How to register for the ACT exam 2024?

Registration for the ACT exams 2024 can be done both online and offline. Online registration is done through the official website of ACT, while offline registration is done through the mail.

In this guide, we will explain how you can register for the ACT exam 2024, the registration fee, and other costs associated with the ACT exam 2024.

ACT Test Registration

The students can register for the ACT exam 2024 in 3 ways.

1. Online registration
2. Offline or mail registration
3. Standby testing registration

1. Online Registration

Online registration for ACT Exam 2024 is a pretty straightforward process. It takes about 30 minutes for online ACT test registration. All you need is a computer with internet, payment method, and high school course details. Here is the step-by-step guide to online ACT test registration.

Accumulate all the necessary documents

The first step in online registration for ACT 2024 is to gather all the required certifications or documents like school grades, a digital headshot, a credit card, etc. You can register for ACT 2024 online using a PC or laptop, as online registration through mobile is not permitted in India. So log in to your PC or laptop using a solid internet connection.

Create your MyACT account

Visit the official website of ACT and create a MyACT account if you are a first-time user. The MyACT account allows the candidates to register for the ACT exam and send or view test scores. After creating an account, you'll need to verify your details via email or text.

Visit your ACT dashboard for registration

Go to your ACT dashboard and click on the Register for the ACT button. A popup will open, Welcoming you to the ACT registration. It states all the things you need for ACT registration. After reading all the requirements, click on Begin Registering.

Select test location

The next step after you begin registering is to select the test location. Select the ACT test location, whether you will be testing in the US or outside the US. Since you will be testing in India, select outside the US. After selecting the country, select whether you need accommodation or not. If you don't  have any medical or health needs, select No.

Select test option

After selecting the test location, select your test option whether you want to opt for writing or not. The writing test does not affect a candidate's composite score, but no English Language Arts (ELA) score will be reported without a writing test score.

Select test center and date

Now, select the country where you want to take the test and enter your city. ACT will show all the test centers in your preferred city; select the one convenient to you. After selecting the test center, choose the test date from the available dates. Select the most appropriate test date and click on Add to Cart.

Enter your personal & demographic information

In this step, enter your personal and demographic information like gender, indicate your race, first language, best language, highest education level, highest education level of your parent, etc. After filling in all this information, opt for Educational Opportunity Service (EOS), a free voluntary program to connect with colleges, scholarship agencies, and other educational opportunities.

Specify your college and score preferences

ACT asks you to select up to four colleges and universities to send your ACT test scores. The cost of sending the ACT scores to the four colleges is covered in the registration fee.

Submit Payment

Before making the payment, you will be asked to check all the information carefully and confirm it. Once you confirm the details, you can pay the ACT exam fees via credit card, debit card, or net banking. The fee for ACT Exam is $171.50. However, if you have opted for the writing test, then the fee is $196.50.  There are additional charges for late registration, changes in test dates, etc.

Upload your photograph

ACT asks you to provide a recent photo of yourself for identification and test security purposes to complete your registration. The photo will be printed on your ticket and on the score report, so you are required to upload the photo before the test date deadline to avoid cancellation of registration or being denied entry to the test.

2. Offline or Mail Registration

ACT provides the option of registration through the mail for US candidates. However, if the candidate resides outside the US, he can only register through the online process. The ACT requires candidates below 13 years of age or if the candidate cannot pay for their registration via credit card, to register by mail. Here is the step-by-step guide to ACT test registration through the mail.

1. Avail of the mail from your college or school guidance's office. You can also request the mail packet from the official website of ACT.
2. Fill out all the required information like name, address, career interests, etc. Choose the test date and center and affix your printed photo with the registration packet.
3. Mail the completed paperwork before the deadline of the registration. It takes 7-10 days to complete the delivery, so submit two weeks before the deadline to avoid late registration fees.

3. Standby Testing Registration

Standby testing provides a non-guaranteed opportunity to test if any candidate misses the last date to register for the ACT test. However, this option is available for a limited period after the late deadline, and the candidate must meet other registration requirements like photo upload.

Standby testing is provided by test centers on a first-come, first-admitted basis. Here is the step-by-step guide to registering for Standby testing.

1. Log in to your ACT account. The standby request period ends seven days before the test date and has extra charges.
2. Choose the test center. A large testing center would give the candidate a greater chance of being admitted as it has more room or capacity.
3. Reach the test center early. Standby testing spots are given on a first-come, first-serve basis. ACT will refund the standby registration fees if the candidate is not admitted.

ACT Test Centers

The ACT Exams are held several times a year at numerous places across India. Here is the list of the ACT test centers in India.

ACT Test Registration Fees

The fee for ACT Exam is $176.50 without the writing test. With the writing test, the fee is $201.50. All fees are non-refundable and inclusive of all taxes.

Also Read: ACT Results & Score Chart

ACT Test Registration Changes

ACT allows the candidates to make changes to their registration through the MyACT web account. The changes that the candidates can make are

• adding or removing the writing test
• changing the test date
• changing the test location
• updating the personal information
• updating the preferred college choices
• requesting extra score reports
• changing the high school code

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I take the ACT exam?

You can take the ACT exam up to 12 times if you are not satisfied with your results, but generally, most students take the ACT exams no more than 2-3 times.

What is the fee for the ACT exam?

The fee for ACT exam is $171.50. However, if you want to opt for the writing test, then the fee is $196.50. All fees are non-refundable and inclusive of all taxes.

How can I register for the ACT exam 2024?

You can register for the ACT exam 2024 in 3 ways. These are via online registration (through the MyACT account), offline or mail registration, and standby testing registration.

Is it necessary to upload my photo for the ACT exam?

You must provide a recent photo of yourself for identification and test security purposes to complete your registration. The photo will be printed on your ticket and on the score report, so you are required to upload the photo before the test date deadline to avoid cancellation of registration or being denied entry to the test.

Are there any charges for the test date or center change?

Yes, there are additional charges of $40 for changes in the test date or center.