How much does the ACT test cost?
The ACT test costs $70 in the US for the three core sections, English, math and reading. With optional science it is $75, with writing $95, and with both $100. Outside the US the base fee is $188.50, and eligible US students can get the ACT test fee waiver to test for free.
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How much is the ACT test? Fees by option
How much is the ACT test depends on which optional sections you add. Science and writing can be added or removed up to the late registration deadline. ACT lists these as its current fees, without naming a school year.
- ACT (English, math, reading): $70
- ACT with science: $75 (science add-on $5)
- ACT with writing: $95 (writing add-on $25)
- ACT with science and writing: $100
Source: ACT — Current ACT fees and services. Checked 19 October 2026.
How much does it cost to take the ACT test outside the US?
On ACT’s non-US site, the ACT test costs $188.50, or $198.50 with science (science add-on $10). The writing add-on is $25. The late registration fee ($42) and change fee ($49) are the same as in the US.
Source: ACT — Fees for the ACT test, non-US students. Checked 19 October 2026.
Extra fees that raise the cost of ACT test day
The base fee is not always the full cost of ACT test registration. These extras come from ACT’s fee list:
- Late registration: $42, for registering or changing your date in the late period
- Change fee: $49, for a change of test form, test day or test center
- Standby testing: $75
- Score reports to a 5th and 6th college choice, or additional score reports later: $20 each
- ACT My Answer Key: $36 if ordered before the test begins, $44 after
- Score verification: $67 for multiple choice, $67 for writing, $134 for both
Source: ACT — Current ACT fees and services. Checked 19 October 2026.
ACT test fee waiver
The ACT test fee waiver covers the registration fee for up to two ACT tests, plus the science and writing add-ons, so eligible students pay nothing. To qualify you must be in 11th or 12th grade, test in the United States, US territories or Puerto Rico, and meet at least one of ACT’s indicators of economic need, such as a family receiving low-income public assistance.
Start with your school counselor, who confirms eligibility; you then enter the fee waiver code when you register. Students who test with a waiver can also ask colleges to waive or defer the application fee, and they automatically get free access to The Official ACT Self-Paced Course.
Source: ACT — ACT fee waiver. Checked 19 October 2026.
How much do you really pay? Three examples
Using ACT’s US fees: one sitting with English, math and reading costs $70. The same test with science, registered in the late period, costs $75 plus $42, so $117. Two sittings with science and writing cost $200 before any extras. With a fee waiver, the first two sittings, add-ons included, cost nothing.
Source: ACT — Current ACT fees and services. Checked 19 October 2026.
Free official ACT practice before you pay
Practice costs less than a second sitting. ACT itself publishes free practice tests and sample questions, and Certsqill adds expert-developed ACT practice questions with an explanation for every answer option and a readiness score per section, so you book the test when you are ready.
Source: ACT — ACT test prep. Checked 19 October 2026.
ACT cost: questions people ask
How much is an ACT test?
$70 in the US for English, math and reading; $75 with science, $95 with writing, $100 with both. Source: ACT fees page, checked 19 October 2026.
How much does the ACT exam cost with writing?
$95 with writing, or $100 with science and writing. The writing add-on is $25. Source: ACT fees page, checked 19 October 2026.
Is there a late fee for the ACT?
Yes, $42 for registering or changing your date in the late period. Source: ACT fees page, checked 19 October 2026.
Who qualifies for an ACT fee waiver?
Students in 11th or 12th grade testing in the US, US territories or Puerto Rico who meet at least one indicator of economic need. Ask your school counselor. Source: ACT, checked 19 October 2026.
How many ACT fee waivers can I get?
Up to two, covering the registration fee and the science and writing add-ons. Source: ACT, checked 19 October 2026.
How much does the ACT cost for international students?
$188.50 for the ACT, $198.50 with science, plus $25 for writing. Source: ACT non-US fees page, checked 19 October 2026.
