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ACT Test Duration: The ACT Test duration is 2 hours and 55 minutes. Students who opt for the optional essay can expect the ACT Test duration to be 3 hours and 40 minutes. The ACT test can last for more than 3 hours if you tend to take breaks between the tests.
The ACT test is a standardized entrance exam used to assess an individual’s ability and readiness for admission to universities overseas. To know more about ACT Test duration, read the article.
| Name of the Test | ACT |
| Conducted By | ACT Inc. |
| Types of Questions | MCQ |
| Mode | Computer-based/ Pen-Paper |
| Age Limit | 13 Years and above |
| Frequency | 8 (For national students) 6 (For international students) |
| Duration | 2 Hours 55 Minutes |
This Blog Includes:
⏳How Long is the ACT test?
The ACT test lasts for 2 hours and 55 minutes. The test comprises 4 sections, with each section having a designated time frame of completion. This standardised entrance test comes with 215 questions in total. However, if you take frequent breaks, the overall length of the ACT Test will increase. For instance, the overall amount of breaks, including the 10-minute break between the Math and Reading parts, can bring the total ACT test duration to around 3 hours and 30 minutes.
⏰ACT Test Section-Wise Duration
The English section of the ACT Test lasts for 45 minutes while the maths and reading/science sections last for 60 and 35 minutes respectively. Refer to the following table to get an overview of the ACT test section-wise duration.
| ACT Section | Duration | Number of Questions | Estimated Duration for Each Question |
| English | 45 Minutes | 75 | 36 seconds per question |
| Maths | 60 Minutes | 60 | 1 minute per question |
| Reading | 35 Minutes | 40 | 52 seconds per question |
| Science | 35 Minutes | 40 | 52 seconds per question |
🤔What Time Does the ACT Start?
The ACT exam usually begins at 8 a.m. It is critical that test takers arrive on time on the day of the exam. Those who arrive late for the test will not be permitted to take the ACT. It is recommended that students who are taking the test from a remote location attend early to allow for a breathing period. The ACT exam normally lasts till 12:25 p.m.
Refer to the following table to go through the section-wise ACT test timings.
| ACT Section | Start | End |
| Maths | 9:15 a.m | 10:15 a.m |
| English | 8:30 a.m | 9:15 a.m |
| Break | 10:15 a.m | 10:25 a.m |
| Science | 11:00 a.m | 11:35 a.m |
| Reading | 10:25 a.m | 11:00 a.m |
| Break | 11:35 a.m | 11:40 a.m |
| Optional | 11:40 a.m | 12:20 p.m |
⏱Extended Time on the ACT
According to the amendments made to the ACT test policies in 2018, students can now request extended time for taking the test. Students who get the approval for such a request get 50% extended time for each section of the ACT.
FAQs
The ACT test lasts for 2 hours and 55 minutes.
The ACT English section lasts for 45 minutes.
There is no negative marking in the ACT exam.
The ACT exam is a standardised entrance exam used by students to gain admission to institutions around the world. The test lasts about 2 hours and 55 minutes and can possibly go longer if you take breaks in between. Therefore, it is critical that you manage your time well and complete your test within the set time frame.
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