ACT Test Day Checklist: What to Bring & What to Expect

A strong ACT test day starts the night before.

Your goal is simple:

show up with the right materials, enough sleep and no avoidable surprises.

Admission ticket

ACT recommends bringing your admission ticket.

You can print it from your MyACT account after your photo is approved.

It contains important test-center and registration information.

If you haven't locked in a date yet, the ACT test dates 2026–27 guide lists every upcoming administration and registration deadline.

Photo ID

Bring an acceptable physical photo ID.

Do not assume a photo on your phone will count.

Calculator

ACT permits calculators only on Math.

Your calculator should be:

• permitted;
• familiar;
• charged or equipped with fresh batteries.

ACT does not provide handheld calculators.

Online ACT Math includes built-in Desmos.

Pencils

Bring the required pencils for your testing format.

ACT advises students to bring No. 2 pencils for paper testing.

Online testing

If you registered for an online ACT:

• follow the exact device rules for your registration;
• do not assume any personal tablet or Chromebook is allowed;
• check whether your test center provides the device or whether you registered under a BYOD option.

ACT's device rules can differ by administration.

What to leave at home

ACT says students should leave unauthorized electronics, notes, books and other aids at home.

Smart devices can create test-security issues.

Food and drink

Bring a simple snack and water if allowed for your break.

Do not experiment with:

• unfamiliar energy drinks;
• huge breakfasts;
• food that may upset your stomach.

Morning timeline

Wake up with enough time

Rushing raises stress before the test even begins.

Eat a familiar breakfast

Aim for something you know works for you.

Check your route

Traffic, parking and public transport can change.

Arrive early

Do not make test-center staff solve a timing problem for you.

During the ACT

If one question is taking too long:

• make your best decision;
• mark/skip if your format allows;
• protect the rest of the section.

ACT pacing matters. Once scores are back, our guide on submitting your ACT score walks through the test-optional decision, and the Enhanced ACT complete guide covers every section in depth. For the rest of our test-prep coverage, see the ACT guides hub.

Final checklist

• Admission ticket
• Photo ID
• Permitted calculator
• Calculator batteries/charge
• Pencils
• Test-center details
• Approved testing device if required
• Snack/water
• Route checked
• Alarm set
• Good night's sleep

Official sources

• ACT Test Day: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-day.html
• ACT Calculator Policy: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-day/calculator-policy.html

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