The ACT Format Explained: Your Guide to Test Day Confidence

If you want to be an expert at anything, you need to know your subject inside and out. If you want to be a doctor, you have to know everything about human anatomy, from the Achilles tendon to the zygomatic arch. A chef doesn’t just follow recipes; they understand flavor profiles, ingredient interactions, and cooking techniques. No matter the field, deep knowledge is what transforms someone from a beginner into an expert. 

Taking the ACT is just the same. If you want to be an expert– and you do, because a high ACT score is a gateway to guaranteed scholarships and better chances of admission to your dream school– then you need to get that deep knowledge of how the test works. And this is a skill that anyone can learn, so don’t feel overwhelmed or intimidated. Instead, feel empowered and motivated! You can do this. You can earn that high score and set yourself up for success. You’ll need dedication and hard work, and you’ll need to know how to master the test.

And that starts with understanding its format. Let’s take a look.

Understanding the ACT Format

We’ve talked before about the structure of the ACT and why that’s important to know, but today, we’re going to talk about a different element of the exam: the format. The ACT isn’t like going to a classroom and taking a test; you need to be familiar with how the test will look, how you’ll take it, where you’ll take it, and what the environment will be like. 

Why does this all matter? Because the more comfortable you are with the way the test is presented, the more confident you’ll feel when the clock starts. You want to spend your time solving problems, not figuring out how to click through a question or wondering how long the break is. Format fluency leads to focus, and focus is one of the most valuable tools on test day.

There are two formats for the ACT:

• The paper-based ACT
• The digital ACT

While there are some differences between test variations now, the ACT has said that both paper and digital versions will continue, even after the enhancement rollouts are complete in 2026.

The Paper-Based Traditional ACT Format

Most students are still familiar with the classic ACT experience: printed booklets, scantron answer sheets, and sharpened pencils. In the paper-based version of the ACT, you’ll be physically flipping pages, bubbling in circles with a No. 2 pencil, and pacing yourself manually with your own watch or the room clock. It’s quiet, monitored, and very structured.

You’ll have four required sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. There’s an optional Writing section at the end, and eventually for all versions of the paper test, the Science section will also become optional. Each section is timed, and once time is up, that section is over. There’s no going back, even if you didn’t finish. There are short breaks between certain sections, but the test as a whole takes just under three hours without writing, and about three and a half with it. 

The New Digital ACT

The digital version of the exam is already available in many locations, and more will become available throughout 2025 and 2026. In the digital version of the ACT, students complete the entire exam on a computer. You’ll still take it in a proctored test center (not at home) but instead of using pencils and paper, you’ll work through an online interface with built-in tools. The timing, question types, and scoring are the same, but the experience of taking the test is different.

On the digital ACT, you’ll read passages and problems on a screen. Some students find this easier; others miss being able to mark up a physical page. But the interface does include tools to help you manage your process. You can highlight text, cross out answers, and flag questions to revisit. There’s also a timer that you can choose to hide or display, depending on what works best for you.

Unlike the SAT, which is now adaptive, the ACT remains a linear test. This means everyone sees the same questions in the same order. The digital shift hasn’t changed the test’s content; it has only changed how you interact with it. Whichever format you choose, practicing tests in that format will make the actual experience feel more natural and reduce test-day stress.

What To You Know Before You Sign Up

Before you register, it’s important to know where and how you’ll be taking the test. First, you’ll need to find a test date that works with your schedule. Some schools offer the ACT during the school day, while others require you to sign up for a Saturday exam at a nearby testing center. You’ll also want to check whether your location offers the paper or digital version of the ACT, as this affects how you’ll prepare. 

Look into whether your preferred colleges require the Writing section or if you can skip it. Keep in mind registration deadlines, ID requirements, and test day procedures. Planning ahead will save you stress and help you make the most of your efforts. Knowing what to expect puts you in control from the start.

Test Day Environment: What To Expect

Whether you’re taking the ACT digitally or on paper, the testing environment itself remains standardized. You’ll be in a classroom or testing center with other students, seated at a desk or computer station, and expected to stay silent and focused. Phones must be turned off and put away. Watches with alarms, smart devices, and outside paper are not allowed.

You’ll need to arrive early, bring a photo ID, and be ready to follow strict timing and behavior rules. Even bathroom breaks are limited to specific points in the exam. Understanding these expectations in advance will help you avoid surprises and prevent mistakes that could lead to dismissal or canceled scores.

How the Writing Section Works

The ACT’s optional Writing section is a timed essay that comes at the end of the test. It’s the only part that differs slightly in format depending on whether you’re taking it on paper or digitally.

On paper, you’ll handwrite your essay in a booklet. On the digital version, you’ll type it on a computer. Typing can be a benefit for fast keyboarders, but it’s important to practice writing timed essays on a screen. Typing fatigue and auto-correct habits can negatively impact your performance if you’re not used to the format.

The writing prompt remains the same either way: you’ll be asked to analyze an issue and present a perspective using evidence, logic, and structure. Some colleges still require this section, so check your school list and decide whether to include it in your registration.

Which Format Will You Take?

At this point, students in the U.S. may not have a choice between paper and digital formats; it depends on where you register and how your local testing center is set up. Not everywhere has access to digital testing yet! That said, it’s still a good idea to prepare for both. If your school offers the ACT during the school day, for instance, it may be digital even if your weekend test is on paper.

Stay updated on your testing site’s format by checking your ACT.org account and reviewing any communication from the test center. If you’re offered a digital test, take the time to get comfortable with the tools you’ll use. If you’re scheduled for a paper version, print out full-length exams and time yourself with pencil and paper.

Getting Ready the Right Way

Understanding the ACT format isn’t just about knowing what kind of test you’re taking; it’s about removing barriers to success. When you know what to expect, you’re more focused. When you’re familiar with the platform, you’re less distracted. And when you’ve practiced under the same conditions, your real score is more likely to reflect your true ability. So take the time to learn the format. Treat it like part of your training. Do your best to practice under the conditions you’ll be tested in. And most importantly, trust that this is a skill you can build.

The ACT isn’t just about what you know; it’s about how you manage your time and make strategic choices under pressure. Before test day arrives, you’ll want to approach your preparation like you would for a big performance or competition. That means setting up a schedule that gives you plenty of time to review content, take practice tests, and work on areas that challenge you. Try to simulate real test conditions whenever possible, especially when it comes to the official timing. That way, when the actual test day comes, you’ll be prepared for the pace and feel of the experience. 

Familiarity Builds Confidence

If you’ve ever taken a practice ACT at home, you know that test conditions can shape your performance. A timed test with distractions is very different from a timed test in a quiet room. That’s why students who do best on the ACT often practice in a format that mirrors the real thing.

You’ve got what it takes to be a test-taking expert. And when you know the ACT inside and out, you’re already halfway there. And to get the rest of the way there? That’s where test prep comes in. Many students choose to self-study, but you also have options where you can learn from the pros. When you study with us at Prep Expert, you’ll have access to top 1% ACT scorers and all of the strategies they use to master the exam. With the right support, preparation becomes more manageable, and success becomes more likely. Ready to start? Explore our upcoming ACT courses and take that next step with confidence.