How much does the ACT cost?
The ACT costs $70 for the core test (English, Math and Reading). The optional Science section adds $5 ($75) and Writing adds $25 ($95), so the full test with both costs $100. Registering late adds $42, and changing your date or test center costs $49. Fee waivers cover up to two tests. Fees as listed on ACT.org in October 2026.
In more detail
The base fee covers English, Math and Reading and sends your scores to you, your high school and up to four colleges if you add their codes when you register. Science and Writing are optional add-ons that you can add or remove through the late deadline, so check what your colleges ask for before you pay for either.
Extra fees pile up when plans change. Late registration is $42 on top of the test fee. Standby testing is $75 on top of it, refunded if you are turned away at the test center or your registration is cancelled for a missing photo. A change to your test form, day or center is $49. Score reports to a 5th and 6th college, or additional reports later, are $20.
A retake costs the full fee again: two core-only attempts come to $140, and two attempts with Science and Writing to $200. A fee waiver covers up to two tests, the add-ons, a free self-paced prep course and extra score reports. Ask your school counselor if you qualify. Some states and districts also give the ACT during the school day, so ask before you register on your own.
ACT fees (ACT.org, October 2026)
| Item | Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ACT (English, Math, Reading) | $70 | Scores to you, your high school and up to 4 colleges |
| With Science | $75 | The Science add-on is $5 |
| With Writing | $95 | The Writing add-on is $25 |
| With Science and Writing | $100 | Both add-ons, $30 |
| Late registration | +$42 | On top of the test fee, during the late period |
| Standby testing | +$75 | Refunded if you are turned away or your registration is cancelled for no photo |
| Change fee | $49 | Test form, test day or test center |
| Extra score reports | $20 | 5th and 6th college choices, or reports you request later |
| ACT My Answer Key | $36 or $44 | See your questions and answers after the test: $36 before it, $44 after |
| Score verification | $67 or $134 | $67 for multiple choice or writing, $134 for both |
Step by step
- 1
Check what your colleges and scholarships ask for, then decide on Science and Writing. Skip what nobody requires.
- 2
Register before the regular deadline to avoid the $42 late fee, and skip standby testing.
- 3
Add up to four college codes at registration, since those score reports are included.
- 4
Ask your school counselor about a fee waiver. It covers up to two tests and the add-ons.
- 5
Pick your date and test center carefully, because any change costs $49.
- 6
Do timed practice before test day, since a retake costs the full fee again.
How StudyPDF helps
A retake costs the full fee again, so prepare to sit it once. Upload your class notes, worksheets or a photo of your math formulas to StudyPDF and make a quiz or a timed practice exam from them. Your answers feed a per-concept score, so you know which topics cost you points. Set your test date in the Plan tab to get dated sessions up to it.
See also
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- StudyPDFAI Exam Generator
More questions
Is there an ACT fee waiver?
Yes. Students in 11th or 12th grade who test in the US, US territories or Puerto Rico and meet an economic need requirement can get up to two fee waivers through their school counselor. A waiver covers the test fee and the add-ons, and comes with free prep and score reports.
Do you pay again if you retake the ACT?
Yes. Each attempt is a new registration with the full fee: $70 for the core test, plus $5 for Science or $25 for Writing if you add them.
Do it on your own course
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