How Long Is The ACT?

As you are practicing and preparing to take the ACT, it is important to know the duration of each section. The full test consists of four multiple-choice sections – in English, mathematics, reading, and science – with an optional writing section. In the chart below, you can find each test section and their corresponding number of questions and length.

What Time Does the Test Start?

Make sure you arrive at your designated testing center by 8:00am with a printed copy of your admission ticket, photo identification, pencil, watch, calculator, and snacks. You must arrive on time; late participants will NOT be admitted. The test will begin after all on-time examinees are checked in.

Are There Breaks Between Sections?

Following the 45-minute English section and the 60-minute math section, examinees will have a 10-minute break. In this time, you are permitted to eat or drink outside of the classroom, relax, and sharpen your pencils. After the break, you will have the 35-minute reading section and the 35-minute science section. If you are not taking the writing section, the test will conclude after science. If you are taking the writing section, you will have a 5-minute break before completing the 40-minute writing section.

Students taking the ACT (no writing) with standard time are normally dismissed around 12:35pm; students taking the ACT with writing are normally dismissed around 1:35pm.

What If I Miss My Test?

Once you have submitted your registration to ACT, by any method, it cannot be cancelled. Occasionally, a test center must cancel a test administration due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances. When this occurs, the test will be rescheduled for a future date.