Test Day Essentials: What to Bring (and Not Bring) to the ACT Exam

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So, you’ve got your ACT test date circled on the calendar, and the big day is just few days away.

Think of it like packing for a big adventure or an important trip — you wouldn’t want to forget anything crucial, like your toothbrush, map and compass, or passport!

In this post we’ll list everything you need to bring to the ACT, give you tips for getting there rested and stress free, and make sure you know what to expect, so you can feel confident, knowing you’ll arrive on time, with all you need for the best outcome and smooth sailing.

What To Bring: Your 8 Essentials for ACT Test Day

All the items below qualify as essential. But, 1. and 2. are absolutely mandatory. Without them you won’t be allowed to even take the test! With that in mind, let’s check off what to bring to the ACT test — your six test-day must-brings.

1. Admission Ticket & Launch Code

Your admission ticket is your golden ticket into the test center. Make sure you print a copy from MyACT after you’ve uploaded your photo. This ticket has important registration details and, for online testers, your launch code. Without it, you won’t be allowed in. Think of it like a concert ticket — you wouldn’t get in without it!

2. Photo Identification OR Student Identification Form

Your ID is your way of proving you are who you say you are. This is a must-bring!

Make sure it’s acceptable too! Here are the requirements:

  • an official, photo ID, such as a driver’s license or school ID
  • current (not expired)
  • must be a hard plastic card (not a paper or electronic version)
  • ID needs to match the name you used to register for the test
  • photo should clearly be you

If you don’t have an acceptable form of photo ID, then you MUST present the

REMEMBER: No ID. No entry.

3. No. 2 Pencils [for paper test]

For those taking the paper version, bring a few sharpened No. 2 pencils with good erasers. Imagine going camping without any matches — just not practical. Mechanical pencils and ink pens are a no-go.

4. Calculator

The ACT allows specific calculators, for use on the math section only. It’s wise to bring one you’re comfortable using.

If you’re taking the online test, there’s a calculator in the test platform, but you can bring your own too. It’s like having your personal instrument to perform on when you’re on stage — familiar and comforting.

5. A Watch (restrictions apply)

A watch can help you pace yourself during the test. Just make sure it doesn’t have an alarm, or you could get kicked out. Your watch will also need to be visible on your desk at all times.

Bringing a watch is NOT essential, but you could find it’s convenient to help you track the time as the ACT moves at a brisk pace.

6. Snacks and Water

Pack a snack to eat during the break. A little fuel can keep you going strong. Just remember, you can’t eat in the test room.

What to know:

  • snack breaks happen outside
  • water is also a good idea to stay hydrated
  • no chewing or eating in the testing room

What NOT To Bring: Your 8 ACT No-Go’s

When it comes to test day DOs and DON’Ts, there are about as many prohibited items as there are essential ones.

For example, the electronic devices you’re used to taking everywhere… like cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches… that’s a big-time NO-GO for the ACT. If anything so much as buzzes or vibrates inside the test room, you could be dismissed.

Any such devices are best left at home. If you do bring them, keep them TURNED OFF and OUT OF SIGHT for the entire test session, including breaks.

Now here’s you checklist of items to leave at home or fully out of sight at all times.

ACT Test Day: 8 Prohibited Items

  1. NO electronic devices
  2. NO textbooks, notes, and scratch paper: all off-limits
  3. NO highlighters, colored pens/pencils, correction fluid/tape (stick to your no. 2 pencils)
  4. NO unauthorized watches, stopwatches, or calculators
  5. NO “connected” devices
  6. NO reading material (save the novels for after the test)
  7. NO earplugs, audio headphones, or headsets; NO noise-canceling headphones
  8. NO tobacco (Tobacco? To the ACT? Is that a thing??) NO gum, eating, or chewing inside the test room (snacks + water only are ok, during breaks only, outside the test room)

Final Thoughts

Being prepared for the ACT is like gearing up for a big adventure. Make sure you’ve got everything you need, double-check your list, and head into test day with confidence.

Remember, this is just one step in your journey. You’re prepared, you’re ready, and you’re going to do great.