ACT Exam Guide: Format, Sections, and What to Know

The ACT is a standardized test used by many colleges and universities in the United States as one factor in undergraduate admissions decisions. It is created and administered by ACT, Inc., an organization separate from the College Board. The exam is designed to measure academic skills that are commonly developed through a typical high school curriculum.

Students most often take the ACT in eleventh or twelfth grade, sometimes more than once, as part of building a college application. Many colleges accept either the ACT or the SAT and consider the score alongside grades, coursework, and other application materials rather than as a stand-alone measure.

The ACT is generally organized around sections covering English language conventions, mathematics, reading comprehension, and science reasoning. Some administrations also offer an optional writing section that some colleges may recommend or require.

ACT, Inc. has revised aspects of the exam's format, timing, and section options in recent years, and further changes are possible. This guide intentionally avoids stating exact question counts, timing, or scoring details for that reason. Students and families should check ACT, Inc.'s official website for the current format before planning a testing timeline.

ZExamAcers's ACT preparation course is self-paced, letting a student move through lessons on a schedule that fits their week. Each lesson connects to topic-based practice activities so a student can apply new skills right away.

The course also includes timed mock examinations built to reflect the ACT's general pacing and question style at a high level. These are original ZExamAcers practice materials, not official ACT content, and are not created or reviewed by ACT, Inc.

Students can join weekly live webinars led by an instructor. The instructor presents material and answers questions; students themselves are never shown on camera. A student with a specific question can send it in writing through the platform's private messaging feature and receive a direct written response from an instructor.

Because accounts are parent-managed, a parent or guardian can check in on lesson progress, practice results, and mock exam history at any time.

Section format, registration deadlines, fees, and score reporting are subject to change. ACT, Inc.'s official website is the authoritative source for current, accurate details.

• Current ACT section format and options
• Registration deadlines and test dates
• Fee information and fee waiver eligibility
• Score reporting timelines

ZExamAcers is an independent test-preparation provider. ZExamAcers is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT, Inc. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc., which is not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, ZExamAcers's courses or materials.