What to Bring to the ACT: Essential Items for Test Day 

Why Test Day Preparation Matters 

You’ve spent weeks or even months preparing for the ACT mastering math formulas, brushing up on grammar rules, practicing reading strategies, and taking full-length practice tests to improve your timing and endurance. 

But no matter how well you prepare academically, test day itself can be stressful. Many students overlook small but crucial details, like forgetting an essential item or bringing something that isn’t allowed. These seemingly minor mistakes can cause unnecessary stress, delays, or even prevent you from taking the test. 

To make sure your test day goes smoothly, you need a well-prepared checklist of what to bring to the ACT and what to leave at home. This guide will ensure you: 

✅ Arrive at the test centre fully prepared 
✅ Avoid last-minute panic over missing items 
✅ Stay focused and stress-free on test day 
✅ Give yourself the best possible chance to perform at your highest level 

Let’s dive into the ACT Test Day Essentials you absolutely must bring, starting with the most important item: your ACT admission ticket. 

ACT Test Day Essentials: The Must-Have Items 

1. Your Printed ACT Admission Ticket 

What is the ACT Admission Ticket? 

Your ACT admission ticket is an official document that proves your registration. It contains: 

📌 Your full name (which must match the name on your photo ID) 
📌 Your ACT test date 
📌 Your assigned test centre and address 
📌 A unique registration number linked to your ACT account 

Without this critical document, you may not be allowed to take the ACT. 

Where to Find and Print Your ACT Admission Ticket 

After registering for the ACT, you can download and print your admission ticket through your MyACT account (https://my.act.org). 

💡 Important: The ACT does not accept digital copies—you must bring a printed hard copy. Screenshots, PDFs on your phone, or digital versions will not be accepted at the test center. 

What If You Forget Your ACT Admission Ticket? 

🚨 If you forget your ticket on test day: 
❌ You may not be allowed inside the test centre. 
❌ If you are admitted, your scores may be delayed or invalidated. 
❌ You’ll likely feel unnecessary stress and anxiety, which could affect your performance. 

Pro Tips to Avoid Last-Minute Problems 

✔ Print at least two copies—keep one in your test folder and another in your bag. 
✔ Store a copy in a plastic folder to prevent damage. 
✔ Place an extra copy in your car, wallet, or school locker in case you forget the original at home. 
✔ The night before, double-check your ticket details—verify your test center location, address, and start time. 

What If You Don’t Have a Printer? 

If you don’t have access to a printer at home, you can: 
🔹 Print it at your school, library, or a local print shop (e.g., FedEx, Staples). 
🔹 Ask a friend, teacher, or family member to print it for you. 
🔹 Ensure the print quality is clear—a faded or blurry printout may cause issues. 

✅ Final Reminder: Your ACT admission ticket is unique to you. You cannot use someone else’s ticket, and they cannot use yours. 

What to Bring to the ACT: Photo Identification 

Why Is a Photo ID So Important? 

Your photo ID is the single most important document you need to bring to the ACT. Without an acceptable form of identification, you will not be allowed inside the test center—no exceptions. 

Even if you have your ACT admission ticket, you must also bring a valid photo ID that meets ACT’s strict requirements. If your ID is missing, expired, or doesn’t meet the criteria, you’ll be turned away at the test center and will not be able to take the test. 

To prevent any test-day surprises, let’s break down what qualifies as an acceptable photo ID and what does not. 

✅ Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Forms of ID 

💡 Quick Rule: If your ID isn’t listed in the left column, it will NOT be accepted. 

What If You Don’t Have an Acceptable ID? 

If you don’t have a valid government or school ID, you have two options: 

1️ Apply for a government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or state ID) at least a month before test day. 
2️   Use the ACT Student Identification Form if you can’t get an official ID in time. 

• Download the form from the ACT website 

• Attach a passport-style photo 

• Get it signed by a school official or notary public 

• Ensure it is completed at least a week before the test 

🚨 Important Reminder: You MUST bring a printed, physical ID—no digital copies or phone screenshots will be accepted. 

✅ Final Tip: Keep your photo ID in your test-day bag the night before to avoid any last-minute panic! 

What to Bring to the ACT: Writing Utensils 

Why Are Writing Utensils Important? 

Your pencil is your primary tool during the ACT. You’ll use it for: 
✅ Filling in answer bubbles on the multiple-choice sections 
✅ Writing the essay (if you’re taking the ACT with Writing) 
✅ Making quick notes or solving math problems in the test booklet 

However, not just any pencil will do—ACT has strict rules about what type of writing utensil is allowed. 

ACT-Approved Writing Utensils 

💡 Tip: Always bring at least two or three #2 pencils in case one breaks. 

Why Are Mechanical Pencils Not Allowed? 

• The ACT uses scantron answer sheets, which require soft #2 pencil lead for proper scanning. 

• Mechanical pencils often have harder or different lead types, which may not be recognized by the scanner. 

• ACT rules explicitly forbid mechanical pencils, and using one could invalidate your answers. 

What If You Forget a Pencil? 

While some test centers may provide extra pencils, do not rely on this—not every center will have them available. 
🚀 Solution: Pack your pencils the night before the test, along with an eraser and a sharpener (just in case). 

Final Tips: 

✅ Use high-quality #2 pencils—cheap ones can break easily. 
✅ Check that your pencils have erasers—mistakes happen! 
✅ Sharpen your pencils before test day for a smooth writing experience. 
✅ DO NOT bring pens or highlighters—they are not allowed and will only add unnecessary clutter. 

Optional (But Recommended) Items to Bring to the ACT 

While the essential items ensure you are admitted to the test center, these optional but highly recommended items can improve your performance and reduce stress on test day. 

Graphing Calculator: A Game-Changer for ACT Math 

Why You Should Bring a Calculator 

The entire ACT Math section allows calculator use, meaning you can use your device for all math questions. While you can solve every problem by hand, using a graphing calculator will: 
✅ Save time by performing complex calculations quickly 
✅ Improve accuracy by reducing human error 
✅ Help visualize problems (e.g., graphing equations to find intercepts) 
✅ Assist with tricky concepts like logarithms, exponents, and matrices 

🚀 Pro Tip: If you’re not already familiar with your calculator’s functions, spend some time practicing before test day! 

ACT Calculator Policy: What’s Allowed and What’s Not 

Not all calculators are permitted on the ACT! The ACT has strict calculator rules, and bringing a banned calculator could result in having to take the test without one or even having your scores cancelled. 

💡 Check ACT’s official website for a complete and up-to-date list of approved calculators. 

What to Do Before Test Day 

✔ Confirm that your calculator is ACT-approved (check the list above). 
✔ Replace batteries or bring extras—a dead calculator won’t help you! 
✔ Practice using it—learn shortcuts for common functions to save time during the test. 
✔ Reset your calculator before the test—some test centers may require this to prevent stored data usage. 

Final Tips: 

✅ Bring a backup calculator if you have an extra (as long as both are ACT-approved). 
✅ Do NOT rely on borrowing one at the test center—most won’t have extras. 
✅ Avoid last-minute learning—if you’re unfamiliar with your calculator’s functions, it may slow you down instead of helping. 

Optional (But Recommended) Items to Bring to the ACT 

While the essential items ensure you can take the test, several additional items, though not mandatory, can significantly enhance your test-taking experience. 

Water and Snacks 

Test-takers will receive a short break after the Math section, during which they may step out of the testing room. Bringing water and a light snack can help maintain focus and energy levels for the second half of the exam. 

✅ Recommended Items: 

• A bottle of water to stay hydrated 

• A small, nutritious snack such as a granola bar, trail mix, or nuts to provide a quick energy boost 

• Avoid excessive sugar or caffeine, as they may lead to energy crashes later in the test 

🚫 Not Recommended: 

• Energy drinks or overly sugary snacks 

• Messy or strongly scented foods that may be distracting 

A Timing Device 

Although a clock will be present in the testing room, not all students will have a clear view of it, and proctors may not always provide timely reminders. Bringing a silent digital watch with a stopwatch function can be highly beneficial for pacing. 

✔ Recommended Features: 

• A digital watch (easier to read and typically includes a stopwatch function) 

• Lap functionality to time individual sections while monitoring overall time 

⚠ Important Guidelines: 

• Ensure the alarm is turned off, as any sound during the test may lead to dismissal 

• Smartwatches are not permitted, as they fall under restricted electronic devices 

Prohibited Items 

In addition to knowing what to bring, it is equally important to understand what should not be brought to the ACT. 

🚫 Prohibited Items and Reasons: 

📌 Note for international test-takers: If taking the ACT online, some test centers may allow scratch paper. It is advisable to check directly with the test center for specific policies. 

Final Test Day Preparation Tips 

✔ Pack all required materials the night before to avoid last-minute stress 
✔ Get sufficient rest the night before the test for optimal performance 
✔ Eat a balanced breakfast to maintain focus throughout the exam 
✔ Arrive early to allow time for check-in procedures 

By ensuring you bring the right materials and avoid prohibited items, you can maximize your test-day performance and minimize unnecessary stress. 

Conclusion 

Proper preparation for the ACT extends beyond studying—it includes ensuring you have all the necessary materials for a smooth test-day experience. Bringing essential items such as your admission ticket, valid photo ID, #2 pencils, and an approved calculator is crucial for ACT test eligibility. Additionally, optional items like water, snacks, and a silent digital watch can help maintain focus and improve time management. 

Equally important is knowing what not to bring to avoid unnecessary complications. Prohibited items, including electronic devices, study materials, and scratch paper, can result in test-day disruptions or even dismissal. 

By organizing your materials in advance, getting adequate rest, and following official ACT guidelines, you can enter the testing center feeling confident and prepared. Thoughtful preparation ensures that your focus remains on performing your best, rather than dealing with avoidable distractions or last-minute stress. 

Good luck on your ACT!