What is the ACT Eligibility Criteria for 2024?

ACT Exam evaluates the student's college preparation looking for admission to the colleges and universities of the US. The conducting body, ACT, has not prescribed any specific eligibility criteria for the ACT. Still, mostly, the students taking the ACT have completed their high school.

In this guide, we will describe the ACT eligibility criteria for 2024 and other requirements for taking the ACT Exam.

ACT Eligibility Criteria 2024

The ACT does not prescribe any specific minimum eligibility for the ACT Exam. Although ACT is a college or university entrance exam, there are no specific educational requirements for grades and courses. As a result, the test is accessible to all students equally regarding ACT eligibility.

Who Can Take the ACT Exam?

As per the ACT guidelines, candidates of all grade levels are eligible to appear in the ACT. Students of 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, high school graduates, and college graduates can all appear in this test.

Is there an age limit for the ACT

Act age limit - All students above 13 years of age can appear for the ACT Exam. However, ACT has no upper age limit for taking the ACT exam.

When to Apply for the ACT Exam

The candidates should apply for the ACT Exam at least two months before the application deadlines of all the preferred colleges. This is because the scores for the multiple choice questions are generally available 2 weeks after the test date, whereas the writing test scores are available 2 weeks after the multiple-choice scores.

Photo Requirements

The candidate must provide a recent photo for identification and test security purposes to complete the registration. The photo will be printed on the entry ticket and score report. The candidates should submit the photo or upload it from the computer or mobile device before the deadline to avoid cancellation of registration or being denied entry to the test.

The candidate should keep the following points in mind regarding the photo requirements.

• The photo must be a clear image against a plain background; it should not be blurry or fuzzy.
• The photo should be a full face and shoulders shot facing the camera.
• The photo should be correctly oriented and have a portrait mode, not landscape.
• The candidate must be facing the camera.
• The candidate must not wear dark glasses.
• The photo cannot be enhanced by using a lens, filter, text, emoji, etc.
• If the candidate is wearing a head cover for religious purposes, he should adjust it to provide a full-face view.
• The photo format must be a JPG, JPEG, PNG, or BMP image file.
• The maximum file size of the photo is 5 MB and must be at least 640 x 480 pixels.
• If the candidate scans the photo, the resulting photo must print as a 2" x 2" image or larger.

Also Read: ACT Results & Score Chart

How to Register for ACT Exam 2024

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

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

Online Registration

Online registration for ACT Exam 2024 is a pretty straightforward process. It takes about 30 minutes for online registration. The candidate needs a computer with internet, payment method, and high school course details. Online registration is done through the official website of ACT. Create a MyACT account and follow the instructions to complete the online registration for ACT Exam 2024.

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.

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. This option is available for a limited period after the late deadline and is provided by test centers on a first-come, first-admitted basis.

Also Read: ACT Results & Score Chart

Points to Remember Regarding ACT Eligibility

• Although the ACT Exam is meant for high school graduates, students in grades 6th - 9th can also take the exam.
• The minimum age for taking the ACT Exam is 13 years.
• There is no upper age limit for appearing in the ACT Exam.
• The candidate must have a valid passport to take the ACT Exam.
• The candidate should book the ACT Exam at least two months before the application deadlines of all the preferred colleges.
• Students below 16 years of age must take their parent's consent to create the MyACT account online for online registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age limit for taking the ACT Exam?

Anyone, more than 13 years of age can take the ACT Exam. ACT has not set any upper age limit for taking the ACT exam.

How often can I take the ACT Exam?

You can take the ACT no more than 12 times and only once per national test date. Most students take the test twice, once as a junior and then as a senior. ACT Exam is conducted seven times a year, in February, April, June, July, September, October, and December.

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

Yes, it is necessary to upload your photo for the ACT Exam. It is used for identification and test security purposes. Failing to upload the photo before the deadline can result in the cancellation of registration or being denied entry to the test.

Are there any educational qualifications required for taking the ACT Exam?

ACT has not prescribed any particular educational qualification for taking the test. However, most students taking the ACT Exam are from high school or completed their high school.

Can I take the ACT Exam after passing the 9th standard?

Yes, you can take the ACT Exam after passing the 9th standard. As per the ACT guidelines, students of the 6th standard onwards can appear in this test.