2026 Exam Timetable: Complete Schedule for International Tests

Comprehensive exam dates for CPA, IELTS, PTE, GRE, GMAT, CFA, SAT, ACT, AP, IB & more

Planning your 2026 exam schedule? This comprehensive exam timetable covers all major international tests including professional certifications (CPA, CFA, ACCA), English proficiency exams (IELTS, PTE, OET), graduate admissions tests (GRE, GMAT, LSAT), and standardized assessments (SAT, ACT, AP, IB, GCSE). Whether you're applying for university, professional certification, or immigration, find all crucial exam dates, registration deadlines, and booking information in one place.

High School & College Admission Test Dates 2026

Standardized tests for high school and college admissions measure academic readiness and knowledge across multiple subjects. These exams are crucial for university applications, scholarship opportunities, and academic placement.

SAT

Scholastic Assessment Test

2026 Dates: 7 national test dates
First Date: March 14, 2026
Last Date: December 5, 2026
Digital Format: 2 hours 14 minutes
View SAT Dates

ACT

American College Testing

2026 Dates: 7 national test dates
First Date: February 7, 2026
Format: Paper & Computer-based
Duration: 2 hours 55 min (without essay)
View ACT Dates

AP Exams

Advanced Placement

Testing Period: May 4-15, 2026
Subjects: 38 AP courses
Administration: Week 1 & Week 2
Late Testing: May 20-22, 2026
View AP Dates

IB Exams

International Baccalaureate

May 2026 Session: Primary exam period
Levels: Standard & Higher Level
Subjects: 6 subject groups
Assessment: External examinations
View IB Dates

GCSE

General Certificate of Secondary Education

May/June 2026: Main exam series
Boards: AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR
Duration: 3-4 weeks
Subjects: Multiple disciplines
View GCSE Dates

English Proficiency Test Dates 2026

English language tests are essential for international students, professionals seeking migration, and healthcare workers. These exams assess listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills with results accepted globally by universities, employers, and immigration authorities.

IELTS (IDP)

International English Language Testing System

Test Frequency: Up to 48 times per year
Computer-Delivered: Up to 7 days/week
Paper-Based: 2-4 times/month
Results: 3-5 days (CD) / 13 days (PB)
View IELTS Dates

PTE

Pearson Test of English

Test Frequency: Available daily
Format: Computer-based only
Duration: 2 hours
Results: 2-5 business days
View PTE Dates

OET

Occupational English Test

Test Frequency: Multiple times monthly
Format: Paper & Computer-based
For: Healthcare professionals
Results: 16 business days
View OET Dates

Graduate Admissions Test Dates 2026

Graduate school entrance exams are required for admission to master's and doctoral programs worldwide. These standardized tests assess analytical, quantitative, verbal, and reasoning skills crucial for graduate-level study.

GRE

Graduate Record Examination

Test Frequency: Year-round, multiple times daily
Format: Computer-based at test centers
Duration: 1 hour 58 minutes
Retake: Every 21 days
View GRE Dates

GMAT

Graduate Management Admission Test

Test Frequency: Year-round availability
Format: Computer-adaptive
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
For: Business school admissions
View GMAT Dates

LSAT

Law School Admission Test

2026 Dates: 9 test administrations
Format: Computer-based
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
For: Law school admissions
View LSAT Dates

Professional Certification Exam Dates 2026

Professional certifications demonstrate expertise and competency in specialized fields. These rigorous exams are essential for career advancement in accounting, finance, and business, offering global recognition and credibility.

CPA

Certified Public Accountant

Core Sections: Year-round (FAR, AUD, REG)
Discipline Sections: Quarterly windows
Q1: Jan 1-31 | Q2: Apr 1-30
Q3: Jul 1-31 | Q4: Oct 1-31
View CPA Dates

CFA

Chartered Financial Analyst

Level I: Feb, May, Aug, Nov windows
Level II: Feb-Mar, Aug-Sep
Level III: Feb-Mar, Aug-Sep
Format: Computer-based testing
View CFA Dates

ACCA

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

Session 1: March 2026
Session 2: June 2026
Session 3: September 2026
Session 4: December 2026
View ACCA Dates

2026 Exam Dates Quick Comparison

Exam Type Frequency Key Testing Period
IELTS English Proficiency 48+ times/year Year-round availability
PTE English Proficiency Daily Year-round availability
OET English (Healthcare) Multiple/month Year-round availability
GRE Graduate Admissions Year-round Continuous testing
GMAT Business School Year-round Continuous testing
LSAT Law School 9 times/year Monthly (selected months)
CPA Accounting Certification Year-round + Quarterly Core: Continuous / Discipline: Q1-Q4
CFA Finance Certification Quarterly windows Feb, May, Aug, Nov
ACCA Accounting Certification Quarterly Mar, Jun, Sep, Dec
SAT College Admissions 7 dates/year Mar 14 - Dec 5, 2026
ACT College Admissions 7 dates/year Feb 7 - Dec 12, 2026
AP Advanced Placement Annual (2 weeks) May 4-15, 2026
IB International Baccalaureate Annual May 2026
GCSE Secondary Education Annual May/June 2026

Strategic Exam Planning for 2026

  • Book Early: Popular test dates fill quickly, especially during peak seasons (May-August, December-January)
  • Allow Retake Time: Schedule exams 8-10 weeks before application deadlines to accommodate potential retakes
  • Consider Preparation Time: Most exams require 2-4 months of dedicated preparation for optimal performance
  • Check Validity Periods: IELTS/PTE scores valid 2 years, GRE/GMAT valid 5 years, professional certifications vary
  • Coordinate Multiple Exams: Space exams at least 4-6 weeks apart to allow adequate preparation for each
  • Verify Requirements: Confirm specific exam requirements with your target institutions before booking

Frequently Asked Questions

Which English proficiency test should I take in 2026?
Choose IELTS for UK/Australia/Canada education and immigration (most widely accepted), PTE for fastest results (2-5 days) and flexible scheduling, or OET specifically for healthcare professionals seeking registration in English-speaking countries. Verify acceptance with your target institution before booking.
How far in advance should I book my 2026 exam?
For year-round exams (IELTS, PTE, GRE, GMAT), book 2-4 weeks in advance. For limited-date exams (SAT, ACT, AP), register 6-8 weeks early. Professional certifications (CPA, CFA, ACCA) require 4-6 weeks advance booking due to window-based testing. Popular locations and dates fill quickly during peak seasons.
Can I take multiple professional certification exams in 2026?
Yes, but coordinate carefully. CPA requires completing 3 Core sections before 1 Discipline section within 18 months. CFA levels must be passed sequentially. ACCA allows multiple papers per session. Space exams at least 6-8 weeks apart for adequate preparation. Consider work commitments and preparation time required for each exam.
What is the best testing period for SAT/ACT in 2026?
Take your first SAT/ACT in March or April 2026 (junior year) to allow time for score review and potential retake in May or June. This ensures scores are ready for early action/decision applications (November deadlines) and regular decision (January deadlines). Avoid December dates for seniors unless absolutely necessary.
How long are exam scores valid in 2026?
English proficiency tests (IELTS, PTE, OET): 2 years. Graduate tests (GRE, GMAT): 5 years. LSAT: 5 years. SAT/ACT: No expiration but most universities prefer scores from past 5 years. Professional certifications (CPA, CFA, ACCA): Lifetime validity once passed. Always verify specific validity requirements with your target institution.
What are the peak testing seasons for 2026 exams?
Peak seasons: May-August (university applications, summer availability), December-January (university deadlines, holiday break). Expect higher demand, limited availability, and potentially longer wait times for results. Book 6-8 weeks early during peak periods. Off-peak months (February-April, September-November) offer better availability and flexibility.

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