

• Step 4: Review and Pay
  • Review your details and test options.
  • Select Colleges: Select up to 4 colleges to receive your ACT scores for free (optional). Additional score reports require an extra fee.
  • Pay the Fee: Complete payment for the test, $65 (INR 5.5K) without Writing, $90 (INR 7.7K) with writing via credit. If you face issues with payment, try using a different web browser or device to complete the payment.

• Step 5: Print Admission Ticket
  • Once you’ve completed the payment, download and print your admission ticket. You must bring a physical copy of this ticket on test day.

Note: If you’re below 16 years of age, you need parental consent before signing up.

You can also register for the ACT exam offline by mail. Let’s explore the steps involved in registering through this method.

Offline Registration

Offline registration requires a paper registration packet, which you can obtain from your school or the official ACT website. Fill out the form with the required details, attach a money order for the exam fee, and include your recent photograph. 

Mail these documents to the ACT processing center using the address provided in the registration packet. Once processed, you'll receive your admission ticket by mail.

Here’s how you can perform ACT registration offline:

• Step 1: Obtain an ACT Registration Packet
  • Request a paper registration packet from your high school counselor, or download it from the official ACT website.
• Step 2: Complete the Registration Form
  • Fill in Your Personal Information: Carefully complete the form with accurate personal details (name, address, date of birth, etc.).
  • Select Test Date & Location: Choose your preferred test date and test center location.
  • Choose Test Type: Indicate whether you want to take the ACT with or without writing.
• Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
  • Payment: Include a check or money order for the test fee (no cash). The standard fee is $65 (INR 5.5K) for the ACT without writing and $90 (INR 7.7K) for the ACT with writing. Additional fees like late registration of $38 (INR 3.2K) need to be paid.
  • Photo: Attach a recent, passport-style photo (same guidelines as online registration).
• Step 4: Mail Your Registration

Send the completed registration form, payment, and photo to the ACT Processing Center. The address will be given in the registration packet.

• Step 5: Receive Admission Ticket

Once processed, you’ll receive your ACT admission ticket by mail (7-10 days after processing time). This is necessary to attend the test.

If you've missed the regular registration deadline, you can opt for standby registration.

Standby Registration

Standby registration allows you to take the ACT even if you've missed the regular registration deadline. It becomes available after the regular registration deadline, typically around one to two weeks before the test, to 8 days before the test. The number of slots varies, depending on the capacity of centres. 

You’ll need to pay a standby fee of $69 (INR 5.9K). Before proceeding, confirm that there are available seats and test centers for standby registration.

Below are the steps for standby registration:

• Step 1: Check Standby Availability
  Before proceeding, confirm if there are available test centers and seats for standby registration. Check the ACT website or contact ACT customer support.
• Step 2: Submit Standby Request
  Submit your request for standby registration either online or by calling ACT Customer Service. This should be done before the late registration deadline, which is about a week before the test.
• Step 3: Pay Standby Fee
  If your standby request is accepted, you will need to pay the standby fee of $69 (INR 5.9K), in addition to the regular test fee, $65 (INR 5.5K) without writing or $90 (INR 7.7K) for Writing.
• Step 4: Wait for Confirmation
  Once your standby registration is processed, you will receive confirmation along with your test details. 

If no seats are assigned, your standby registration will be canceled, and you’ll receive a refund only for the standby testing fee and not regular fee. Standby confirmation will be obtained 3-4 days before the test through email.

If you are a student with a disability, ACT provides accommodation in the form of additional time and assistive technology. Let’s look at them in detail.

Special Testing

ACT provides accommodations for students with disabilities, including extended time, additional breaks, and alternate test formats (e.g., Braille). You can also avail assistive technology like speech-to-text software and screen readers. 

To request accommodations, you must submit documentation through ACT’s Test Accessibility and Accommodations System (TAA) by the late registration deadline. If your request is denied, you can appeal within a specific timeframe. Check the ACT website for exact appeal deadlines and required documents.

Below are the ACT registration steps for special testing:

• Step 1: Request Accommodations
  Accommodation approval can take up to 7 weeks, so contacting ACT well in advance before registration ensures you don’t miss deadlines. This also gives time for any additional requests or clarifications needed by ACT.
• Step 2: Submit Documentation
  Include a formal diagnosis, previous accommodations used in school, and recommendations for specific accommodations. The request must be submitted at least 7 weeks before the test date.
• Step 3: Review Approval
  If the accommodations are denied, you may appeal the decision. Make sure to submit any additional information or clarifications ACT may request to support your case.
• Step 4: Register with Approved Accommodations
  Once approved, make sure to register using the same account and ensure your accommodations are listed on your registration form. Double-check that everything is in place to avoid delays on test day.

The following documents are required for accommodations:

• Diagnostic Evaluation Reports: Detailed assessments by qualified professionals within the past three years, outlining the nature of your disability. It must show impact on major life activities and suggested accommodations.​
• Educational Plans: Current Individualized Education Programs (IEP) or 504 Plans that specify the accommodations you've received in your educational setting.​
• Consent Forms: Signed "Consent to Release Information to ACT" form, permitting ACT to access your documentation and communicate with relevant parties

After exploring the steps for ACT registration through both online and offline methods, let’s take a look at the requirements for registration.

ACT Registration Requirements and Important Guidelines for 2025

The ACT is designed for high school students aiming to study in U.S. colleges. While there is no minimum age limit, most test-takers are between 16 and 18 years old.

There is no restriction on the number of attempts, and you can take the exam as many times as needed. While there are no specific academic requirements, strong skills in English, Math, and Science are important for success.

To complete your ACT registration, you'll need to provide a passport-style photograph and payment details.

The exam fee for 2025 is:

• $65 (INR 5.5K) for the ACT without Writing
• $90 (INR 7.5K) for the ACT with Writing
• Late registration fee: $38 (INR 3.2K)

Below are the eligibility criteria and fee structure for ACT 2025.

Eligibility Criteria for ACT 2025

The ACT eligibility criteria are not strict. There is no minimum age limit to apply, nor is there a limit on the number of attempts. While no specific educational background is required, knowledge of English, Math, and Science can be beneficial.

Here are the eligibility criteria for ACT registration 2025:

Also Read: ACT exam syllabus: Pattern and Tips to Prepare!

To apply for the ACT, you need to provide documents such as a photograph and full personal information, including your date of birth and address. Let’s check them out in detail.

Required Documents & Information for ACT Registration (2025)

To register for the ACT, you'll need a passport-style photograph, personal details (such as your full name and date of birth), and payment information. Ensuring you have these ready will make the registration process smoother.

Here are the documents and information required for ACT registration 2025:

After your details are entered, you need to confirm your registration by paying the ACT test fee. Let’s take a look at them.

ACT Registration Fees: Cost Breakdown and Optional Add-Ons

After completing your registration details and uploading the required documents, the final step is paying the applicable fees. The basic ACT test fee is $65 (INR 5.5K). If you choose to include the writing section, the fee increases to $90 (INR 7.7K). Additionally, the optional science add-on costs $4 (INR 342).

Below are the ACT registration fees:

Note: Taking the ACT without the science section is available with online testing during the April, June, and July 2025 test dates. For paper-based testing, science is considered part of the exam.

If you’re a candidate belonging to a low-income household, you can apply for a fee waiver. Here’s how you can apply:

• Step 1: Verify Eligibility
  Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, such as being a low-income student or participating in the free/reduced-price lunch program.
• Step 2: Access the Fee Waiver Application Online
  If eligible, you can apply for the fee waiver through school counsellors. You’ll need to provide the necessary information, and the ACT will automatically apply the waiver if you meet the criteria.
• Step 3: Submit the Application
  Complete the required fields during registration. If you qualify, the waiver will be applied to your test fee for up to two ACT exams.
• Step 4: Use the Waiver Code
  Once approved, you will receive a fee waiver code, which can be used when registering for your ACT exams.

Note: The fee waiver covers the standard test fee for up to two ACT exams but does not apply to optional services, such as score reports or late registration.

In case you miss the registration deadline, you can still register by paying additional fees, such as the late registration fee or standby fee.

Additional Fees for ACT 

ACT allows you to register after the deadline by paying additional fees for late registration ($38) and standby testing ($69). If you need to make changes to your exam date or test center, you can do so by paying a change fee ($44). There are also specific fees for additional score reports and score verification.

Below are the additional fees for ACT registration:

After reviewing the registration requirements and fee structure, let's now examine the upcoming ACT exam dates and available test centers in India.

ACT Registration 2025: Deadlines and Exam Centres

Each ACT exam date has three key deadlines: regular registration, late registration (with an additional fee), and standby registration. To avoid extra charges, it’s best to register before the regular deadline.

The upcoming exam is on April 5, 2025, and its registration deadline has already passed (no longer available). The next test date is June 14, 2025, with the regular registration deadline on May 9th.

Here are the ACT registration deadlines for the upcoming sessions:

The exams are conducted all over the world, including 17+ cities in India. Here are some cities where the ACT exam 2025 will be conducted:

• New Delhi
• Mumbai
• Chennai
• Bangalore
• Kolkata
• Pune
• Ahmadabad
• Jaipur
• Hyderabad
• Chandigarh
• Lucknow
• Bhubaneshwar

Also Read: A list of ACT Test Centres in India & Test Dates in 2024-25

Need to change your ACT test date, center, or format? You can update your registration through the ACT portal, but some changes come with additional fees. Here’s what you can modify and how to do it.

How to Modify ACT Registration?

If you want to update your exam date, center, or mode (online), you can do so through the ACT portal. Here’s what you can change:

• Test Center: You can change your test center for the same test date if seats and materials are available. This change must be made before the late registration deadline, and requests for test center changes cannot be made after this deadline. 
• Test Date: You can switch to a different test date if you’re unable to attend or if your registration is canceled. The ACT Fee Waiver will be reapplied to the new test date for the test fee, but you’ll still need to pay the change fee. There is no official limit on the number of times changes can be made.
• Test Option: You can add the writing section or switch between paper and online testing before the late registration deadline. Starting in April 2025, online test-takers will have the option to include or exclude the science section, offering greater flexibility.

You can make changes through the following steps:

• Step 1: Log in to Your MyACT Account
  • Visit the ACT website and click "Sign In" at the top of the page.
  • Log in using the username and password you created during registration.
• Step 2: Select the Change Option

Once logged in, go to 'Manage My Tests' or 'View/Modify My Registration' on your dashboard. Then select the type of change you need to make:

• Test Center Change: If you need to modify your test center for the same test date.
• Test Date Change: If you need to switch to a different test date.
• Test Option Change: If you want to add the writing section, change between paper or online testing, or take the optional science test online (if applicable).
• Step 3: Verify Availability

Before confirming your changes, check availability:

• Test Center Change: Seats must be available at the new test center. If full, consider standby testing.
• Test Date Change: The new date must have open spots. If using a fee waiver, it transfers, but additional costs may still apply.
• Step 4: Pay for Changes (If Applicable)
  • Pay any applicable fees for the changes (e.g., test date change, adding the writing section).
  • If you use a fee waiver, it will be applied to the test fee or late fee, but you may still need to pay a change fee.
• Step 5: Confirm Changes
  • Review all updated registration details carefully, then click 'Submit' to confirm your changes. 
  • You’ll receive a confirmation email with your revised admission ticket.
• Step 6: Print Updated Admission Ticket

Download and print your updated admission ticket. You must bring a hard copy to the test center. Digital versions will not be accepted.

While registering for the ACT, you may make mistakes like selecting the wrong date or failing to verify personal information, leading to complications on exam day. Let’s take a look at some common mistakes to avoid.

Mistakes to Avoid During ACT Registration

Mistakes during registration can lead to the rejection of your application, complications with score reporting to colleges, or unnecessary costs if you’re unable to attend. These mistakes can include failing to plan exam dates, submitting improper documents or information, and forgetting to select colleges for score reporting.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid during ACT registration 2025:

• Ignoring Registration Deadlines
  Missing the ACT registration deadline means paying extra fees or even losing your chance to take the test on your preferred date. 

Suggestion: Check the official ACT website for deadlines at least two months in advance. Set up multiple reminders, one a month before, another two weeks before, and a final one just before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

• Not Double-Checking Test Center Availability
  Some test centers fill up quickly, especially in cities like Bangalore or around high-demand test dates. 

Suggestion: Visit the ACT website during registration to see the list of available centers and dates. If your first choice is unavailable, have backup locations in mind. Register early to secure a spot at your preferred center.

• Choosing the Wrong Test Date
  Some students select a test date that conflicts with other commitments (e.g., school exams, extracurriculars, or vacation plans). 

Suggestion: Plan your test date 4-5 months in advance. Review your academic calendar, extracurricular schedule, and personal plans to ensure the test date doesn’t overlap with any major commitments. 

• Not Verifying Personal Information
  Errors in personal details (e.g., name, birth date) can cause issues during score reporting or ID verification at the test center. 

Suggestion: Carefully verify your name, address, date of birth, and school information. Make sure all details match your government ID documents exactly to avoid complications on test day.

• Failing to Upload a Proper Photo
  Your ACT admission ticket requires a clear, passport-style photo. A photo that doesn’t meet ACT guidelines can lead to rejection at the test center. 

Suggestion: Follow ACT’s photo guidelines closely—no hats, glasses, or distractions in the photo. Use a plain background and ensure the photo is recent and clear.

• Overlooking the ACT Writing Section

Some colleges need the ACT Writing section, while others don’t. Choosing the wrong option could result in unnecessary costs. 

Suggestion: Before registering, check the specific requirements of the colleges you’re applying to using tools like the ACT College Search. If the Writing section is required, select the appropriate test option when registering.

• Forgetting to Select College Score Reports

The first four score reports are free, but many students forget to choose which schools to send their scores to. 

Suggestion: During registration, make sure to select up to four colleges for free score reporting. If you don’t know which schools to choose yet, select the most likely options to save on future costs. For sending scores later, you may need to spend $19 (INR 1.6K) for each additional score.

Avoiding these common ACT registration mistakes will save you time, money, and stress, ensuring a smooth test-day experience. Now that your registration is secure, let’s understand how upGrad can help you score high.

How Can upGrad Help You Prepare for ACT 2025?

The ACT exam, covering critical sections like English, Science, and Math, is used by many universities to assess academic readiness. A strong performance can strengthen your application, especially for competitive schools. 

upGrad offers expert guidance and tailored strategies for each section, helping you master the exam and improve your chances of admission to top-tier universities in ACT 2025.

Here’s how upGrad can help:

• Study Materials: Access free PDFs, articles, and practice materials covering ACT English, Reading, Math, Science, and the optional Writing test. 
• Exam Pattern and Syllabus Information: Detailed insights into the ACT exam structure and syllabus to help you understand the test format and content areas. ​
• Preparation Tips: Guidance on effective study strategies and tips for each ACT section to improve your preparation. Suggestions include practicing with official ACT model tests to familiarize yourself with the test format for the reading section.
• Study Abroad Counseling: upGrad provides free one-on-one counseling sessions with experienced advisors. These sessions offer personalized guidance on program selection, university options, and the application process.
• Scholarship Assistance: upGrad provides information and support regarding scholarships, helping students explore financial aid opportunities for their studies abroad.

Struggling with how to register for the ACT exam? upGrad’s free one-on-one counseling can guide you through the registration process and help you choose the right test center. Get expert advice on selecting the best resources to prepare effectively for the exam!

Similar Reads:

• ACT Writing Test-Overview, Syllabus, and More
• Act Reading Test- Overview, Syllabus, and More
• ACT Math Tips for Aspirants
• What is an ACT score? Your Guide
• ACT Tips For Better Grades and a Better Chance to Reach Your Dream College