ACT test dates for UK & international students
Planning your path to a US university? Find your ideal ACT test dates below and register before the UK deadlines to avoid late fees. Registration is open for the 2025–26 testing year, with provisional dates available for 2026–27.
Upcoming UK ACT test dates
Please note: these are international test dates. If you are sitting the exam within the US, different dates and registration protocols may apply.
Remaining 2025-26 ACT dates
2026-27 ACT dates
*Late registration is available, but additional fees apply. This is also the deadline for photo upload.
Important booking notes:
- You can choose one session in each ACT test weekend: Friday AM/PM or Saturday AM/PM.
- UK test centre slots are very limited. Book early to secure your preferred location.
- View the full list of locations on our ACT Test Centres UK page.
ACT Enhancement: what has changed?
The ACT recently underwent its most significant update in decades. The key change is that it's intended to be more flexible for students.
- Core Scoring: The Composite score now focuses on English, Math, and Reading.
- Optional Sections: You now choose whether to include the Science and/or Writing sections.
- Shorter Duration: As of February 2026, the test features fewer questions and a shorter overall testing time, designed to reduce "test fatigue."
Ready to master the new format? Learn the best strategies for the EACT with ACT Tutoring.
How to book your ACT test in the UK
1. Create your “MyACT” account
Visit the ACT website to create your student portfolio.
2. Choose your location
Select 'International' and the United Kingdom. Pro tip: UK test centres are limited and Central London centres in particular fill up months in advance — register the moment your dates are confirmed to secure your preferred location.
3. Upload your photo
Submit a clear, recent head-and-shoulders photo against a plain background. Your registration will be cancelled if your photo is missing or rejected by the deadline, so upload as soon as you register.
4. Check your tech
UK ACT testing is computer-based and uses the centre's equipment, so you do not need to bring your own device. Familiarise yourself with the digital interface using the free practice tools on the ACT website before test day.
ACT tips for UK students
When to register for the ACT
Spaces for ACT test dates in the UK are very limited. We recommend booking your slot as soon as your target dates are confirmed - test centres get booked up very quickly, particularly in Central London.
What is the ACT superscore?
The ACT superscore takes your highest section scores across multiple test dates and combines them into a new, higher composite. Many US universities accept superscores, which is why we recommend planning for 2-3 sittings - it lets you focus revision on weaker sections between attempts without losing your strong scores.
Your UK ACT registration questions, answered
Yes. There are several authorised centres throughout the UK, primarily in major cities like London.
The UK follows the International ACT calendar. International ACT tests are administered across two days (typically Friday and Saturday), with morning and afternoon sessions available at busier centres. Tests are usually held in September, October, December, February, April, June and July. See the tables above for specific ACT test dates.
There are authorised ACT test centres in London and around the UK, though availability is limited and centres book up quickly. View the full list on our ACT Test Centres UK Page.
Most UK students benefit from planning 2-3 sittings, starting in the autumn of Year 12. The goal is to finish testing by the summer before Year 13, leaving the autumn term of Year 13 free for the rest of the application (essays, references, shortlisting) and final-year schoolwork.
A typical timeline looks like this:
- September and October (Year 12): A first attempt to establish a baseline and identify areas to focus on.
- December and February (Year 12): A second sitting after targeted preparation, ideal for students wanting to lock in a strong score early.
- April, June and July (end of Year 12): A final attempt to bank your best score before the summer holidays and ahead of US application deadlines.
If you are still testing in Year 13, the September date is the latest we recommend for Early Decision and Early Action applicants, with scores typically released in time for 1 November deadlines. Avoid leaving October or December of Year 13 as your only attempt — if illness or a technical issue strikes, you'll have no buffer before application deadlines.
Master the Enhanced ACT
Self-study only goes so far. We specialise in helping UK students bridge the gap between the A-Level/IB curriculum and US standardised testing. Our ACT private tutoring is designed to help you master the new Enhanced ACT format.
Guidewell also partners with leading UK schools to deliver the same small-group SAT preparation in familiar settings — bringing expert guidance and proven results directly to students on campus or online. Build your students’ SAT confidence:
Self-study only goes so far. We specialise in helping UK students bridge the gap between the A-Level/IB curriculum and US standardised testing. Our ACT private tutoring is designed to help you master the new Enhanced ACT format.
