The ACT Follows Suit: Computer-Based Testing Available 2024
You see?
Even the ACT gives in to peer pressure…
Kidding! well, maybe a little bit…
All jokes aside, the ACT did officially announce that they’ll be offering computer-based testing (CBT) along the same lines as the SAT and they’re planning to kick things off at around the same time.
I’ll aim to answer the same questions here as I did for the SAT’s switch to Digital Testing…
Perhaps the most important thing to know at this point is that the switch to digital does not appear to be all-encompassing, meaning that paper-based tests will still be an option. The SAT made their switch to digital comprehensive. No paper exams will be offered in the future, but that does not seem to be the case with the ACT.
As stated on the ACT website:
“You will be able to choose the test format you are most comfortable with—paper or online—when registering to take the ACT. ”
That’s great news for those test takers that aren’t a fan of computer-based tests and may actually drive more people to the ACT than previously.
When is this change happening?
The ACT is, at this time, just piloting. Their offering the computer-based testing option during the December 2023 ACT National test event at only select test centers. This means that those people who are registering to take the Fall 2023-Summer 2024 test dates will see the option to choose between a “Computer” or “paper test.
Important note: If you do select computer-based, you may not see an available test center nearby. Remember, this is an early stage shift for the ACT and not all test centers offer this option.
Is the actual test changing?
what about how you take the ACT? how will the test experience change?
This is perhaps the biggest favor that the ACT did us when it came to their switch to a computer-based test: the content of the test will not be changing.
The ACT has emphasized that the length of the ACT will be the same regardless of the test format and that their score reporting options will also be the same.
Now the other part of the how is the actual test taking experience. It appears that for the ACT testing option, the test centers will provide devices for you to take the test with. It is emphasized in their FAQ that you will not be able to bring or use your personal device to take the ACT.
This is a pretty big deviation from the SAT digital testing, which is asking students to bring their own device. In my opinion, this is a smarter solution. It may limit availability temporarily, but it streamlines the digital experience for test takers, eliminates the variables for proctors having to help students troubleshoot, and makes cheating less likely as using a provided device ensures the likelihood you’ll be using a lockdown browser to take the test.
If you do select computer and then decide against it, you can also change from online to paper once you’ve registered. Or vice versa.
what about national test dates?
So, far, it does appear like these computer-based tests will still be offered on the same National Test dates.
I’ll update this when I know more.
what about accommodations?
This is something I feel the ACT did a better job with than the SAT when they announced the shift to a computer-based test.
The short answer is this: you can still request accommodations.
To learn more about the ACT’s testing accommodations, please review their accommodations policies. There will also be accessibility tools built into the software to help with theonline testing experience, which is honestly more than I can say for the SAT. The following accessibility supports will be available to all students:
Choice of colors and color contrast
Magnification
Line reader tool (mimics straight edge used in paper testing for visual tracking)
Highlight text or parts of an item
Answer-masking or custom masking
Mark an item for review
Option eliminator
Indicator of time remaining
Online calculator
If you are a person with a disability or an English Learner who needs additional support, you will be prompted during your registration process if you need accommodations or language supports to access the test. Just be sure to answer “Yes” when asked. Then work with your school official to request authorization from ACT.
Now, let’s talk resources…
what resources are available to start practicing this?
First, I do recommend checking out their Getting Started with the ACT Test tutorial. You must use Google Chrome as your browser for the practice tests to launch properly. This tutorial is meant to familiarize you with the test-taking platform and how to navigate it, so it’s a great place to start.
They’ve also created an ACT CBT fact sheet which you can download here.
Last but not least, they have both timed and untimed CBT practice tests on their page. The unfortunate thing is that it only looks like one test is available for each of the sections (as of this writing) in both the timed and untimed formats. I have linked them below:
English: Timed Practice | Untimed Practice
Math: Timed Practice | Untimed Practice
Reading: Timed Practice | Untimed Practice
Science: Timed Practice | Untimed Practice
The Optional Writing Section: Timed Practice | Untimed Practice
If you want more information and to stay up-to-date on ACT computer-based testing changes, check out this website. They add information to this page as it becomes available. I’ll also be sending out updates as I learn them via my newsletter once I get that up and running.
