The ACT is a curriculum-based exam that provides valuable insights for all students, regardless of their post-high school plans. It helps students assess their academic strengths and areas for improvement and can be used for college admission. Whether students plan to attend college or enter the workforce, their ACT results offer a clear picture of their readiness and where they may need further development.

The ACT also includes an optional 45-60 minute pretest, administered before the main exam. This session gathers information about a student’s high school experience, college and career interests and future goals.  

There is a 15 minute break between Test 2 and Test 3, and a 5 minute break before the start of the writing test.

• Test 1 (English): 45 minutes
• Test 2 (math): 60 minutes
• Test 3 (reading): 35 minutes
• Writing test (1 prompt): 40 minutes

Testing window

This college admissions assessment is to be administered to all students enrolled in grade 11 (as defined by credit count in the Student Information System) who have not been administered the test in a prior year (i.e., students repeating grade 11 who have taken the test in a previous year are not expected to be administered the assessment). Schools have the option of administering The ACT on one or more of the statewide administration dates, February 25, April 8, or April 22, 2025 in a paper/pencil mode or online mode on the dates in the table below. In addition to the ACT, the Department will also provide, at no cost to schools, the optional PreACT assessments to help students prepare for college and workplace readiness in the Optional College and Career Readiness Assessments Administration table below.

OPTIONAL College and Career Readiness Assessments Administration

​​ Assessmen​​t	Grade(s)	Mode	​Testing Window
			Open	Close
PreACT (optional)	9 & 10	Paper	Feb. 25	April 18

Students w​ith special needs

Students who are IDEA- and Section 504-eligible may receive accommodations for the ACT exam at the discretion of the appropriate personnel at each school. Listed below are some of the accommodations available.

• Large type test booklet: A test booklet printed in an 18-point font.
• Large type answer sheet:  An answer sheet printed in an 18-point font. Testing staff to transfer the responses to a regular type answer document to be scanned and scored.
• Braille: A test booklet that contains braille and tactile graphics.
• Reader’s script: A script of the test booklet (includes examinee directions from the test booklet, reading passages and test items) for the reader to read aloud to one examinee.
• Audio DVD: Audio (no video) of the test booklet equivalent to the reader’s script.
• A scribe to record student responses on the answer sheet (must be in a separate room).
• Additional breaks with standard time (must test in a separate room).
• Separate test sessions.
• Testing over multiple days.
• Extended time to complete each test.
• A sign language interpreter to sign instructions, test items and response choices (must use reader’s script test individually in a separate room)​.

English learner supports

English learner (EL) supports are available only for examinees who are not proficient in English. EL supports must be authorized by ACT. Supports are limited to:

• Bilingual word-to-word dictionary.
• Translated written test directions, provided by ACT.
• One and one-half time.
• Small group testing.

Documentation and guides on accessibility supports for the ACT are available on the Accessibility Supports page on the ACT Hawaii website.

The Testing with English Learner (EL) Supports page provides additional information on supports available for English Learners.