ACT Practice Test
Updated for October 2026What changed for the ACT in 2026
- The current (enhanced) ACT has three required sections: English (50 questions, 35 minutes), Math (45 questions, 50 minutes) and Reading (36 questions, 40 minutes). Science (40 questions, 40 minutes) and Writing (1 prompt, 40 minutes) are optional add-ons and do not affect the Composite score. (source)
- The Composite score (1-36) is now the rounded average of English, Math and Reading only. ACT phased Science out of the Composite for national online testing in April 2025 and for all test modes in September 2025; students who take Science also receive a STEM score (average of Math and Science). (source)
- Fees for 2026-2027 testing: $70 for the ACT (English, Math, Reading); Science add-on $5 ($75 total); Writing add-on $25 ($95 total); Science + Writing $100. Late registration is $42, standby testing $75, a test date, form or center change is $49, and additional score reports are $20 each. (source)
- 2026-2027 national test dates: September 19, 2026 (register by August 14), October 17, 2026 (September 11), December 12, 2026 (November 6), February 27, 2027 (January 22), April 10, 2027 (March 5), June 12, 2027 (May 7) and July 10, 2027 (June 4). Late registration closes 18 days after each regular deadline, and no New York test centers are scheduled for the July date. (source)
- Score release: over 97% of ACT scores are available online within 1-4 weeks of the test date. For 2026-2027, initial online releases are about 5 days ahead of paper (for example, October 17, 2026 test: online October 22, paper October 27). (source)
- ACT automatically builds a Superscore from your highest English, Math and Reading section scores across all test dates since September 2016, and you choose whether to send the Superscore or a single test date to colleges. (source)
- ACT publishes four free official full-length practice tests (digital and paper, timed and untimed) in the current format, plus free section quizzes (QuizMe) and a Question of the Day through a free MyACT account. (source)
Last verified: September 18, 2026 against ACT, Inc. (act.org).
ACT Test Format
The ACT test has three required multiple-choice sections: English, math, and reading, plus optional science and writing add-ons. The core test takes about 2 hours 5 minutes; adding science and writing brings it to roughly 3 hours 25 minutes.
The exam is offered on paper or on a computer at national test centers. The ACT also offers an optional writing essay. The ACT is used by more than 3,600 colleges, universities, and scholarship agencies to make admission and financial aid decisions. As a result, the test takes the integrity of its scores very seriously. The organization conducts numerous internal and external review processes to ensure that examinees receive accurate, fair, and reliable scores. It also responds to inquiries from college admission officers, high school counselors, and other stakeholders who may have concerns about a score or an incorrect test center report.
Most of the ACT’s content areas focus on what students are likely to have learned in high school, with the exception of the reading and science sections. The ACT’s reading and science sections, which are skills-based, aim to assess students’ ability to read text critically and interpret data and information.
In the ACT’s reading section, test-takers will be asked to understand and interpret texts that cover a wide variety of topics, from humanities to natural sciences to social science. The ACT reading section includes passages that are similar to those students will encounter in first-year college courses.
The ACT has a built-in timer that shows how much time is left on each question. It’s important to use this tool to manage your time effectively. If you are not sure about the answer to a question, try not to linger over it. It’s better to move on and come back to it later than spend too much time on one question and end up missing the rest of the test.
Check out: Complete study guideline of free ACT Practice Test
Please refer to the table below for the complete format and structure of the ACT test:
ACT Exam Format & Structure
| Subject Test | Time Allowed | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| English Test | 35 minutes | 50 questions |
| Mathematics Test | 50 minutes | 45 questions |
| Reading Test | 40 minutes | 36 questions |
| Science Test (optional) | 40 minutes | 40 questions |
| Total (English, Math, Reading) | 125 mins (2 hrs & 5 mins) | 131 questions |
| Total with optional Science | 165 mins (2 hrs & 45 mins) | 171 questions |
Important Note: Science and the essay (Writing, 40 minutes) are both optional add-ons since 2025; only English, Math, and Reading count toward the composite. Try our GRE practice test.
ACT Scoring Guide
The ACT scoring guide is your one-stop resource for everything you need to know about the test scoring process. It includes information about the different sections of the exam, how your scores are calculated and what you can do to improve your performance on future tests.
Your ACT score is based on how many questions you answer correctly. Unlike some other tests, the ACT doesn’t penalize you for incorrect answers, so it’s important to try to answer every question on each section. You’ll get a raw score for each section—the number of questions you answered correctly—and a scaled score that’s based on how you did relative to other students.
Your composite ACT score is the rounded average of your English, math, and reading section scores; if you take the optional Science section you also receive a STEM score (average of math and science). You’ll also get reporting-category breakdowns for each section. These subscores are based on how well you did in a smaller set of questions that offer more insight into your strengths and weaknesses. However, the subscores don’t add up to your composite ACT score or give you any extra points.
ACT writing is not included in your composite score, but you’ll receive a separate subject score for it. This score is based on the scores of two different readers who evaluate your essay in four categories, or domains: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions.
If you’re applying to colleges, the ACT scoring guide can help you plan your college list by finding the schools where your scores are most competitive. Begin by making a list of dream schools, target schools, and safety schools. Dream schools are where you’d love to go if your grades, test scores, and other qualifications were perfect.
Please refer to the table below:
Students taking community college placement exams can prepare with our free COMPASS college placement test practice — covering reading comprehension, writing skills, and pre-algebra through trigonometry.
Job seekers pursuing ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate can prepare with our free WorkKeys career readiness practice test — covering Applied Math, Workplace Documents, and Business Writing.
If you want more targeted practice, the june act pdf page covers the same material with additional questions and explanations.
| Section | Overall Score Range | Sub-Score Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| English | 1-36 | Usage/Mechanics (1-18) Rhetorical Skills (1-18) Essay (2-12) |
| Math | 1-36 | Pre/Elementary Algebra (1-18) Algebra/Coordinate Geometry (1-18) Plane Geometry/Trigonometry (1-18) |
| Reading | 1-36 | Social Sciences/Sciences (1-18) Arts/Literature (1-18) |
| Science (optional) | 1-36 | Not in the composite; reported in the STEM score (Math + Science) |
ACT Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the ACT - American College Testing exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
ACT English: Punctuation for Clauses and P...
Free ACT Practice Test featuring English: Punctuation for Clauses and Phrases. Improve your ACT Exam score with mock test prep.
ACT English: Rhetorical Strategy
ACT Mock Exam on English: Rhetorical Strategy. ACT Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
ACT Math: Algebra
ACT Mock Test covering Math: Algebra. Online ACT Test practice with instant feedback.
ACT Math: Functions
Free ACT Quiz on Math: Functions. ACT Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
ACT Math Practice Test Pool
ACT Practice Questions for Math Practice Test Pool. Build confidence for your ACT certification exam.
ACT Math: Trigonometry
ACT Test Online for Math: Trigonometry. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
ACT Reading: Author's Purpose
Free ACT Test covering Reading: Author's Purpose. Practice and track your ACT exam readiness.
ACT Science: Conflicting Viewpoints
Free ACT Practice Test featuring Science: Conflicting Viewpoints. Improve your ACT Exam score with mock test prep.
ACT Science Question and Answers
ACT Mock Exam on Science Question and Answers. ACT Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
ACT Writing Question and Answers
ACT Questions and Answers on Writing Question and Answers. Free ACT practice for exam readiness.
ACT English: Punctuation for Clauses and P...
ACT Mock Test covering English: Punctuation for Clauses and Phrases Questions and Answers. Online ACT Test practice with instant feedback.
ACT English Question and Answers
Free ACT Quiz on English Question and Answers. ACT Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
ACT English: Rhetorical Strategy Questions...
ACT Practice Questions for English: Rhetorical Strategy Questions and Answers. Build confidence for your ACT certification exam.
ACT Math: Functions Questions and Answers
ACT Test Online for Math: Functions Questions and Answers. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
ACT Math Question and Answers
ACT Study Material on Math Question and Answers. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
ACT Math: Trigonometry Questions and Answers
Free ACT Test covering Math: Trigonometry Questions and Answers. Practice and track your ACT exam readiness.
ACT Reading: Author's Purpose Questions an...
ACT Exam Questions covering Reading: Author's Purpose Questions and Answers. Master ACT Test concepts for certification prep.
ACT Reading Question and Answers
Free ACT Practice Test featuring Reading Question and Answers. Improve your ACT Exam score with mock test prep.
- ✓Review the official ACT exam content outline
- ✓Take a diagnostic practice test to identify weak areas
- ✓Create a study schedule (4-8 weeks recommended)
- ✓Focus on your weakest domains first
- ✓Complete at least 3 full-length practice exams
- ✓Review all incorrect answers with detailed explanations
- ✓Take a final practice test 1 week before exam day
- +Industry-recognized credential boosts your resume
- +Higher earning potential (10-20% salary increase on average)
- +Demonstrates commitment to professional development
- +Opens doors to advanced career opportunities
- −Exam preparation requires significant time investment (4-8 weeks)
- −Certification fees can be $100-$400+
- −May require continuing education to maintain
- −Some employers may not require certification
Sample ACT Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free ACT practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
Is the ACT Writing test required for all test takers?
- A. Yes, always
- B. No, it is optional
- C. Only for juniors
- D. Only on retakes
Answer: B. No, it is optional
The ACT Writing test is optional, though some colleges require it.
On the ACT Reading test, a question asking for the 'main idea' of a passage is best answered by identifying what?
- A. The central point the whole passage supports
- B. A single supporting detail
- C. The author's name
- D. The hardest vocabulary word
Answer: A. The central point the whole passage supports
Main-idea questions target the passage's overall central point.
On the ACT English test, the word "OMIT" in an answer choice means:
- A. Delete the underlined portion entirely — it should not be included
- B. Replace the underlined portion with nothing written out
- C. Keep the original underlined text unchanged
- D. Insert a comma at the underlined position
Answer: A. Delete the underlined portion entirely — it should not be included
When "OMIT the underlined portion" (or "DELETE the underlined portion") appears as an answer choice on ACT English, it means removing the text entirely is the best revision — often used for redundancy or unnecessary information.
The ACT Writing test is scored by how many human raters?
- A. Two raters, each scoring 1–6 across four domains
- B. One rater giving a single holistic score
- C. Three raters averaging their scores
- D. A computer algorithm scoring grammar only
Answer: A. Two raters, each scoring 1–6 across four domains
Two trained raters each score the essay on four domains (Ideas & Analysis, Development & Support, Organization, Language Use & Conventions) on a 1–6 scale. Scores are combined for a total out of 12 per domain.
📘 What is the ACT test used for?
The ACT is a standardized college admissions exam accepted by nearly all four-year U.S. colleges and universities. It measures academic readiness in English, Mathematics, and Reading, with optional Science and Writing sections. Scores help colleges compare applicants on a common scale.
START ACT PRACTICE TEST🔢 How many questions are on the ACT?
The core ACT has 131 multiple-choice questions: English (50), Mathematics (45), and Reading (36). The optional Science section adds 40 questions, and the optional Writing test adds one essay. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so you should answer every question.
START ACT GENERAL TEST📈 What is a good ACT score?
The ACT composite runs from 1 to 36, the rounded average of English, Math, and Reading. The national average was about 19.4 for the 2024 class. A 24 or higher is competitive for most four-year colleges, and 30+ is typical for highly selective schools.
START ACT PRACTICE TEST📝 How is the ACT English section tested?
ACT English gives you 50 questions in 35 minutes covering punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills within passages. You correct errors and improve clarity, organization, and style. Mastering comma rules, clauses, and author strategy is the fastest way to raise your English subscore.
START ACT ENGLISH TEST➗ What math is on the ACT?
ACT Math has 45 questions in 50 minutes covering pre-algebra, elementary and intermediate algebra, coordinate and plane geometry, trigonometry, and functions. A calculator is permitted throughout. Practising algebra, functions, and trigonometry problems builds the speed you need to finish the section in time.
START ACT MATH TEST📖 How does ACT Reading work?
ACT Reading gives you 36 questions in 40 minutes across passages in prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science. Questions test main ideas, details, inferences, and author’s purpose. Skimming for structure first, then locating evidence, helps you answer accurately under the tight time limit.
START ACT READING TEST🔬 Is the ACT Science section optional?
Yes. Under the enhanced ACT, Science is an optional 40-question section testing data interpretation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints rather than memorized facts. If you take it, Science combines with Math into a STEM score. Many STEM-focused programs still value a strong Science result.
START ACT SCIENCE TEST✍️ What is the ACT Writing test?
The ACT Writing test is one optional essay completed in 40 minutes. You analyze multiple perspectives on an issue and develop your own argument with evidence. It is scored from 2 to 12 and reported separately from your composite. Check whether your target colleges require or recommend it.
START ACT WRITING TEST🔁 How many times can you take the ACT?
You can take the ACT as often as you like, though ACT Inc. recommends no more than 12 times. Most students test two to three times. ACT automatically builds a Superscore from your highest English, Math, and Reading scores across dates, so retaking can lift your reported composite.
START ACT PRACTICE TEST⚖️ Should I take the ACT or the SAT?
Both exams are accepted everywhere, so choose the format that fits your strengths. The ACT offers an optional Science section and rewards speed and content recall, while the SAT emphasizes evidence-based reading and reasoning. Taking a full-length practice test of each is the best way to decide.
START ACT PRACTICE TESTACT Questions and Answers
Disclaimer: This practice test is for educational and preparatory purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ACT, Inc., the official administrator of the ACT exam. For official ACT registration, testing dates, and score reporting, please visit the official ACT website at act.org.
Official Resources
- ACT (act.org) — the official website of ACT Inc., the nonprofit that develops and administers the ACT exam, where you register and view your scores.
- About the ACT Test — the official overview of the exam’s sections, format, and testing options.
- Understanding Your ACT Scores — the official guide to how the 1–36 composite and section scores are calculated and reported.
About the Author
Law Enforcement Trainer & Civil Service Exam Specialist
John Jay College of Criminal JusticeMarcus B. Thompson earned his Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and served 12 years as a law enforcement officer before transitioning to full-time academy instruction. He is a POST-certified instructor who has prepared candidates for police entrance exams, firefighter assessments, and civil service examinations across dozens of agencies.