The ACT test itself takes just under 3 hours without the optional writing section, and a little over 3 hours with it. With check-in, instructions, and breaks, you should plan for about 3.5 to 4 hours total at the test center.
Standard ACT timing
- The four required multiple-choice sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) take about 2 hours and 55 minutes in total under standard timing.
- Including the typical mid-test break and administrative time, most students are at the test center for roughly 3.5 hours if they are not doing the writing section.
ACT with writing
- The optional Writing (essay) section adds 40 minutes of testing time.
- With writing plus breaks and instructions, expect the visit to last around 3 hours 35 minutes to close to 4 hours, depending on how long check-in and materials collection take at your site.
Extended time situations
- Students approved for extended-time accommodations can have their total testing time increase to around 5 hours or more, depending on whether they take the writing section.
- Some extended-time test takers may be allowed to spread testing over multiple days, which changes how long they are in the test center on any one day.
