Understanding official testing timelines is important for every high school student planning to attend college. This can help students searching for “when is the next ACT date? Knowing this can influence study pacing, school submissions, scholarship deadlines, and even course scheduling. Skipping a test date can be anxiety-inducing for most students. This is why learning about the next ACT test date will help students and families to make an informed choice before the deadline arrives.
This is especially helpful for students in 2025–2026, where test format and timing continue to evolve. Continue reading the following if you are also going to take the ACT.
Keep in mind that the July test does not include scheduled test centers in New York. This schedule shows the major national Saturdays when the exam is held in the US. Students can use their ACT account to register, and they should aim to sign up by the regular deadline to avoid extra fees.
Key ACT Test Dates for 2026
Just like other standardized tests, ACT administers multiple test dates annually. However, these national dates feature a consistent pattern with registration windows that open months in advance and strict deadlines. Take a look at the following table featuring the main dates for ACT in 2026.Official 2026 National ACT Test Dates
| Test Date | Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Score Release Window |
| February 14, 2026 | January 9, 2026 | January 27, 2026 | Early March 2026 |
| April 11, 2026 | March 6, 2026 | March 24, 2026 | Late April 2026 |
| June 13, 2026 | May 8, 2026 | May 29, 2026 | Late June 2026 |
| July 11, 2026 | June 5, 2026 | June 24, 2026 | Late July 2026 |
Understanding Registration Deadlines and Late Fees
When registering for the ACT, you will have to understand whether this registration is late or crossed the deadline.Regular vs. Late Registration
Each ACT test date comes with deadlines:- Regular registration ends about five weeks before the test.
- Late registration allows additional time (and a fee) but should be avoided if possible.
Why Deadlines Matter
Deadlines impact:- Test day assignments
- Test center availability
- Accommodations requests
- Score reporting timelines
Upcoming ACT Test Dates Beyond Summer 2026
For students planning further, especially those applying early decision or scheduling for fall deadlines, knowing the next rounds of testing is crucial.2026–2027 National Test Dates
After July 2026, additional dates include:- September 19, 2026
- October 17, 2026
- December 12, 2026
- February 27, 2027
- April 10, 2027
- June 12, 2027
- July 10, 2027
International ACT Test Dates
Students outside the U.S usually feature a slightly different calendar. Intonation test dates for 2025-2026 include:- September 5–6, 2025
- October 17–18, 2025
- December 12–13, 2025
- February 6–7, 2026
- April 10–11, 2026
- June 12–13, 2026
- July 10–11, 2026
How to Choose Your Next ACT Test Date
Selecting an ACT test date should focus on:- College and scholarship deadlines
- Academic schedule peaks and valleys
- Score release timelines
- Personal readiness levels
Strategic Planning Tips To Choose ACT Test Dates
Here is how you can choose the right ACT test dates:- Start Early:
- Allow Retakes:
- Account for Scores:
- Peak Preparation Window:
Special Considerations For School and District Testing
Some schools organize the ACT during school hours through the district testing windows that do not match national dates. These tests are arranged with local counseling offices and usually require early planning of registration and score reporting. They are especially great when aligned with school calendars. It is recommended to talk to your counselors to confirm whether district testing is an option. Then learn how it fits relative to the official national ACT test dates.Your success story begins with us!
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