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Along with the SAT, the ACT is a standardized college admissions test with a long history. Introduced in 1959, this venerable exam has gone through many changes over the years. From the introduction of the Reading section in 1989 to the addition of the Writing section in 2005, to the advent of school day testing in 2017, the ACT has weathered many changes to help it be a better tool for selective schools to identify strong candidates. Now, the ACT is about to undergo another change: online testing. 

The addition of offering a digital option comes with a suite of new changes. These changes are designed to streamline the testing process, enhance accessibility, and improve the overall testing experience. As educators, students, and parents prepare for these updates, it’s essential to understand what these changes entail and how they will impact the test-taking journey.

Digital ACT At A Glance

Curious about how the new online testing options will affect you? Here’s a brief overview of the changes.

• Shorter test length: The total number of questions will be reduced by 44, and the test will last approximately two hours, compared to the current three hours. It’s more manageable for students and requires less of a time commitment.
• More time per question: With the reduction in overall questions, students will have more time to thoughtfully answer each question.
• Flexibility in sections: You will now have the option to take the ACT with or without the science section. This gives you more control over their testing experience, allowing you to focus on your strengths. 
• Updated composite score: The ACT Composite score will be calculated using only the English, math, and reading sections, unless you choose to take the science section.
• Online and paper options: Students can still choose to take the test either online or on paper, providing flexibility based on their preferences.
• Gradual rollout: These changes will first be made for the digital test only, but will roll out to the paper exam throughout 2025 and early 2026.

Why the Change?

The addition of a digital format for the ACT comes as a response to the evolving educational landscape. With technology becoming increasingly integral to everyday life, it’s only natural that standardized tests adapt accordingly. The transition to digital testing aims to reflect the current learning environments and provide a modern testing experience.

ACT CEO Janet Godwin emphasized that these enhancements are driven by feedback from educators, students, and parents who have long advocated for a more modernized testing approach. The goal is to offer a testing experience that mirrors the technological advancements in education while maintaining the test’s integrity and reliability.

When Will the Digital ACT Be Available?

The digital ACT was first introduced in February 2024 at select locations, with additional testing centers rolling out the option. The digital ACT must be taken at a designated testing location and is not available as a remote option; you cannot take it at home or with your own devices. 

Key Changes to the Digital ACT

The changes to the ACT are multifaceted, encompassing various aspects of the test. Here’s a breakdown of the most significant updates. It’s important to remember that the digital option is just that: an option. The traditional paper test will remain available, and students will be able to choose the test format that works best for them.

Before we explore these changes further, let’s take a quick look at how the structure of the ACT will change.

Section	Current Question Count	Future Questions Per Section	Question Count Change	Current Time Per Section	Future Time Per Section	Percent Increase in Time Per Question
English	75 questions	50 questions	-25	45 mins	35 minutes	+17%
Math	60 questions	45 questions	-15	60 mins	50 minutes	+12%
Reading	40 questions	36 questions	-4	35 mins	40 minutes	+28%
Optional Science	40 questions	40 questions	No change	35 mins	40 minutes	+15%
Total	215 questions	171 questions	-44 questions	2 hours  55 minutes	2 hours 45 minutes	+19%

Additionally, while there are 171 questions total on the new digital ACT, only 142 of them are scored. 29 are experimental questions.

Online Testing Option

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of an online testing option. Students will now have the choice to take the ACT either on a computer or using the traditional paper-and-pencil method. This flexibility aims to accommodate different learning styles and preferences, ensuring that all students can perform at their best.

Shortened Test Duration

The digital ACT will feature a shorter test duration compared to the traditional version. This change is intended to reduce test fatigue and improve focus and performance. The new format will be more concise, allowing students to complete the test in a shorter time frame without compromising the assessment’s rigor and comprehensiveness. 

Also, Test 5 is going away. The ACT Test 5 is the 20 minute experimental section of the ACT that is currently administered after the Science section of the exam. While there will still be experimental, non-graded questions, students who take the test starting April 2025 will no longer be given a full experimental section.

Enhanced Security Measures 

Digital testing allows for more robust security measures, minimizing the risk of cheating and test fraud. Features like randomized question order and digital proctoring will ensure that each student receives a unique test experience, enhancing the test’s fairness and integrity.

What’s Staying the Same?

Despite the exciting changes to the ACT, many core elements remain consistent. The ACT will continue to reflect the high school curriculum, assessing the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired throughout your education, making it a relevant and accurate measure of academic preparedness. 

Conceptually, the ACT remains a valuable tool for college admissions, helping institutions determine whether or not a student can meet the college’s standards. High scores on the ACT will still open doors to numerous scholarship opportunities, enhancing eligibility for various merit-based scholarships. Schools will give equal merit to the digital and paper ACT, so it doesn’t matter which one you take! What’s important is doing your best and preparing yourself to get the highest score possible.

Will the Digital ACT and the Paper ACT Be The Same?

Eventually. The changes made to the digital ACT are coming to the paper version of the exam, too– but it’s a gradual rollout. As of April 2025, all of these changes will be made to the digital ACT only. Then, by September 2025, all students testing on a Saturday, either online or on paper, will experience these benefits. By Spring 2026, students taking the test at the district or state level during the school day will also have the fully updated version of the ACT. 

Preparing for the Digital ACT

With broader access to these changes on the horizon, it’s important for students to start preparing for the digital ACT. Here are some strategies to help navigate this new testing landscape:

Familiarize Yourself with the Digital Format

One of the first steps in preparing for the digital ACT is to become comfortable with the online testing interface. Many students are already accustomed to digital learning environments, but it’s essential to understand the specific features and tools available during the test. Taking practice tests in a digital format can help students acclimate to the new testing environment and reduce anxiety on test day.

Enhance Time Management Skills

The shortened duration of the digital ACT means that time management will be more critical than ever. Students should practice pacing themselves during practice tests to ensure they can complete each section within the allotted time. Developing a time management strategy, such as allocating specific time blocks for each question or passage, can help students maximize their performance.

Use Online Test Prep Resources

Preparing for an online exam is a little different than preparing for a paper exam, so students should work with their test prep tutors to go over these differences. They should take advantage of resources like practice tests and interactive exercises tailored to the new digital format. Utilizing these tools can provide valuable insights and strategies for tackling the test effectively.

The Benefits of the Digital ACT

The transition to a digital ACT format brings several benefits that can positively impact students’ testing experiences and outcomes.

Increased Accessibility

The digital ACT is designed to be more accessible to a broader range of students. The online format can accommodate various learning styles and needs, including students with disabilities who may require assistive technology. Additionally, the ability to take the test at various locations can reduce barriers related to travel and scheduling. And the shorter test length and reduced question amount means that many students will find the exam less intimidating.

Enhanced Test Experience

The digital format offers a more engaging and interactive test experience. Features like interactive graphs, drag-and-drop questions, and digital highlighting tools can make the test more intuitive and user-friendly. This enhanced experience can help students stay focused and engaged throughout the test.

Quick Feedback

One of the most significant advantages of the digital ACT is the potential for quicker feedback. While the ACT’s website states that the 2-8 week result time is still applicable, they also mention that some students will be given the option to opt in to a new timeframe. The nature of digital scoring means that students may be able to receive feedback sooner than with the traditional test. If we do see a quicker turnaround time for score reporting, this will allow students to make timely decisions about their college applications and future test-taking strategies. 

Challenges and Considerations

While the digital ACT offers many benefits, there are also some challenges and considerations to keep in mind. Students should consider these fully before choosing which version of the test to take. 

Technical Issues

As with any digital platform, there is the potential for technical issues, such as connectivity problems or computer malfunctions. It’s essential for testing centers to have contingency plans in place to address these issues promptly. Students should also ensure they are familiar with the technical requirements and are comfortable with using a desktop-style computer.

Adjustment Period

Transitioning to a digital format may require an adjustment period for some students and educators. It’s important to allow time for students to become comfortable with the new format and for educators to adapt their teaching and test preparation strategies accordingly. Providing ample resources and support during this transition can help ease the adjustment process. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Standardized Testing

The move to a digital ACT is part of a broader trend towards modernization in standardized testing. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect further innovations in how tests are administered and how data is used to support student learning and development. This shift represents an exciting opportunity to create a more responsive and inclusive education system.

Online Test-Taking Strategies and Prep Expert Services

As students prepare for the digital ACT, developing effective online test-taking strategies will be crucial. Prep Expert offers comprehensive ACT preparation services designed to help students excel on the digital ACT. With expert instructors, personalized study plans, and a wealth of online resources, Prep Expert can help your student navigate the new digital testing landscape with confidence. Check out Prep Expert’s list of ACT offerings to learn more about how we can support your student’s journey to success on the digital ACT.