Last Updated: 29 December 2025
Why Trust This Article: This guide uses information directly from official ACT sources and is written by NUM8ERS education specialists with 20+ years of experience helping students in Dubai and the UAE prepare for standardized tests including the ACT, SAT, IB, and AP exams.
ACT Test Registration 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Students and Parents
Registering for the ACT test is a straightforward online process that takes approximately 10-15 minutes when you have all required materials ready. The ACT is offered seven times per year with registration deadlines typically occurring 5-6 weeks before each test date, and understanding these timelines is critical for students planning their college admissions journey.
What ACT Test Registration Means
ACT test registration is the official process of signing up to take the ACT exam at an authorized test center on a specific date. Registration is completed through the ACT organization's online platform at ACT.org and requires creating a MyACT account, selecting your test date and location, choosing test options, uploading a photo, and paying the registration fee. Once registered, you receive an admission ticket that grants you entry to take the exam.
The registration process establishes your test date, location, and which sections you will take (the base test includes English, Math, and Reading, with optional Writing and Science sections available for additional fees). Registration also allows you to send score reports to up to four colleges or scholarship programs at no extra cost when you provide institution codes during sign-up.
Who Needs ACT Registration and Why It Matters
High school students planning to attend college in the United States need to register for the ACT as part of the admissions process. The ACT is accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the US and is the preferred admissions test in nearly half of US states. International students from Dubai, UAE, and worldwide also register for the ACT when applying to American universities or institutions that accept ACT scores for admission.
Registering on time is critical because each test date has limited seating, and late registration carries additional fees. Students typically take the ACT during their junior or senior year of high school, with many taking it multiple times to improve their scores. Missing registration deadlines can delay your entire college application timeline and may force you into less convenient test dates or locations.
For students in the UAE, registering early ensures access to test centers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which can fill quickly during peak testing seasons. Strategic registration timing also allows adequate preparation time and ensures scores arrive before college application deadlines.
Step-by-Step ACT Registration Process
Follow these detailed steps to complete your ACT registration successfully:
Step 1: Create Your MyACT Account
Visit ACT.org and click on the sign-up option to create a MyACT account. You will need a valid email address that you check regularly. After entering your personal information, ACT will send a verification email or text message to confirm your account. This account serves as your portal for all ACT-related activities including registration, viewing scores, and sending score reports.
Step 2: Gather Required Materials
Before beginning registration, collect these essential items: a recent digital photo (passport-style, clear face shot against plain background), credit or debit card for payment, high school course information and grades, Social Security Number if applicable, and identification details from your passport or government ID. International students should have their passport information ready.
Step 3: Log In and Begin Registration
Sign in to your MyACT account and locate the "Register for the ACT" button on your dashboard. Click it to start the registration process. You will see a welcome screen explaining what you need and how long the process takes. Read through the information and click "Begin Registering" to proceed.
Step 4: Select Test Date and Location
Choose from available test dates, keeping in mind your college application deadlines and preparation timeline. Select a test center by searching for locations near you. For students in Dubai and the UAE, test centers are available in major cities. Consider choosing a backup test center option if your first choice becomes full.
Step 5: Choose Your Test Options
Decide whether to take the ACT with or without optional sections. The base ACT test costs $68 and includes English, Math, and Reading. You can add the Writing section for $25 or the Science section for $4. Check your target colleges' requirements before deciding. Note that for online testing during April through July 2025, Science is optional, but for paper testing, Science is included automatically.
Step 6: Upload Your Photo
Upload a recent, clear photo that meets ACT requirements: taken within the last six months, shows your full face from shoulders up, against a plain background, with no hat or sunglasses, and in color. This photo appears on your admission ticket and score reports. Failing to upload a photo by the deadline can result in registration cancellation or denied test center entry.
Step 7: Enter College and Scholarship Codes
Provide institution codes for up to four colleges or scholarship programs to receive free score reports. You can find these codes by searching the ACT database during registration. If you are unsure which schools to send scores to, you can skip this step and add recipients later for $19 per additional report.
Step 8: Review, Pay, and Submit
Carefully review all entered information including name spelling, birth date, test date, and test center location. Any errors may cause issues on test day. Complete payment using a credit or debit card. After successful submission, you will receive a confirmation email immediately with your registration details and next steps. Your admission ticket will be available for download closer to the test date.
ACT Registration Deadlines, Fees, and Policies
2026 Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
| Test Date | Regular Deadline | Late Deadline | Standby Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 13, 2025 | November 7, 2025 | November 24, 2025 | December 5, 2025 |
| February 14, 2026 | January 9, 2026 | January 23, 2026 | February 9, 2026 |
| April 11, 2026 | March 6, 2026 | March 24, 2026 | April 6, 2026 |
| June 13, 2026 | May 8, 2026 | May 29, 2026 | June 8, 2026 |
| July 11, 2026 | June 5, 2026 | June 24, 2026 | July 6, 2026 |
All deadlines occur at midnight Central Time. Source: ACT.org Official Test Dates
Complete Fee Structure
| Fee Type | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Base ACT Test | $68 | Includes English, Math, Reading; reports to 4 colleges |
| Writing Section | $25 | Optional 40-minute essay; required by some colleges |
| Science Section | $4 | Optional for online tests Apr-Jul 2025; included in paper tests |
| Late Registration | $40 | Additional fee after regular deadline |
| Standby Testing | $72 | After late deadline; seats not guaranteed |
| Test Date/Center Change | $48 | Change your test date or location |
| Additional Score Reports | $19 | Per college beyond the initial 4 free reports |
Important Policies to Know
Photo Upload Requirement: You must upload a photo before the photo deadline (typically 8 days before the test date) or your registration may be cancelled and you could be denied entry to the test center.
Refund Policy: All ACT fees are nonrefundable unless otherwise noted. If you request a test date change, your original test fee will be refunded, but you must pay the change fee plus the new test date fee.
Multiple Testing on Same Date: You cannot receive scores from more than one test date during a scheduled national test date. If you are admitted to test twice, only scores from the first test will be reported.
Test Booklet Policy: Once you break the seal on your test booklet on test day, you cannot request a test date change even if you do not complete all sections. You must register again and pay full fees to retest.
Common ACT Registration Mistakes and Misconceptions
Many students make avoidable errors during ACT registration that can lead to complications, additional fees, or test day problems. Understanding these common mistakes helps ensure a smooth registration experience.
❌ Mistake 1: Waiting Until the Last Minute
Many students register just before deadlines, risking technical issues, unavailable test centers, or late fees. Register as early as possible, ideally 6-8 weeks before the test date, to secure your preferred location and avoid rush-related errors.
❌ Mistake 2: Entering Incorrect Name Information
Your name on registration must exactly match your identification document. Even small differences can cause test center entry denial. Double-check spelling, middle names, and suffixes before submitting.
❌ Mistake 3: Choosing the Wrong Test Center
Students sometimes select test centers based on convenience without considering travel time or verifying the address. Check the exact location, plan your route, and ensure you can arrive on time with a buffer for traffic or delays.
❌ Mistake 4: Not Checking College Requirements
Some colleges require the Writing section while others do not, and some require all sections including Science. Research your target colleges' specific ACT requirements before registering to avoid needing to retest.
❌ Mistake 5: Forgetting to Upload Photo
The photo upload has a separate deadline from registration. Missing the photo deadline results in registration cancellation or test center denial. Upload your photo immediately after registering, do not wait until the deadline.
❌ Mistake 6: Assuming All Test Dates Are Available Everywhere
Not all test dates are offered at all test centers, and the July test date is not available in New York. International students should verify that their local test center offers their preferred date.
❌ Misconception: "I Can Register on My Mobile Device"
While ACT.org is mobile-responsive, completing registration on a desktop or laptop computer is strongly recommended for better functionality and to avoid technical issues that are more common on mobile devices.
ACT Registration for International Students in Dubai and UAE
International students in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and throughout the UAE follow the same online registration process as US students, but there are important regional considerations to keep in mind.
Test Center Availability in UAE
ACT test centers operate in major UAE cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These centers often reach capacity quickly, especially during peak testing seasons (October through April). International students should register as early as possible during the regular registration period to secure seats at their preferred location.
Time Zone and Deadline Considerations
All ACT registration deadlines occur at midnight Central Time (US), which translates to 9:00 AM UAE time the following day. When planning your registration, calculate the time difference carefully to avoid missing deadlines. For example, a November 7 deadline in Central Time actually ends on November 8 at 9:00 AM in Dubai.
Payment Methods for International Students
International credit and debit cards are accepted for ACT registration. Ensure your card is enabled for international transactions and has sufficient funds including any currency conversion charges. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are typically accepted.
Identification Requirements for UAE Students
International students must bring their passport as identification on test day. Emirates ID cards are not accepted for ACT testing. Your passport must be valid and the name must exactly match your registration details.
Score Reporting Timeline
Multiple-choice scores are typically available within 2-4 weeks after the test date for international students, the same timeline as US students. Scores including the Writing section take 5-8 weeks. International electronic score delivery to colleges occurs simultaneously with US score release dates.
Why UAE Students Choose NUM8ERS for ACT Preparation
Proper registration is just the first step. NUM8ERS tutoring in Dubai offers specialized ACT preparation programs designed for international students targeting US college admissions. Our expert tutors understand the unique challenges faced by students in the UAE, including curriculum differences, testing format unfamiliarity, and competitive international applicant pools.
📅 ACT Registration Deadline Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions About ACT Registration
When are the ACT registration deadlines for 2026?
For the December 13, 2025 test, the regular deadline is November 7, and late deadline is November 24. For February 14, 2026, regular deadline is January 9 and late deadline is January 23. For April 11, 2026, regular deadline is March 6 and late deadline is March 24. Late registration incurs a $40 additional fee.
How much does ACT registration cost?
The base ACT test costs $68 and includes English, Math, and Reading sections. The optional Writing section costs an additional $25, and the optional Science section costs $4. Late registration adds $40, and test date or center changes cost $48.
Can I register for the ACT after the deadline?
Yes, you can register during the late registration period for an additional $40 fee. If you miss the late deadline, you may request standby testing for $72, though seats are not guaranteed and are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can international students in Dubai register for the ACT?
Yes, international students in Dubai and throughout the UAE can register for the ACT through the same online process at ACT.org. Test centers are available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. International students follow the same registration deadlines and fee structure.
Do I need to upload a photo for ACT registration?
Yes, uploading a recent photo is mandatory to complete your registration. The photo must be uploaded before the photo deadline (typically one week before the test date). Your photo will appear on your admission ticket and is used for identification and test security purposes.
How long does ACT registration take?
Online ACT registration typically takes 10-15 minutes if you have all required materials ready, including your photo, payment method, and high school information. First-time users will need an additional few minutes to create a MyACT account.
What happens if I miss my ACT test date?
If you miss your test date for any reason, you can request a test date change through your MyACT account before the regular deadline for your new preferred date. You will pay a $48 change fee plus the new registration fee, but your original fee will be refunded. Once you open your test booklet, no changes are possible.
Is the ACT Writing section required?
The Writing section is optional and costs an additional $25. Some colleges require it while others do not. Check the admission requirements of your target universities before registering. You can add or remove the Writing section until the late registration deadline.
Your ACT Registration Action Checklist
Follow this checklist to ensure successful ACT registration without complications or delays:
✓ Pre-Registration Tasks
- Research your target colleges' ACT requirements (Writing/Science sections)
- Calculate your ideal test date (at least 2 months before application deadlines)
- Prepare a recent digital photo (clear, plain background, shoulders up)
- Gather payment method (credit/debit card with international transaction capability)
- Collect high school information and grades
- Have passport or government ID ready
✓ During Registration
- Create MyACT account at ACT.org and verify email
- Select test date and verify test center location and address
- Choose test options based on college requirements
- Double-check name spelling matches ID exactly
- Enter up to 4 college codes for free score reports
- Review all information carefully before submitting payment
- Save confirmation email immediately
✓ After Registration
- Upload photo immediately (do not wait for deadline)
- Verify photo was accepted in your MyACT account
- Download admission ticket when available (approximately 1 week before test)
- Begin ACT preparation with quality study materials or professional tutoring
- Set calendar reminders for test date and arrival time
- Plan test center route and travel time with buffer for traffic
Ready to Ace Your ACT? Get Expert Help in Dubai
Registration is complete. Now it's time to prepare with UAE's top ACT tutoring experts at NUM8ERS.
Why Choose NUM8ERS for ACT Preparation?
- Top 1% Tutors: Expert instructors with proven track records in ACT test prep
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- Comprehensive Curriculum: Complete coverage of English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing
- Practice Tests: Full-length simulated ACT exams with detailed score analysis
- International Focus: Specialized support for UAE students targeting US college admissions
Book your free trial class today and start your journey to ACT success!
About This Article
Author: NUM8ERS Education Team
Credentials: 20+ years of experience in standardized test preparation, international curricula expertise (IB, AP, GCSE, ACT, SAT), and proven track record helping Dubai and UAE students achieve top scores for US college admissions.
Last Updated: 29 December 2025 | Information verified against official ACT.org sources and current testing policies.
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