What Your Student Needs to Bring on ACT Test Day
The ACT is a high-stakes test, and the last thing your child needs is unnecessary stress on test day. A missing ID, a dead calculator battery, or even forgetting a snack can throw them off their game. Fortunately, a little preparation goes a long way.
Whether your child is taking the traditional paper ACT or the digital version, this guide will ensure they walk into the test center fully prepared.
The Essentials: What Must Be in Their Bag
Admission Ticket & ID: No Ticket, No Test
The admission ticket is non-negotiable. It needs to be printed from their MyACT account—some locations might accept a digital version, but it’s not a guarantee, so it’s best to play it safe and print a copy the night before.
Equally important is a valid photo ID. ACT is strict about this, and without proper identification, your child won’t be allowed to test. The ID must be official, meaning a school ID, driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID. It must also be current (not expired) and match the name on their ACT registration. A photo of an ID on a phone won’t work, and neither will a credit card with their name on it.
Pencils, Calculators & Other Testing Materials
For the paper ACT, your child must use #2 pencils to fill in answer bubbles—mechanical pencils are not allowed.
For the digital ACT, however, they can bring any type of pencil or pen for scratch work on the provided paper. The Scantron isn’t a factor, so mechanical pencils, pens, or even highlighters are fine for note-taking.
A calculator is allowed on the Math section, but not all models are permitted. If your child is using a graphing calculator, double-check that it’s ACT-approved—models with a computer algebra system (CAS), such as the TI-89, are banned. To avoid any last-minute issues, they should bring extra batteries or a backup calculator, just in case.
While time is tracked during the test, it’s smart for your child to bring a basic wristwatch (one without smart features or alarms) to help them manage their pacing. Some test centers may not have visible clocks, and knowing how much time is left can make a big difference.
Snacks, Water & Test-Day Comfort
ACT test day is long, and energy levels matter. While your child won’t be allowed to eat or drink during the test, they can refuel during breaks. Packing a simple snack—like a banana, granola bar, or some nuts—can help keep their energy up without a sugar crash. Water is also important, but it should be in a bottle that seals to avoid spills.
Another thing to consider? Clothing layers. Test centers can be unpredictable—one room might be freezing while another feels stuffy. A sweater or hoodie can help them stay comfortable throughout the test.
What to Do with Cell Phones
Let’s be realistic—your child will probably bring their cell phone to coordinate a ride home or check in afterward. That’s totally fine, but the key is making sure they turn it off completely before entering the test room.
If their phone makes noise or is accessed at any time, even during breaks, ACT policy states that their score can be canceled. Some test centers may require students to leave their phones in a designated area, so it’s best to prepare for that possibility. If your child is concerned about missing an important message, remind them that they can turn their phone back on once the test is over.
Special Notes for the Digital ACT
If your child is taking the digital ACT, there’s no need to bring a laptop—the test center will provide a pre-configured computer running ACT’s TestNav software. They will be given scratch paper, so there’s no need to bring any of their own.
One helpful feature of the digital ACT is the built-in timer, which means your child will always know how much time is left in each section. The testing platform also includes accessibility tools like a line reader and zoom function. If they haven’t used TestNav before, it’s a good idea to check out a practice test in advance to get comfortable with the format.
What Not to Bring
To avoid unnecessary stress, it’s helpful to know what’s not allowed at the test center.
Smartwatches, Fitbits, or wireless earbuds – Any electronic device with internet access is banned.
Extra paper or notes – Your child will be given scratch paper for any work they need to do.
Books or study materials – They won’t be allowed to review anything once they enter the testing room.
Highlighters, pens, or mechanical pencils (for the paper test) – The test must be completed using regular wooden #2 pencils.
Noise-canceling headphones – No music, no earplugs, and no exceptions.
Final Test Day Reminders
With all the logistics taken care of, the best thing your child can do is get a good night’s sleep before test day. While last-minute studying might feel productive, it’s far more beneficial to be well-rested and alert than to cram in extra material.
They should also eat a balanced breakfast before heading to the test center—something with protein and healthy carbs will help keep their energy up without a mid-test crash.
Finally, arriving early is key. ACT test center doors close at 8:00 AM sharp, and late arrivals won’t be admitted. Make sure your child knows how long it will take to get there and has a plan for parking or drop-off.
With the right preparation, your child can walk into the ACT feeling focused, confident, and ready to do their best.