In October 2019, ACT announced new testing and scoring options for students. Beginning with the September 2020 ACT test, students can retake one or more test sections, take the test online, and send an ACT "superscore" to colleges. Registration for the September 2020 ACT test, with the opportunity to select the new options, will open approximately 1 week after the July 2020 test date, according to the ACT website.
To support students in maximizing these new options, ACT spoke with NCAN about the ways the changes will impact the registration process and test day.
NCAN: What is the cost structure for section retesting (one, two, or three sections)?
ACT: ACT is finalizing pricing for the 2020-21 academic year. Pricing will be available in the coming weeks and will be communicated on the webpage dedicated to the new options for the ACT test.
Is there a list of testing locations across the country that will provide the retesting option?
A list of testing locations is not currently available. ACT is currently completing the annual site renewal process. Once this process is completed at the end of March, a list will be available.
How will the registration process be modified to address students wishing to retest on a section (or multiple sections)?
Students are required to take a full ACT test prior to taking a section retest. Students will only see the option to register for a section retest if they have a full test score on file. Students will also be given the option to select up to three section retests on the test day they choose to test. Beyond those changes, the registration process will remain consistent with registering for the fall ACT test.
If the testing centers within a close proximity are full, will there be an option to modify the request to take the entire test in close proximity?
Yes. When registering for the ACT, students will be able to explore the test centers that are in close proximity to them for the options they have selected (i.e. full test or section retest) based on the student’s home zip code. If the test center options are not optimal, the student may go back to modify the options they selected.
Will test sites that offer section retests have to offer those for every national test date?
No. Sites can decide when they offer section retests.
What will the testing environment be like in rooms where section testing is occurring? Will there be students taking different tests with different time frames in the same room?
All section retesters will be in the same room. All full battery testers will be in a separate room. As section retesters will take anywhere from one section test to three section tests, there will be students finishing at different times.
Will test sites be required to have IT personnel on duty?
Yes. All sites will have a technical coordinator available for pre-test day setup and be on site for test days.
With the fee waivers expanding from two to four, will they still be restricted to students in 11th and 12th grade?
Yes. The eligibility requirements remain the same for the ACT national fee waivers, which include the requirement for the student to be enrolled in the 11th or 12th grade.
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