ACT

PreACT 2026-27

ACT's practice tests for 8th through 10th graders, given at school. PreACT 8/9 is for 8th and 9th graders and PreACT is for 9th and 10th graders. Schools, districts, and states order it; families do not register.

PreACT levels

PreACT 8/98-9
PreACT9-10 (usable with grades 9-11)
PreACT 9 Secure9 (states/districts only)
PreACT Secure10 (states/districts only)

PreACT 8/9 (current blueprint): sections

Section	Questions	Minutes
English	40
Math	35
Reading	25
Science (optional by school/district from fall 2026)	30
Total	130	130

PreACT (new blueprint, fall 2026): sections

Section	Questions	Minutes
English	48	35
Math	36	45
Reading	33	40
Science (optional by school/district)	36	40
Total	153	160

Scoring

Scores use the ACT 1 to 36 scale with a lower ceiling: the top score is 30 on PreACT 8/9 and 35 on PreACT. Reports give subject scores, a Composite, and a predicted ACT score range. From fall 2026 the Composite is English, Math, and Reading only, and Science is optional for the school or district.

PreACT dates, 2026-27

PreACT 8/9 and PreACT testing (school chooses any day)Sept. 1, 2026–May 28, 2027
School enrollment window (PreACT 8/9 and PreACT)Feb. 28, 2026 to May 7, 2027
Materials ordering opensAug. 3, 2026
PreACT 9 Secure / PreACT Secure fall test eventSept. 28–Oct. 23, 2026
PreACT 9 Secure / PreACT Secure spring test eventsMarch 8–19, March 22–Apr. 2, Apr. 5–16, 2027

Fees

PreACT 8/9 and PreACT, per student, charged to the school/district$19 online; $20 paper
PreACT 9 Secure and PreACT Secure, per student$21.50 (online only)
Bundle discount with an ACT District Testing contract$1 off per student

Keep this for planning

Email me the PreACT details

The format, dates, and fees on this page, so you have them when you plan the test.

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Frequently asked questions

Who takes the PreACT?

PreACT 8/9 is for 8th and 9th graders and PreACT is for 9th and 10th graders. Schools, districts, and states order it; families do not register.

How long is the PreACT?

130 minutes for 130 questions at the PreACT 8/9 (current blueprint) level.

How is the PreACT scored?

Sources, read October 6, 2026: act.org, act.org, act.org. The PreACT is run by ACT, which is not affiliated with Dewey Smart.