Short answer: the remaining 2026-27 national ACT test dates are December 12, 2026, February 27, 2027, April 10, 2027, June 12, 2027 and July 10, 2027. ACT gives the test 7 times a year in the US. The next regular registration deadline is November 6, 2026, for the December test.
ACT test dates and deadlines for 2026-2027
| Test date | Regular deadline | Late deadline | Initial score release (paper) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 19, 2026 | August 14 | September 1 | October 6 |
| October 17, 2026 | September 11 | September 29 | October 27 |
| December 12, 2026 | November 6 | November 29 | December 22 |
| February 27, 2027 | January 22 | February 9 | March 16 |
| April 10, 2027 | March 5 | March 23 | April 20 |
| June 12, 2027 | May 7 | May 25 | June 23 |
| July 10, 2027 | June 4 | June 22 | July 20 |
The September 19 and October 17, 2026 tests have already passed. Deadlines end at 11:59 pm Central Time. After the regular deadline, ACT adds a late fee. After the late deadline, you can still request standby testing in MyACT, but ACT does not guarantee a seat.
When will I get my ACT scores?
ACT says it releases over 97% of scores within about 2 to 4 weeks of the test date. The table shows ACT's initial release date for paper tests. You see your scores in your MyACT account once they post.
Projected ACT dates for 2027-2028
ACT lists these projected national dates: September 11, 2027; October 16, 2027; December 11, 2027; February 26, 2028; April 8, 2028; June 10, 2028; and July 15, 2028. ACT says projected dates can change, so check again before you plan around one.
How to pick your ACT test date
- Work back from your earliest college deadline. Leave time for scores to post and for a retest if you want one.
- Register before the regular deadline so you skip the late fee. See ACT Registration: How to Sign Up, Fees and Deadlines for the steps and costs.
- If you miss a test, you can request a test date change in MyACT by the regular deadline for the new date. A change fee applies.
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Related ACT guides
Sources
- ACT, ACT Exam Test Dates and Deadlines (accessed October 31, 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the ACT test dates for 2026-2027?
ACT's 2026-27 national test dates are September 19, 2026, October 17, 2026, December 12, 2026, February 27, 2027, April 10, 2027, June 12, 2027 and July 10, 2027. The September and October tests have passed. ACT offers national Saturday testing 7 times a year in the US, US territories and Puerto Rico.
What is the deadline for the December 2026 ACT?
The regular registration deadline for the December 12, 2026 ACT is November 6. The late deadline is November 29, and ACT charges a late fee after November 6. The photo upload and standby deadline is December 7. ACT's initial paper score release for this test is December 22. Deadlines end at 11:59 pm Central Time.
How many times a year is the ACT given?
ACT gives national Saturday testing 7 times a year. For 2026-27, the months are September, October, December, February, April, June and July. ACT says July testing will be available to students in New York starting in 2027. If you cannot test on a Saturday for religious reasons, ACT may offer a non-Saturday date.
When do ACT scores come out?
ACT says it releases over 97% of scores within about 2 to 4 weeks after the test date. ACT also publishes an initial score release date for each test. For example, the initial paper score release for the December 12, 2026 test is December 22. You can see your scores in your MyACT account once they post.
What are the ACT test dates for 2027-2028?
ACT's projected 2027-28 national dates are September 11, 2027, October 16, 2027, December 11, 2027, February 26, 2028, April 8, 2028, June 10, 2028 and July 15, 2028. ACT says projected dates are subject to change, so confirm the date on ACT's site before you register or build a study plan around it.