2017l2018

The ACT Test ®

Administration Manual
International Testing

www.act.org

*01182X180*
 How to Contact ACT
For questions regarding test administration, additional materials, report
forms, and security of test materials:
Note: If you were assigned a six-digit code, have it available or on your
correspondence when contacting ACT. It is located on your roster(s) or Test
Materials Distribution List.
Address
ACT Test Administration
301 ACT Drive
PO Box 168
Iowa City, IA 52243-0168
Hours of Operation
Use the table below to determine when ACT staff are available.
If you are calling on… Then the hours are…
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday test day 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday test day 6:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Note: All hours of operation are central time.

On the Friday of the test date, the email inbox is monitored from 6:00 p.m.
to 12:00 midnight. Phone support is not available during those extended
hours.
Phone
Use the table below to determine how to contact ACT for general inquiries
or test day assistance.
If you are… Then call…
Outside The United States or Canada 319.337.1510

Note: Do not give the number to examinees or parents.

Fax 319.339.3039
Supplier Registration and Payment System (SRPS)
https://srps.act.org

Email
For questions OSUS@act.org

© 2017 by ACT, Inc. All rights reserved   MA03001.OPS2042

Contents
Introduction  1 Relatives Testing 9

Test Options  1 Number of Staff Required 10

Important Changes 2 Test Coordinator 11

ACT Policies and Procedures  3
Relationship with ACT 3
Confidentiality 3
Investigations 4
Equal Treatment 4
Standardized Procedures 4
Test Dates and Times 4
Fair Testing Practices 4
Substitute Test Coordinator 11
Room Supervisor Responsibilities 12
Proctor Responsibilities 12
Roving Proctor Responsibilities 13
Training Staff 13
Test Center Staff Compensation 13
Test Security Requirements  15
Authorized Access 15

Facilities and Staff 4 Unauthorized Transfer of Materials 15

Right to Terminate 4 Security of Test Materials 15

Safety 5 Receipt and Check-In of Test Booklets 15

Authorized Observers 5 Storage before Testing 16

Unauthorized Observers and Media 5 Secure Storage 16

Removal from Storage 16
Test Center Facility Distributing Materials—The Chain of
Requirements  6 Custody 17
Accessibility 6 In the Event of a Security Breach 17
Type and Size of Room  6 Security during the Administration 17
Freedom from Distractions 6
Writing Surfaces  6
Preparing for Test Day  18
Test Center Capacity 18
Bulletin Boards 6
Reporting Location 18
Clocks 7
Notify ACT of Changes 18
Environment 7
Institutional Expenses 19
Room Setup and Seating Arrangements 7
Test Date Information and Materials from
Proper Use of Tables 7
ACT 19
Left-Handed Examinees 7
Preparing Your Test Materials 21

Test Center Staff Materials Provided by the Test Center 21

Requirements  9 Preparing Your Facility 21

Preparing Your Test Center Staff 21
Selecting Test Center Staff 9
Examinees with Disabilities 22
Attentiveness 9
Test Preparation 9
i
 Test Day Activities  23
Test Day Schedule (Approximate)  23
Staff Reporting Time 23
Briefing Session 23
Setting Up 24
Distributing Test Materials to Room
Supervisors 24
Before Dismissing Staff after the Test 25
Admitting Examinees   26
Security during Admission 26
Tickets 27
Examinee Payments and Fees 27
Examinee Reporting Time 27
Check-In Time 27
Check-In Location 27
Admitting Late Examinees 28
Admission Requirements 28
Denying Admission  29
Determining Test Options 29
Test Option Change on Test Day 29
Assigning Test Rooms 30
Verifying Identification 30
Marking the Roster 33
Prohibited Items in the Test Room 33
Direct Examinees to Their Seats  34
Standbys 34
Admission at a Glance 35
Administering the Tests  36
Test Room Starting Time 36
General Announcements to Examinees 36
Overview of Administering the Tests 37
Distributing Test Materials to Examinees 37
Collecting Tickets  39
Sequence of Tests 39
Timing the Tests 39
Checking for Prohibited Behavior 40
Checking Calculators during Test 2 41
Calculators 41
Break after Test 2 41
Break before the Writing Test 42
Examinees Who Leave during a Test and
Return 42
Student Review 42
Examinee Questions, Suggestions, or
Concerns 42
Collecting Materials from Examinees 42
ii
Dismissing Examinees after Testing 43
Required Test Room Documentation  43
Irregularities  44
Group Irregularities 44
Individual Irregularities 46
Voiding Answer Documents 51
Refusal to Turn In Test Materials 52
Reporting Personal Injury/Property Damage 52
Verbal Instructions  53
All Rooms 54
Test 1—English 58
Test 2—Mathematics 59
Test 3—Reading 61
Test 4—Science 62
Writing Test 65
Return of Materials  69
After Testing 69
What to Keep 69
What to Return 69
Returning the Test Booklets 70
Returning Unused Materials 70
Returning the Answer Documents to Be
Scored 70
Returning the Test Administration Forms 71
Returning the Tickets 71
Packing the Carton 72
Return Shipping 72
Samples and Forms  73
Marked Roster Sample 73
Roster Samples 74
Answer Document Matching Information
Sample 75
Admission Ticket Samples 76
ACT Student ID Form Sample 77
Irregularity Report Sample 79
Seating Diagram instructions 80
ACT Irregularity Report 81
ACT Reschedule Notification 83
Anonymous Security
Hotline  89
ACT Test Security
Principles  89
Figures
Figure 1. Seating arrangement examples 8
Figure 2. Resealing cartons for storage 16
Figure 3. Roster entry showing a student denied
entry 29
Figure 4. Roster entry identifying a student with a
Test Option Change 29
Figure 5. Test 5 Code block 38
Figure 6. Test booklet distribution diagram 38
Figure 7. Example timing chart for Test 1 39
Figure 8. Left, how to void the entire examination;
right, how to void the writing test only 51
Tables
Table 1. Test Option Descriptions 1
Table 2. Number of Staff Required for Each
Testing Role 10
Table 3. Test Date Information 19
Table 4. Test Center Rosters 20
Figure 9. Sample Test 5 Code block 57
Figure 10. Packing the Answer Documents to Be
Scored Envelope Diagram 71
Figure 11. Test Administration Forms
Envelope 71
Figure 12. Tickets Envelope 71
Figure 13. Carton packing order 72
Figure 14. Example Completed Irregularity
Report 79
Table 5. Sample Test Day Schedule 23
Table 6. Group Designations Assigned to Each
Test Option 30
Table 7. Acceptable Forms of Identification and
their Roster Notations 31
iii
Introduction
As a test administrator, you play a critical role in ensuring the standardized administration of the ACT
test, popularly known as the “A-C-T.” This manual details ACT’s required testing procedures. These
procedures are designed to ensure that students are given a fair opportunity to demonstrate the skills and
knowledge they have acquired in English, mathematics, reading, science, and writing up to this point in
their academic careers. Please be sure to study this manual carefully. If you have any questions regarding
any of these procedures, do not hesitate to contact ACT Test Administration. Contact information is
provided on the inside front cover.

Test Options
Examinees can register to take one of two test options: the ACT (no writing) or the ACT with writing. Each
examinee’s test option is identified on your Test Center Rosters (see “Test Center Rosters,” page 19,
and “Roster Samples,” page 74) and on the examinee’s ticket (see “Tickets,” page 27, and “Admission
Ticket Samples,” page 76). Each test option and the materials to be used are described below.

Table 1. Test Option Descriptions

ACT (No Writing) ACT with Writing
Description Four multiple-choice tests in Four multiple-choice tests in
English, mathematics, reading, and English, mathematics, reading, and
science science, plus a writing test
Test Center Rosters ‘No Writing’ at top of page ‘Writing’ at top of page AND
(standard time) ‘Writing’ next to each examinee’s
name
Ticket ‘ACT (NO WRITING)’ as the Test ‘ACT WITH WRITING’ as the Test
Option Option
Answer Document 1-page ACT Answer Sheet with 8-page ACT with Writing Answer
four multiple-choice test ­sections Folder for both the multiple-choice
and the writing test
Test Booklet(s) ACT test booklet ACT test booklet AND
ACT writing test booklet

1
Introduction

Important Changes
Changes this year include the following:
• The policy regarding admission tickets has been updated. See “Tickets,” page 27.
• Matching an examinee’s gender is no longer required for admission.
• Payment processing times have been updated.
• Updated sections include:
~~ Fair Testing Practices, page 4
~~ Test Center Staff Compensation, page 13
~~ Security during the Administration, page 17
~~ Security during Admission, page 26
~~ Tickets, page 27
~~ Check-In Location, page 27
~~ Admitting Late Examinees, page 28
~~ Admission Requirements, page 28
~~ Verifying Identification, page 30
~~ Acceptable Identification, page 31
~~ Standbys, page 34
~~ Admission at a Glance, page 35
~~ General Announcements to Examinees, page 36
~~ Prohibited Behavior at the Test Center, page 49
~~ How to Dismiss for Prohibited Behavior, page 50
~~ Verbal Instructions, page 53
Note: Read the entire manual to understand all current policies and procedures.

2
ACT Policies and
Procedures
For the ACT to successfully measure examinees’ academic skills, it must be uniformly administered.
As a person giving the ACT, you therefore assume important professional responsibilities. As with all
standardized testing, it is critical that the procedures you employ at your test center are identical to those
at other centers. If you have any questions that are not addressed in the manual, be sure to contact ACT
Test Administration for instructions. By strictly following ACT policies and procedures, you will help to
ensure a fair and equitable testing environment.

Relationship with ACT

Test center staff are independent contractors, not employees of ACT (see “Test Center Staff
Compensation,” page 13).

When you become an ACT test coordinator or a substitute test coordinator, you must sign an agreement
that you will comply with all ACT policies and procedures. Room supervisors and proctors must also read
and agree to follow the policies and procedures described in this manual.

Test administration activities are an ACT function. As test center staff, you act on behalf of ACT—not the
host facility (e.g., your school or institution)—on test day and in all matters regarding administering the
tests at your test center. Test center staff who are also employed by the host facility (e.g., counselors and
teachers) need to be particularly sensitive to this distinction.

Whenever an ACT policy conflicts with the policy of the host facility, ACT policy must prevail for all
test administration activities. For example, a school policy which allows students to drink water in the
classroom cannot be applied to ACT test administrations at that facility. Similarly, a test center at an
institution with a religious affiliation may not include religious observance, such as prayer, at their ACT
test administrations. Contact ACT Test Administration to resolve any policy conflicts.

Confidentiality
As test center staff, you have access to information about examinees and test procedures you are not
permitted to share with anyone outside of ACT, including your own institution’s administrators and staff,
teachers, counselors, or clerics. Questions from anyone other than ACT must be referred directly to ACT
Test Administration.

Information about examinees and their actions on test day is confidential and may not be provided in
any form to anyone outside of ACT without the express consent of the examinee and ACT—including
an examinee’s name, photo, registration status, attendance, test accommodation, test room or seat
assignment, behavior, materials, documents, or anything that might identify an examinee or his or
her actions (even if the examinee is a student at your own school). To ensure confidentiality, you may
not copy documents containing individually identifiable information, or use such information for any
purpose other than administering the tests. If you post rosters to assist with room assignments, post
“Names Only” rosters. Do not post “Full” rosters. Destroy unused rosters securely. 3
ACT Policies and Procedures

Test administration information is confidential and cannot be provided in any form to anyone outside of
ACT without the express consent of ACT. This includes test day activities, test administration procedures,
Administration manuals, or test date documents (e.g., Seating Diagrams, Rosters, etc.).

Investigations
In cases of suspected or documented irregularities, all test center staff are obligated to cooperate fully
with ACT in subsequent investigations and respond to ACT’s requests for information in a timely manner.

In cases where an examinee disputes an ACT decision or communication regarding the ACT test
administration, the examinee and/or his or her representative may contact you directly and request
information. In such cases, you should not become involved in the situation. Specifically, test staff may
not provide test administration information to the examinee, his or her representatives (including parents
or legal counsel), law enforcement, an arbitration agency, or to anyone else (see also “Confidentiality,”
page 3). Any such requests must be directed to ACT Test Administration, who will handle the requests, as
may be required by applicable rule or law, pursuant to ACT’s information request procedures.

Equal Treatment
All staff are required to administer and supervise the ACT in a non-discriminatory manner and in
accordance with all applicable laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Standardized Procedures
Throughout this manual, there are detailed directions for selecting facilities and staff, protecting test
security, and administering tests in a standardized manner. All test center personnel are required to read
the materials provided by ACT, including this manual. Adherence to these standardized procedures is
mandatory.

Test Dates and Times

The ACT must be administered only on the day and at the time scheduled for your center. Tests
administered on any other date or time, without prior approval from ACT Test Administration, will not be
scored.

Fair Testing Practices

ACT endorses the Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education and the Code of Professional Responsibilities
in Educational Measurement, which guide the conduct of those involved in educational testing. ACT is
committed to ensuring that each of its testing programs upholds the guidelines in each Code. You may
locate copies of these Codes through the following organizations:
• Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education: American Psychological Association (www.apa.org)
• Code of Professional Responsibilities in Educational Measurement: National Council on Measurement
in Education (www.ncme.org)

Facilities and Staff

The test coordinator is committed to provide both facilities and test center staff. In the event a
center must cancel a test date to which it has committed, the test coordinator must notify ACT Test
Administration immediately so we can secure alternate facilities and staff.

Right to Terminate
ACT reserves the right to terminate its relationship with any test center or test center personnel
without advance notice if ACT determines, in its sole discretion and for any reason, that termination is
appropriate.

4
 ACT Policies and Procedures

Safety
The safety of staff and examinees at the test center is of utmost importance. If an examinee or other
person becomes confrontational or disruptive, take reasonable steps

to diffuse the situation. Contact security personnel at your institution or local law enforcement if you
need assistance. Do not put yourself or others at risk. Report the incident to ACT Test Administration
immediately and document the details on the Irregularity Report (page 81).

Authorized Observers
An observer authorized by ACT may visit the test center on test day. The visit is normally not announced
in advance.

If an observer arrives, take the following steps before allowing access to the testing area or test materials.
1. Check credentials. An observer must have all of the following:
• Photo ID (driver’s license, employer ID, etc.)
• Employer ID, business card, etc., showing company/agency affiliation
• Written authorization from ACT
Note: If an employer ID has a photo, separate photo ID is not needed.

2. If the observer provides the necessary credentials, give him or her your full cooperation. If not, deny
access to the testing area and test materials.
3. Complete an Irregularity Report that includes the observer’s name and company/agency and whether
or not he or she was admitted.
Note: The visit may include conducting enhanced test security procedures, including but not limited to
collecting images of examinees during check-in or other security activities on test day.

Unauthorized Observers and Media

To protect examinees from anxiety and distractions, unauthorized persons—including parents,
guardians, children, recruiters, employers, and members of the media—must not be allowed to enter,
observe, or photograph testing documents, test rooms, or preliminary activities. They must stay away
from the test site until after the administration. Under no circumstances are cameras of any type allowed
in the test room. Media coverage must be limited to meeting with examinees, with their consent, after the
test administration and away from the test rooms. Please inform ACT Media Relations (319.337.1028) of
any media requests to report on a test administration. ACT will contact members of the media to explain
its policies. This will help to ensure each request or question is answered u
­ niformly.

5
 Test Center Facility
Requirements
Test coordinators are responsible for selecting and reserving test rooms. Plan your center for an efficient
administration, control and comfort in the testing environment, and to facilitate security of the tests. The
following requirements determine the testing capacity of each room.

Accessibility
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, ACT tests must be offered in locations accessible to persons
with disabilities or make alternative arrangements for such examinees. Select test facilities and rooms
accessible to persons with disabilities whenever possible.

Type and Size of Room

Select rooms that are not so small as to be crowded or so large that test security will be d
­ ifficult to
maintain. The maximum testing capacity of a room is determined by the number of properly spaced seats
it can accommodate (see “Room Setup and Seating Arrangements,” page 7). ACT prefers single-level
classrooms, seating 15 to 30 examinees, and recommends no more than 100 examinees test in one room.
At least 10 examinees must test in each room if multiple rooms are used.

Avoid using rooms with multiple-level seating. Even with five feet between examinees, multiple-level
seating makes it easier to look at a neighbor’s answer document. If you do not have an alternative to
multiple-level seating, you may need to allow more than five feet between examinees. Before test day,
determine the spacing needed to deter copying.

Freedom from Distractions

Check your institution’s calendar to determine what other events are scheduled on test day before
reserving your test rooms. Try to use rooms as free as possible from potential d
­ istractions.

Writing Surfaces
Writing surfaces must be large enough to accommodate both the test booklet and the answer document.
Lapboards that must be balanced on examinees’ legs are not allowed under any circumstances.
Temporary surfaces that rest on the chair arms or the back of the row in front may be used only after prior
approval by ACT Test Administration.

Bulletin Boards
Make sure bulletin board materials related to potential test questions (English, mathematics, reading, and
science), charts, and maps that provide strategies for solving problems or writing essays are removed or
covered. Geographical maps and periodic tables need not be covered.

6
 Test Center Facility Requirements

Clocks
If possible, every test room should have a clock visible to examinees, although this is not a requirement.
Each room supervisor must have two timepieces in the test room to ensure accurate timing. An accurate
wall clock may serve as one of the required timepieces.

Environment
Make sure the lighting, temperature, and ventilation in each room allow examinees to give their full
attention to the tests.

Room Setup and Seating Arrangements

If seats are stationary, leave empty rows and columns of seats between examinees to achieve the
required spacing. If seats are not stationary, move them to meet requirements before examinees are
admitted to the room. Spread examinees out in the room as much as possible, using all the space. Seating
arrangements must minimize the possibility that an examinee will communicate with a neighbor or look
at a neighbor’s test materials.

Staff must be able to see every examinee clearly. Seating with dividers or partitions, such as study carrels,
partitioned tables, or booths are not acceptable because they obstruct staff’s view of examinees.

Set up test rooms according to the following requirements:

• All examinees in the test room must face the same direction, regardless of the number of examinees in
the room or the distance between them.
• There must be at least three feet of space between examinees (side-to-side measured shoulder-to-
shoulder, and front-to-back measured head-to-head).
• In multiple-level rooms, examinees must be at least five feet apart front-to-back.
• There must be sufficient aisle space for staff to get to every seat during the test without disturbing
examinees.
• Seat examinees in straight rows and columns, directly in line with each other.
• If a clock is in the room, seat examinees facing the clock whenever possible so they can see it without
looking around.
• The room supervisor must be stationed in the room facing the examinees.
Proper Use of Tables
If tables are used, arrange them so that all spacing and room setup requirements are met (see Figure 1,
page 8). Examinees must all face the same direction and therefore must be seated along the same side
of the table, not at opposite ends or sides. If tables are joined together, do not seat an examinee where the
tables join. Use the following rules to seat examinees:
• ROUND TABLES: only one examinee per round table, regardless of size.
• TABLES LESS THAN 6 FEET: only one examinee per table.
• TABLES 6 TO 9 FEET: only two examinees per table. If 6-foot tables are used to seat two examinees, a
3-foot space is required between the tables.

Left-Handed Examinees
Appropriate writing surfaces must be provided for left-handed examinees. Examinees who indicated they
were left-handed when they registered will be noted on your roster.

Use standard left-handed desks or use writing surfaces that are large enough for left-handed examinees to
work comfortably. If you have only right-handed desks available, place two desks together at the far end of
a row and have the left-handed examinee use both surfaces. Seat all examinees in the room to minimize
the opportunity to look at another’s answer document.

7
Test Center Facility Requirements

Acceptable Unacceptable
Seating Arrangement Examples Seating Arrangement Examples

"min." = minimum "ft." = feet

indicates distance
between examinees
Side-to-side distances are measured
from shoulder-to-shoulder
Front-to-back distances are measured Examinees Facing the Wall or Each Other
from head-to-head Side View Overhead View

Examinee Spacing

Level Seating with Level Seating with

Movable Desks Stationary Desks

3 ft. min. plus room to circulate 3 ft. min. Desk Surface Too Small Dividers, Study Carrels,
and Partitions
3 ft. min.

3 ft. min.

Examinees Too Close Together/Inadequate Aisle Space

Left-Handed
Examinees
Extra
Right-Handed
Desk 5 ft. min.
5 ft. min.

Multiple-Level Seating
Left-Handed Examinees
at Right-Handed Desks

Table Spacing

6–Foot Tables 8–Foot Tables

3 ft. min. 3 ft. min. 3 ft. min. 3 ft. min. 3 ft. min. 3 ft. min.

Examinees Facing Different Directions

Tables More Than 9 Feet Tables Less Than 6 Feet Round Tables Any Size
3 ft. min. 3 ft. min. 3 ft. min. 3 ft. min.

Examinees Not in Straight Rows and Columns Directly

in Line with Each Other

1776

Figure 1. Seating arrangement examples

8
Test Center Staff
Requirements
Selecting Test Center Staff
Test coordinators are responsible for selecting their test center staff. Members of the staff must be people
of integrity. All testing staff are required to administer and supervise the ACT in a nondiscriminatory
manner and in accordance with all applicable laws.

Room supervisors and proctors may be current or retired faculty members, their relatives, school
administrative or clerical employees, and mature upper-division undergraduates. High school students
and lower-division undergraduates may not work as test center personnel. Anyone who intends to take
the ACT within the next 12 months must not ad­min­ister the tests in any capacity. All staff must comply
with ACT policies and procedures.

Attentiveness
Staff must remain attentive to their testing responsibilities throughout the entire administration. Reading
(except this manual); grading papers; using a computer, cell phone, recording device, or media device;
talking casually with other staff; or engaging in any activity in the test room not directly related to the
administration is not allowed. No one, including staff, may eat or drink in the test room (unless approved
by ACT for medical reasons). See “Prohibited Items in the Test Room,” page 33.

Staff must walk around the test room to monitor examinees and ensure they are working on the correct
test. Walking around the test room discourages prohibited behavior and makes staff available to answer
questions, respond to illness, or replace defective test materials.

Test Preparation
Due to potential conflict of interest, those involved in ACT test preparation activities at any time during
the current testing year (September 1 to August 31) may not serve as test center personnel.

ACT recognizes that the normal duties of a counselor or teacher may involve some responsibilities for
test preparation. These activities by teachers or counselors are not a conflict of interest, provided they are
part of job responsibilities specifically defined by one’s employer and the employer is not a commercial
enterprise.

Relatives Testing
To avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest—and to protect you and your relatives or wards from
allegations of impropriety—you may not supervise the administration of the ACT or have access to secure
test materials, if any relative or ward will be testing on the same test date at any international test center.
Relatives and wards include children, stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, siblings, in-laws,
spouses, and persons under your guardianship.
9
Test Center Staff Requirements

Because test coordinators and substitute test coordinators have access to secure test materials for the
test date a relative or ward will be testing, that individual must delegate all supervisory responsibilities—
including the receipt and return of test materials—to a qualified colleague and notify ACT Test
Administration of this action prior to receipt of the test materials.

If an examinee tests at a center where a relative or guardian serves as a room supervisor or proctor, that
examinee must not be assigned to the room where the relative or guardian is working. The relative or
guardian must not have access to that examinee’s answer document or test materials.

Scores for an examinee will automatically be canceled without refund if that examinee:
• Tested on the same test date on which a relative or guardian served as a test coordinator at any
international test center or had access to secure test materials
• Tested in a room in which a relative or guardian served as a room supervisor or proctor or had access
to that examinee’s answer document or test materials

Number of Staff Required

Use the following table to determine the appropriate number of staff for your test center.

Table 2. Number of Staff Required for Each Testing Role

Role Number of Required Staff Notes
Test coordinator One per test center
Substitute test One per test center Must be on file with ACT but not present on
coordinator test day unless replacing the test coordinator or
working as other staff.
Room One per test room (see The test coordinator must assume the
supervisor “Assigning Test Rooms,” responsibilities of a room supervisor for one test
page 30, to determine how room if the test center has 75 or fewer examinees
many rooms to use) and two or fewer test rooms.
Proctor The number of proctors required Approval is required from ACT to have more
depends on the number of proctors than indicated here.
examinees in a test room.
Examinees Proctors
1–25 0
26–50 1
51–100 2
101–150 3
151–200 4
Roving proctor Optional: One per every eight If fewer than eight rooms, the test coordinator acts
test rooms as roving proctor.
Test centers that use multiple floors or buildings
may request approval for additional roving proctors.

Note: If you have more staff than required due to examinee absences on test day, dismiss the extra staff and
request token payment for them.

10
 Test Center Staff Requirements

Test Coordinator
The test coordinator is to be selected based on experience and training in the administration of
standardized tests. A test coordinator must be listed with ACT Test Administration for every scheduled
test date at the center and must complete, sign, and submit a Test Coordinator Profile.*

The test coordinator must be present at the test site on test day. If the listed test coordinator cannot be
present for a test date, he or she must transfer responsibility for that test date to a qualified substitute test
coordinator and notify ACT Test Administration before the test date (see “Substitute Test Coordinator,”
page 11).

The test coordinator leads the test-day team to ensure examinees at your center test under the same
conditions as examinees at every other center.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Read this manual and understand the policies and procedures it describes.
• Select a substitute test coordinator and file the Substitute Test Coordinator Profile* with ACT Test
Administration.
• Select and train room supervisors and proctors before test day.
• Reserve test rooms and prepare them before test day.
• Receive and secure test materials.
• Conduct a pre-test briefing session for all test center staff on test day.
• Ensure completeness and accuracy of all test date documentation including Test Center Rosters,
Seating Diagrams, forms, and reports.
• Return all reports, Seating Diagrams, forms, tickets, answer documents, and test booklets immediately
after testing.
• Cooperate with ACT in resolving irregularities and investigation of examinee c­ omplaints.
*The test coordinator can download the Profile forms by logging in to his or her SRPS account (see “Terms
and Conditions,” page 13).

Substitute Test Coordinator

In addition to the test coordinator, a substitute test coordinator must be listed with ACT Test
Administration for every test center and must complete, sign, and submit a Substitute Test Coordinator
Profile.* Naming a qualified substitute before an emergency occurs helps to ensure that the tests can be
properly administered even if a test coordinator becomes ill or is otherwise unable to be at the center.
The person actually serving as test coordinator on a given test date will receive the test coordinator’s
compensation. The person named to be the substitute test coordinator will not be paid unless he or she
replaces the test coordinator or acts as a room supervisor or proctor.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Assist the test coordinator with test security and test preparation activities.
• Perform all the responsibilities of the test coordinator in the event the test coordinator is unable to do
so.
*The test coordinator can download the Profile forms by logging in to his or her SRPS account (see “Terms
and Conditions,” page 13).

11
Test Center Staff Requirements

Room Supervisor Responsibilities

Room supervisors must serve for the entire session and are responsible for the tasks listed below.
• Read this manual and understand the policies and procedures it describes.
• Attend both the training and briefing sessions.
• Take responsibility for a test room and provide an environment conducive to t­ esting.
• Identify and admit examinees.*
• Mark attendance and identification on the roster(s).*
• Collect ID forms.*
• Direct examinees to seats.*
• Count test booklets upon receipt from the test coordinator.
• Distribute test materials, keeping test booklets in sequential, serial number order.*
• Collect tickets.*
• Read verbal instructions to examinees.
• Properly time tests, using two reliable timepieces (e.g., interval timer and wristwatch, or your watch
and a proctor’s watch); complete the Timing Report.
• Complete all required forms and documentation.
• Be attentive to examinees and materials at all times.*
• Walk around the test room to ensure examinees are working on the correct sections of the test booklet
and answer document.*
• Walk around the test room to discourage and detect prohibited behavior.*
• Collect and account for all materials after testing.*
• Document irregularities and void examinees’ tests, as required.
*Proctor may assist with these activities.

Proctor Responsibilities
Proctors are responsible for the tasks listed below.
• Read this manual and understand the policies and procedures it describes.
• Attend both the training and briefing sessions.
• Identify and admit examinees.
• Mark attendance and identification on the roster(s).
• Direct examinees to seats.
• Distribute test materials, keeping test booklets in numerical order.
• Collect tickets.
• Verify the timing of the tests using a different timepiece than the room supervisor (e.g., own watch or
interval timer).
• Be attentive to examinees and materials at all times.
• Walk around the test room to ensure examinees are working on the correct sections of the test booklet
and answer document.
• Walk around the test room to discourage and detect prohibited behavior.
• Help collect and account for all materials after testing.
• Report irregularities to the room supervisor.

12
 Test Center Staff Requirements

Roving Proctor Responsibilities

A roving proctor may be used to:
• Monitor the check-in area and direct examinees arriving at the center.
• Assist with checking in examinees and directing them to their seats in the test room.
• Assist the test coordinator with preparing test materials.
• Monitor the hallways; escort examinees.
• Give room supervisors a break during testing.
• Keep the hallways quiet during breaks if other rooms are testing.
• Assist the test coordinator with counting and preparing test materials for mailing after testing.
Training Staff
For standardized testing to occur successfully, all staff members must understand ACT policies and
procedures and their own responsibilities for implementing them. It is critical that the same procedures
are followed at every test center. The test coordinator is responsible for providing the manual to, and
training, all test center staff before test day.

Administration Manual
The Administration Manual is provided by ACT to communicate its expectations. Every staff member
must read the manual before test day. It is especially important for room supervisors to read the verbal
instructions and understand the directions and how to complete the forms.

Note: The manual is proprietary information and is copyrighted by ACT. It is to be used only for the purpose
of administering the ACT and is not to be copied or shared for any other purpose.

Training Session
All staff, both new and experienced, must attend a training session conducted by the test coordinator
before test day. Use this session to discuss policy, procedural, and logistical issues and ensure everyone
has a common understanding of what is to take place on test day. This is separate from the Briefing
Session conducted on test day (see “Briefing Session,” page 23). Staff must be provided with a complete
copy of the Administration Manual and read it before the training session.

Test Center Staff Compensation

Terms and Conditions
ACT uses our Supplier Registration and Payment System (SRPS) to pay all test center staff.

A supplier is any individual, organization, or business that provides services for ACT. The test
coordinator, room supervisors, proctors, sign language interpreters, and facility staff (e.g., security and
custodial) are classified as “suppliers.”

All suppliers must create an account in SRPS (https://srps.act.org) and agree

to the terms and conditions in order to work for ACT.

ACT reserves the right to update its payment processes and procedures, including the Terms and
Conditions, at any time. Check the Supplier Registration and Payment System for any updates or
modifications.

Method of Payment
In the United States, US territories, and Puerto Rico, payment is issued in the form of direct deposit or pay
card. Outside those locations, payment is issued by wire or by check.

Payments are processed 10 to 30 business days after being submitted by the test coordinator.

13
Test Center Staff Requirements

Taxes
Consistent with applicable federal law, ACT characterizes suppliers as independent contractors for tax
purposes. Accordingly, ACT does not withhold income tax, FICA, or other amounts from payments made
to suppliers.

All payment information is reported by ACT to the IRS and/or other applicable government agencies as
required by law based on the supplier’s country of citizenship and/or residence.

As required by IRS guidelines, ACT issues 1099-MISC forms to all suppliers who are, or have ever been
considered, United States persons and that receive cumulative payments of at least $600 in a calendar
year, regardless if the work was performed in the United States or abroad. Suppliers receiving less than
$600 in a calendar year, do not receive 1099-MISC forms.

Compensation
The test coordinator must log in to his or her SRPS account to obtain the current compensation rates and
provide that information to all staff.

Requesting Payment
After the administration, the test coordinator must log into his or her SRPS account and submit the
payment request online. This may be done any time on or after the Saturday test date. The payment
request for an administration can be submitted only once. You must contact ACT Test Administration to
make any corrections; corrections will delay payment.

Token Payments
If no one registers for your center or all examinees cancel before the test date, your test center will be
closed and no personnel will be paid. If examinees are expected but no examinees are admitted to test on
test day, staff will receive token payment.

14
Test Security
Requirements
ACT has developed security procedures to ensure the validity of the administration. All staff must
understand and follow these procedures.

Authorized Access
Staff access to materials must be limited to only those activities necessary to prepare for test day, the test
administration itself, and counting and packing materials for return to ACT. Access to test materials prior
to test day is restricted to the test coordinator and substitute test coordinator. A designated staff member
may assist with materials if the test coordinator or substitute test coordinator is present and if that
individual does not have a relative or ward testing on test day (see “Relatives Testing,” page 9). Do not
permit unauthorized personnel to access the materials. Examinees and anyone who may take the tests
within the next 12 months are not permitted access to the materials.

Unauthorized Transfer of Materials

Materials shipped to you by ACT may not be transferred to any other location. Use only the test materials
assigned and shipped to your site. If examinees use materials that have been transferred from another
site, the answer documents will not be scored.

Security of Test Materials

Secure test materials include ACT test booklets, ACT writing test booklets, and used answer documents.

The test coordinator is responsible for the security of all test materials from the time the carrier delivers
them to the time they are in the return carrier’s possession. Protect the materials from damage, theft, or
loss; and from conditions that could allow prior access to the tests.

ACT test booklets are copyrighted and cannot be photocopied or used for any other purpose. Under no
circumstances is a test booklet seal to be broken by anyone other than the examinee on test day. Staff and
examinees are prohibited from disclosing test questions, essay topics, or response choices to anyone.

Scores earned by examinees who may have had advance access to test content will be canceled and will
not be reported to examinees or to educational institutions.

Receipt and Check-In of Test Booklets

As soon as the shipment arrives, the materials must be locked in secure storage. Alert the personnel who
receive shipments at your institution to expect a secure shipment and arrange to have it delivered directly
to you, unopened.

15
Test Security Requirements

Within 24 hours of delivery, carefully inspect the shipment and check in all materials. Open the carton(s)
in a location where you can work securely and without interruption. Before opening, examine the
carton(s) for damage or tampering, then open the cartons and do the following.
• Count the multiple-choice test booklets individually and check the serial numbers. Make sure you
have the exact quantity and serial numbers shown on your Test Materials Distribution List.
• Writing test booklets come in shrink-wrapped packs. Count the packs and check the serial number of
the first booklet in each pack. Without opening the shrink-wrap, make sure you have the quantity and
serial numbers shown on your Test Materials Distribution List. Do not open the shrink-wrap until the
morning of test day (see “Preparing Your Test Materials,” page 21, and “Distributing Test Materials
to Room Supervisors,” page 24).
• Check the rest of the shipment against the Test Materials Distribution List to make sure it is complete.
• Keep test booklets in sequential, serial number order so you can immediately detect if one is missing.
Store them, distribute them to test rooms on test day, and distribute them to and collect them from
examinees in serial number order.

Storage before Testing

After you have checked your materials, reseal them inside their original carton(s) with the tape provided
and write your name across the seal as shown in the diagram below. Keep the materials locked in secure
storage until the morning of test day.

When delivered, carton will be sealed as above.
After booklets have been counted, reseal as
on right. Do not reopen until test morning.
1. Reseal in the same place as before.
2. Sign your name across the tape. Be sure
your signature starts on the cardboard,
goes across the tape, and ends on the
cardboard.

Figure 2. Resealing cartons for storage

Secure Storage
Materials must be kept inside a locked safe or vault to which only the test coordinator (and possibly a
very limited number of specifically authorized individuals) have access. If a safe or vault is not available,
materials may be stored inside a locked file cabinet or closet which is inside a locked room, with the
following stipulations:
• Only the test coordinator and the substitute test coordinator may have access to the cabinet or closet.
It must have a built-in lock or a heavy-duty padlock. The keys must always be kept secure. Keys should
not be part of a master key system.
• The door to the room in which materials are stored must be kept locked when not in authorized use.
• The secure location must not be accessible through a window or a dropped c­ eiling.
Removal from Storage
Do not remove the materials from secure storage until the morning of test day. When not in secure
storage, the test booklets must never be left unattended.

Whenever the test booklets are removed from secure storage, examine the cartons for signs of tampering
before you open them. Check the tape and the signature you wrote across the tape to be sure they have not
been altered. Every time the cartons are reopened, recount and check the test booklets to make sure all
16 booklets are present, undisturbed, and that all seals and shrink-wrap are intact.
 Test Security Requirements

Distributing Materials—The Chain of Custody

• Materials may be counted out for individual test rooms before test day but may not be distributed to
room supervisors until the morning of test day.
• All test booklets must be recounted and inspected on test day.
• The test coordinator must personally hand the test booklets to the room supervisor on test day, and
both must verify and document the specific booklets being transferred using the Test Room Report
(see “Distributing Test Materials to Room Supervisors,” page 24). Reverse this process when the room
supervisor returns the test materials to the test coordinator after testing.
• Each time test booklets change hands, they must be counted and the serial numbers verified to ensure
the correct booklets are received.

In the Event of a Security Breach

A breach in security of test materials may result in invalidating and canceling test scores and/or
scheduling a retest.

Notify ACT Test Administration immediately of any missing test booklets or tampering with materials.
If tampering is suspected or a test booklet is missing, even temporarily, do not begin testing. If testing is
already underway when the security breach is detected, do not permit examinees to leave. Contact ACT
Test Administration for instructions.

Contact ACT Test Administration immediately by email at OSUS@act.org or call 319.337.1510 if any of
the following occurs:
• You do not receive your entire shipment.
• Items are missing from your shipment.
• You receive test booklets that do not match the serial numbers on your materials list.
• Any test booklet seals are broken, at any time, except by examinees as instructed during the
administration.
• The cartons or materials appear to have been tampered with in any way.
• A test booklet is lost, stolen, or otherwise missing, even temporarily, at any time while the test booklets
are in your possession—from receipt to return.
• You have reason to believe someone has had unauthorized access to the materials.
Security during the Administration
Control access to the test room and testing area at all times. Follow all identification and admission
procedures to ensure that the person listed on the roster is the individual admitted to the test room.

Test materials must be secure at all times. Ensure security of test materials by:
• Keeping test materials in a secure location as examinees enter and exit the test room
• Accounting for all test booklets before testing, each time they change hands, and before dismissing
examinees
• Never leaving a test room unattended, even momentarily, if examinees or materials are present
• Ensuring that each test room has sufficient staff for the number of examinees present
Prevent and detect prohibited behavior by:
• Adhering to seating space requirements
• Directing examinees to specific seats
• Actively monitoring examinees throughout the administration
• Paying close attention for cell phone and electronic device use
~~ Make sure to not only monitor examinees for the use of cell phones and electronic devices during
testing, but also during breaks.
~~ All electronic devices should remain powered off and stored away at all times once an examinee has
entered the testing site.
17
 Preparing for Test Day
This section focuses on the activities that must be completed before test day. The substitute test
coordinator should actively assist the test coordinator in the preparations so at least two people are
familiar with the test day arrangements.

Test Center Capacity

Your test center’s capacity is the total number of seats that meet testing requirements. It is based on the
testing capacity of each room and the number of qualified staff available. Seats are allocated for each test
option—for example, 20 ACT (no writing) seats and 75 ACT with writing seats. Capacity is set when you
establish or renew your center each year. If you later need to change your center’s capacity for a test date,
notify ACT Test Administration immediately so examinees can be properly assigned.

As examinees are assigned to your center, seats and materials are automatically monitored. ACT will not
assign more examinees than the capacity you have set.

Note: Examinees are assigned strictly on a first-in basis when they register. Preference is not given to
examinees wishing to test at their own schools.

Reporting Location
Each year, you designate the location(s) where examinees are to report on test day. It is critical that ACT
Test Administration be notified immediately if your reporting location changes so examinees can be
notified. You can have ACT direct examinees to report to a central location or to report directly to their
specific test room(s), depending on how you plan to admit examinees (see “Admitting Examinees,”
page 26).

Central Reporting Location—Examinees report to one central location. Staff then direct them to
their specific test room for admittance. This is often the most efficient method. It allows you to handle
standbys, exceptions, and admission questions at one central point without delaying other examinees.

Test Room Reporting Location—Examinees report directly to their specific test room(s) for admittance.
This method is useful if your test rooms are in separate wings or buildings. However, it can be inefficient
for admitting standbys or addressing admission questions.

You may also instruct ACT to include special messages on your center’s admission tickets to give
examinees additional information, such as directions or parking instructions.

Notify ACT of Changes

Reporting Location or Capacity Change—Examinees will be assigned to the location(s) designated
on your Test Center Renewal Form for the current year unless you notify ACT Test Administration of a
change. Examinees may be assigned to your center as much as 11 months before the test date. Therefore, if
you must change a reporting location, please notify ACT Test Administration immediately and as far in
advance of the test date as possible.

18
 Preparing for Test Day

If unusual circumstances force you to change a reporting location within 10 days of a test date, in addition
to notifying ACT Test Administration, you will need to post signs at the original location giving directions
to the new reporting location. If necessary, you may also hire a proctor to meet examinees at the old
location and give directions to the new location. Failure to follow these procedures could result in a
rescheduled administration at your test center.

Test Coordinator Change—The test coordinator must notify ACT Test Administration before the test
date if he or she cannot be present for that test date, and provide the name of the designated substitute
test coordinator. Prior to test day, the substitute test coordinator must send a Substitute Test Coordinator
Profile to ACT (see “Substitute Test Coordinator,” page 11).

Institutional Expenses
If you anticipate extra expenses for rent, custodial, or security services, contact ACT Test Administration
for approval as soon as possible before the test date.

Test Date Information and Materials from ACT

Information and materials are sent from our national offices in Iowa City, Iowa, to arrive according to the
following schedule. Notify Test Administration promptly if your shipping address changes.

Table 3. Test Date Information

Document(s)
Preliminary Assign Counts
Preliminary Rosters
Test Accommodations Roster
Test Materials Shipment
Final Rosters
Delivery Information
Available to the test coordinator online beginning 2–3 weeks
after the previous test date
Available to the test coordinator online beginning 2–3 weeks
before the test date—for planning only (email notice sent)
Full: View only
Names-only: Printable
Delivered to the test coordinator’s shipping address 1½
weeks before the test date—sent only if any examinees are
approved for accommodations other than extended time
Delivered to the test coordinator’s shipping address by
Tuesday before the test date
Available to the test coordinator online beginning Wednesday
before the test date—for use on test day (email notice sent)
Full: Must be printed and used for identification/check-in
Names-only: May be posted for room assignments

Online Information
To access your rosters online, log into your Supplier Registration and Payment System (SRPS) account at
https://srps.act.org, and click on the “Access Rosters on the Web” icon. In addition to rosters, you can
also download and print documents in PDF format such as the current list of prohibited calculators, Test
Coordinator Profile and Substitute Test Coordinator Profile forms, and other helpful test administration
documents.

Test Center Rosters

The Test Center Rosters are a set of rosters that list all examinees eligible to test at your test center.
Each roster is identified at the top of the page (e.g., “No Writing Group A”). Please see “Roster Samples,”
page 74. Rosters for the current test date are available to test coordinators online by logging in to their
SRPS account.

19
Preparing for Test Day

Table 4. Test Center Rosters

Type of Roster Group Description
No Writing A Lists all examinees registered for the ACT (no writing).
Writing B Lists all examinees registered for the ACT with writing.
Standby S Lists all examinees who requested to test at your center after the
late registration deadline up to the deadline to request Standby
Testing. See “Standbys,” page 34.

Within each roster, examinees are listed alphabetically. If you designated more than one reporting
location for a specific roster group, each location will have its own alphabetized roster page(s).

Group designations (Group A, B, or S) are noted on the Test Center Rosters and tickets to facilitate
assigning examinees to the correct test rooms. See “Assigning Test Rooms,” page 30.

Two formats are available:

• Full–shows each examinee’s name, photo (optional), city and state, Match Number, gender, test
option, handedness, and high school code. Full rosters contain sensitive data; do NOT post them.
• Names-Only–shows each examinee’s name, city and state, and test option. Use these rosters for
planning or posting room assignments only.

On all rosters, examinees registered for the ACT with writing have “WRITING”
noted; those taking the ACT (no writing) have no notation.

Preliminary Rosters—Preliminary roster information, including assign count totals, becomes available
to the test coordinator shortly after the previous test day for planning purposes. As examinees register or
make changes to their registration, they are added to, removed from, or moved between rosters (e.g., from
no writing to writing). Changes can occur up to the Wednesday before test day.

Final Rosters—The test coordinator must print final full rosters to use on test day for the identification
process at check-in and to document each examinee’s attendance, test room, and accepted ID. Return the
marked final rosters to ACT with the test materials after testing. See “Admitting Examinees,” page 26.
Final rosters are available beginning the Wednesday before test day.

Test Materials Shipment

About two weeks before the test date, you will receive one or more cartons containing the materials
needed to administer the tests, including test booklets which must be kept secure from the moment
they arrive (see “Security of Test Materials,” page 15). The Test Materials Distribution List shows all
materials in your shipment, including test booklets by serial number. Extra materials are included to
allow for standbys and defective materials. While ACT does provide an overage, you will not receive
additional materials specifically for examinees listed on the Standby Roster. Standbys may be tested using
a combination of the allotted overage and materials available from no-shows.

If you do not receive a test materials shipment and your final rosters show examinees are registered to test
on that test date, contact ACT Test Administration immediately.

Test materials include:

• ACT and ACT writing test booklets (secure materials)
• ACT (no writing) Answer Sheets and ACT with Writing Answer Folders
• Administration Manual International Testing (this manual)
• Test administration forms
• ACT Calculator Policy
• Instructions and labels for returning materials after testing

20
 Preparing for Test Day

Delayed Deliveries—If multiple cartons were shipped they will be marked “1 of 3,” “2 of 3,” etc.
Shipments of multiple cartons may not arrive on the same day. Please wait 24 hours before reporting
missing cartons.

Occasionally, part of a shipment will not arrive until after the test date. If this happens, check the contents
against the Test Materials Distribution List, reseal the cartons, and immediately return the shipment to ACT.

Preparing Your Test Materials

Writing test booklets come in shrink-wrapped packs. Do not open the shrink wrap until the morning of
test day.

Before the test, assign a sequential series of multiple-choice test booklets to each test room. Also assign a
sequential series of writing test booklets to each room that has ACT with writing examinees assigned.

Count out an adequate supply of 1-page answer sheets and/or 8-page answer folders, depending on test
option, for each room. Allocate a few extra per room in case of defective materials or a misgrid.

If you prepare materials before test day, reseal the materials in their carton(s) and place them in secure
storage until the morning of test day (see “Storage before Testing,” page 16).

Materials Provided by the Test Center

Test centers are responsible for providing the following non-reimbursable items for each room.

• Soft lead No. 2 pencils with good erasers to lend to examinees who do not bring pencils (examinees
must not use mechanical pencils or ink pens).
• A pencil sharpener.
• Two reliable timepieces: one must be an accurate clock or watch that shows the actual time of day; the
second can be a stopwatch, interval timer, or another clock/watch.
Note: ACT does not reimburse test center staff for refreshments or mileage.

Preparing Your Facility

Confirm arrangements for test day. Ensure that:
• Test rooms are reserved (including a test ‘headquarters’ room if needed).
• No activities or events conflict with testing.
• Test materials can be stored securely until test day and that you can access them and transport them
to the testing area on test day.
• The building, test rooms, restrooms, break areas, etc., will be unlocked/open.
• Heat, air conditioning, and lights will be operating.
• Test rooms are set up with proper seating arrangements.
• Parking is available.
• Security personnel are available, if necessary.
• Signs are posted to direct examinees.
Preparing Your Test Center Staff
• Hire and train room supervisors and proctors; be sure they have a Supplier Registration and Payment
System (SRPS) account (see “Terms and Conditions,” page 13).
• Provide every room supervisor and proctor with this manual before test day.
• Schedule a time and location for all room supervisors and proctors to report for the required test day
briefing ­session.
• Make sure room supervisors and proctors are familiar with the different test booklets and answer
documents for each test option.
• Establish a method for staff to communicate with you on test day.
• Make sure room supervisors and proctors understand their responsibilities. 21
Preparing for Test Day

Examinees with Disabilities

If ACT has not made arrangements with you in advance, do not provide or allow an examinee to test with
accommodations other than a seating accommodation such as wheelchair access or seating at the front of
the room.

Examinees needing any other accommodations must go to the Accommodations page at www.act.org for
instructions and work with their schools to apply. The examinee may also contact ACT Special Testing by
email at actaccom@act.org.

22
Test Day Activities
Test Day Schedule (Approximate)
This sample test day schedule is provided as a guideline. Actual schedules vary because of the large
variation in the number of examinees at different test centers. See also “Test Room Starting Time,”
page 36.

Table 5. Sample Test Day Schedule

Time Event
All Rooms
Approx. 7:30 a.m. Arrival of testing staff
Approx. 7:45 a.m. Briefing session
8:00 a.m. Arrival, identification, and seating of examinees begins
Approx. 8:30 a.m. 1. Begin reading the verbal instructions
2. Distribute multiple-choice test materials to examinees
3. Administer the multiple-choice tests as directed in the verbal instructions—
time each test exactly
After Test 4 Collect and verify multiple-choice test booklets and 1-page answer documents
Approx. 12:15 p.m. Dismiss examinees who are not taking the writing test
ROOMS WITH EXAMINEES TAKING THE WRITING TEST
Continue 1. Allow examinees to relax and sharpen pencils
2. Distribute writing test booklets to examinees
3. Administer the writing test as directed in the verbal instructions—time the
test exactly
4. Collect and verify all test materials
Approx. 1:10 p.m. Dismiss examinees

Staff Reporting Time

All test center staff must be at the test center at least 30 minutes before examinees begin checking in,
normally no later than 7:30 a.m. Allow sufficient time before examinees are admitted for staff to attend
the briefing session and to prepare rooms and materials.

Briefing Session
A staff briefing session is required each test day morning, even with experienced staff. This is the time
to make sure all staff are present and make any necessary adjustments to staff assignments. Make sure
everyone understands their responsibilities and answer questions in a group setting so everyone has the
same information. In particular, discuss the following:
• Information in any ACT notice
• Cell phone policy and procedures
23
Test Day Activities

• Calculator policy and procedures

• Test center specific information, such as policies on wearing hats
• How staff are to communicate with you during testing
• Arrangements for left-handed examinees and those approved for accommodations
• How to handle breaks
• What to do with examinees dismissed for prohibited behavior
Setting Up
Before admitting examinees:
KK Make sure you have printed your final rosters.
KK Notify security personnel and administrative staff of your presence and the test day schedule.
KK Verify the reporting location, test rooms, restrooms, and break areas are unlocked and accessible.
KK Put up signs and/or post staff to direct examinees to check-in and the test rooms.
KK Put up any posters provided by ACT and any facility rules examinees need to know (e.g., outside doors
automatically lock).
KK Set up your check-in area.
KK Check all test rooms for proper seating arrangements, writing surfaces, temperature, lighting, bulletin
board items, extra pencils, pencil sharpeners, and two reliable timepieces.
KK Make sure any approved accommodations have been arranged.
KK Provide the administration manual, test administration forms, Calculator Policy, and a final full roster
to every room supervisor.

Distributing Test Materials to Room Supervisors

The morning of test day, remove the test materials from secure storage, check for tampering, and recount
the test booklets to verify all materials are present.

If anything is missing or you suspect tampering, do not proceed. Contact ACT immediately for
instructions. If you are unable to reach ACT on test day, reschedule the administration once you receive
ACT approval for the new date.
• Materials are to be distributed to room supervisors only on the morning of test day, normally during
the briefing session or after examinees have been seated.
• Count out the appropriate number of test booklets and answer documents for each room, if not done
before test day.
• Record the quantities and test booklet serial number ranges on the Test Room Report, located on the
separate folded forms sheet.
• Personally hand the test materials to each room supervisor.
• Upon receipt, the room supervisor must count the booklets in the test coordinator’s presence to
verify what was received. Resolve any discrepancies before proceeding. The Test Room Report must
accurately reflect the booklets that are in the room supervisor’s possession.
• The test coordinator must initial and the room supervisor must sign the “Before Testing” section of the
Test Room Report at this time.
• Return any excess materials not distributed to room supervisors to secure storage. If the secure storage
location is remote from the testing area, use a room that can be locked when unattended, is convenient
to the testing area, and where access is restricted to staff and authorized observers. Materials not
locked in secure storage must never be left unattended.

24
 Test Day Activities

Before Dismissing Staff after the Test

• Verify each room supervisor’s Test Room Report against the answer documents and test booklets
received. The room supervisor must initial and the test coordinator must sign the form at this time to
document the return of all materials.
• Make sure you have a Seating Diagram, Test Room Report, and Timing Report for each test room.
Review them for accuracy and completeness. Have the room supervisor make any corrections or
clarifications needed.
• Review any Irregularity Reports. Attach (do not staple) any voided or replaced answer documents to
the appropriate Irregularity Reports.

25
 Admitting Examinees
Many examinees are anxious when they arrive at a test center. Easy-to-find signs and staff name tags can
minimize delays and examinee confusion at check-in. Your efforts to be efficient and friendly can relieve
undue stress and contribute to a smooth test administration.

From the time examinees are admitted to the test room until their dismissal, they may not access cell
phones or other electronic devices suspected to have recording, internet, or communication capabilities.
All devices must be powered off and stored out of sight.

If an examinee accesses a device at any time, or if a device activates after being stored away, the examinee
must be dismissed.

We ask you to:

• Be extra vigilant in your monitoring of prohibited behavior during testing and during the break.
• Strongly enforce the dismissal of any examinee who engages in prohibited behavior.
• Prominently display the prohibited device posters at central locations.
Security during Admission
The identification and check-in procedures help ensure that the individual who registered to test is the
individual who takes the test. Carefully checking identification and controlling access to each test room is
critical.

• Examinees must be identified and checked-in at the test room even if checked previously at a central
checkpoint.
~~ Admit examinees to the test room, one-by-one, checking identification at the door.
~~ Do not allow any examinee to enter a test room until the room supervisor or proctor has verified the
examinee’s identification.
• Each room supervisor must have a copy of the final roster that includes the examinees assigned to that
room, in order to verify identification, mark attendance, and mark the type of photo ID accepted.
~~ The marked roster must reflect which examinees are actually in the test room, not simply those
who were assigned to the room. This prevents examinees from switching places after check-in and
testing as someone else.
• Control who enters and leaves the test room at all times.
~~ If the room has more than one entrance, restrict examinees to the use of one designated entrance or
assign enough staff to control all entrances.
~~ Once admitted, examinees must stay in the test room until the break. If it is necessary for an
examinee to leave the room before the break, follow the procedures in “Examinees Who Leave
Early,” page 46.

26
 Admitting Examinees

Tickets
At the time students register or request standby testing, they provide their first and last names. They
also have the option of providing a photo. This identifying information is printed on both the examinee’s
ticket and your roster. The ticket is printed by examinees from their ACT web accounts (see “Admission
Ticket Samples,” page 76). Examinees are told to bring their admission ticket to the test site but it is not
required for admission.

If an examinee does not have an admission ticket at check-in, but staff can verify
identity through comparing the photo ID to the roster, admit the examinee for
testing.

Do not collect tickets at check-in. The ticket contains Matching Information the examinee must use to
accurately complete page 1 of the answer document. Room supervisors collect tickets during the verbal
instructions. Tickets contain confidential, individually identifiable information. Keep them secure at all
times and return them with your test materials after testing.

Examinee Payments and Fees

Under no circumstances are you to collect any payments or fees at the test center. This prohibition is for
your protection. Examinees must send all payments and fees directly to ACT. If an examinee tests and
owes a fee, ACT will contact the examinee directly.

Examinee Reporting Time

Examinees must be at the reporting location designated on their tickets by 8:00 a.m. Some examinees
may not be familiar with your facility and may have a hard time finding your reporting location. Posting
signs or staff in parking lots or at other entrances to direct examinees is recommended, especially if you
recently changed reporting locations, if you have a large facility, or if there is another activity at your
facility on test day (ACT can provide signs).

Check-In Time
Check-in must begin no later than 8:00 a.m. and end by 9:00 a.m. so all test rooms can start by 9:00 a.m.
(see “Test Room Starting Time,” page 36). If everyone on your Test Center Rosters is present before
8:00 a.m. you may close check-in; otherwise, you must hold check-in open at least until 8:00 a.m. to allow
everyone who arrives on time the chance to test, especially if examinees are traveling a long distance.
Allow a few minutes leeway for differences in individual timepieces, weather conditions, etc., before you
close check-in.

Check-In Location
If possible, perform an initial check at a central location, such as the entrance or lobby of the building,
before examinees go to their test room to be checked in. This additional up-front check provides
enhanced security and the opportunity to:
• Make announcements about the prohibited use of cell phones and electronic devices as many times as
necessary as examinees arrive (see the verbal instructions below)
• Screen out examinees who are not on the rosters or do not have acceptable photo ID
• Address any questions or Test Option Change requests
• Manage standbys and document the order in which they arrive
• Assign test rooms

27
Admitting Examinees

»» Get the attention of examinees and make the following announcement:

Attention. Please listen carefully.

Cell phones, smart watches, fitness bands, and any other devices with
recording, internet, or communication capabilities are prohibited.
Once you are checked into your test room, all devices must be powered off
and placed out of sight. You may not handle or access such devices until
you leave the test center.
If you have a cell phone or electronic device and can store it in a car, locker,
or somewhere outside of the test room before you are checked in, please
do so at this time.

All examinees, including standbys and anyone making a Test Option Change, must be identified and
checked in at the room they will test in, using the roster that has the examinee’s name and photo.

Admitting Late Examinees

Examinees who arrive after 8:00 a.m., and examinees who cannot present acceptable identification by
8:00 a.m., are late. Never delay check-in, testing, or hold seats for late examinees. If an examinee is late,
that examinee’s seat and materials become available for assignment to examinees who have requested
Test Option Changes or standby testing.

If an examinee can present acceptable identification while you are still checking in the examinees who
were present on time and before the test booklets are distributed in the test room, admit the examinee
and document it on the Irregularity Report (page 81).

Absolutely no examinee may be admitted to a test room after the test booklets
have been distributed in that room. Answer documents of examinees allowed to
violate this policy will not be scored.

If the late examinee is admitted to a room where examinees have already filled in their identifying
information on the front of the answer document, the late examinee must complete that information
during the break after Test 2 or after testing, without access to the test booklet. A member of the test
center staff must always supervise this process closely to ensure the examinee does not alter or add any
test responses.

Admission Requirements
Admit the examinee only if ALL of the following requirements are met:
1. Examinee is listed on one of your final Test Center Rosters.

2. Examinee presents acceptable photo ID at the time of check-in.

3. Names and photos on ID and roster match the examinee.

4. If standby—you have a seat and materials available.

5. Test booklets have not been distributed in the test room.

Note: Examinees are told to bring their admission ticket to the test site but it is not required for admission.
Failure to provide an admission ticket may delay scores; however, if testing staff can verify the examinee’s
identity by comparing the photo ID to the roster, admit the examinee for testing.

28
A CITY, IA

DETAIL PHOTO DETAIL

SAMPLE, JESSICA
IOWA CITY, IA
1-11111 Match Number 12222-22222
Left Handed Gender FEMALE Admitting Examinees
333 HS Code 3333-333

Room ID Verification Room

A P F X A

SAMPLE, ASHLEY, A

3-33333
Denying Admission
IOWA CITY, IA
Match Number 14444-44444
ALE
If you deny admission,FEMALE
Gender
write “Denied” on the roster in the space next to the examinee’s name, and
333 HS Code 3333-333
document the reason on the Irregularity Report (page 81). For example see “Irregularity Report
Room ID Verification Room
Sample,” page 79.
A P F X A

SAMPLE, KARUS, J

5-55555
IOWA CITY, IA
Match Number 16666-66666
DENIED
ALE Gender MALE
333 HS Code 3333-333

Room ID Verification Room

A P F X A

SAMPLE, JAMEEL, L
Figure 3.IOWA
Roster
CITY, IA entry showing a student denied entry
7-77777 Match Number 18888-88888
ALE Gender MALE
333
Determining Test Options
HS Code NOT YET IN HS

Room ROSTERS—Examinees
ID Verification who registered
Room for the ACT with writing and standbys who requested the ACT
A P F X A
with writing have the notation “WRITING.” Examinees who registered for the ACT (no writing) and
Y, E SAMPLE, ANTHONY, J
standbys who requested the ACT (no writing) have no notation (see “Roster Samples,” page 74).
IOWA CITY, IA
9-99999 Match Number 11111-11112
TICKETS—The
Gender examinee’s
MALE test option is noted as either “ACT (no writing)” or “ACT with writing” (see
333 HS Code 3333-333
“Admission Ticket Samples,” page 76).
Room ID Verification Room
A
Test Option Change on Test Day
P F

SAMPLE, OTTISON, A
X A

At check-in,
IOWAexaminees
CITY, IA may request a different test option than they registered for. You may assign them
1-11113 Match Number 11111-11114
to a different option only
Gender MALE
if you have a seat and materials available for that option. An examinee wishing
Left Handed
333 to change HStest
Codeoptions 3333-333
must wait until all other examinees present at 8:00 a.m.—except standbys—have
Room been seated for their option, so youRoom
ID Verification can determine if you have seats and materials available for that
A option. SeatP examinees
F X requesting
A a Test Option Change before seating any standbys. If you admit
a Test Option Change examinee before the other registered examinees present at 8:00 a.m. have been
admitted, you may be giving away another examinee’s seat. If you do not have a seat and materials for that
test option, deny the requested change and submit an Irregularity Report. You may admit the examinee to
test with his or her registered test option, or the examinee may choose to leave.

For example, an examinee may be registered for the ACT (no writing) but wishes to take the ACT with
writing instead. If you have a seat and materials available after all other registered writing test examinees
have been admitted, allow the examinee to change test options to the ACT with writing. This will free up
an ACT (no writing) seat.
Note: If examinees request a Test Option Change after they are admitted to the test room, follow the
procedures in “Examinee Seated in the Wrong Room,” page 46. Once you begin reading the verbal
instructions, examinees may not request a Test Option Change.

The
The ACT examinee MUST be identified and checked-in at the room he or she will test in, using the roster
ROSTER
that has the examinee’s name and gender. Document the examinee on THAT roster:
DROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL TEST DATE 26-OCT-2013
LAWRENCE
1. Add or cross out “WRITING”111111
TEST CENTER CODE
LOOR - SIGNS POSTED
2. Circle the type
PAGE of ID accepted
2 OF 5
CITY, IA
3. Enter the room name/number in which the examinee actually tests
ETAIL PHOTO DETAIL
SAMPLE, TALINA, M
IOWA CITY, IA
11115 WRITING Match Number 11111-11116 WRITING
Gender FEMALE Left Handed
33 HS Code 3333-333

Room ID Verification Room

P F X A 218
Figure 4. Roster entry identifying a student with a Test Option Change
Do not collect any fees. ACT will determine if a billing adjustment is necessary for any examinees making
test option changes. 29
Admitting Examinees

Assigning Test Rooms

Follow these principles when assigning examinees to rooms and determining the number of rooms to use.
• Fill each room to its testing capacity (see “Type and Size of Room,” page 6).
• Do not fill a room beyond its testing capacity.
• Fill writing and no writing rooms before creating combination rooms.
Group designations are noted on your Test Center Rosters and on examinees’ tickets to facilitate assigning
examinees to the correct test rooms:

Table 6. Group Designations Assigned to Each Test Option

Test Option Group
ACT (no writing) A
ACT with writing B
Standby (regardless of test option) S

Assign each examinee to a test room that is administering the examinee’s test option: ACT (no writing)—
Group A examinees to a no writing or combination room and ACT with writing—Group B examinees to a
writing or combination room.

If you have more than one test room, you can assign examinees alphabetically, randomly, or fill up one
room at a time (e.g., the first 20 ACT (no writing) examinees to arrive are assigned to room A, the next 20
to room B, and so on). Use a method which will be efficient for your test center. Make certain examinees
go to their assigned rooms.

Combination Room
If you have limited rooms and staff, or the number of examinees for a test option does not warrant
a separate room, combine ACT (no writing) and ACT with writing examinees in the same room, but
assign them to designated sections of the room (e.g., no writing examinees seated closer to the exit). The
timing of the four multiple-choice tests is the same for both test options. At the end of the four multiple-
choice tests, the ACT (no writing) examinees are dismissed and the ACT with writing examinees remain
in the room for the writing test. This method requires more effort to ensure examinees receive the
correct materials and hear the correct verbal instructions, and that materials are properly collected and
accounted for when each group finishes testing.

Each test option requires a different answer document so it is absolutely critical to give each examinee
the correct materials. If you do not, scores will be significantly delayed. Be certain to use the
combination room verbal instructions (far right column) instead of the no writing room or writing room
verbal instructions.

Verifying Identification
Identify examinees at the test room even if ID was checked previously. All examinees are required
to present acceptable identification before being admitted to the test room. If an examinee without
acceptable identification is permitted to begin testing, the examinee must be dismissed and the answer
document will not be scored—even if acceptable identification is presented later.

Two photo documents are used to verify an examinee’s identification; the documents must clearly match
each other; the documents must clearly match the examinee.
• Acceptable ID (see “Acceptable Identification,” page 31)
• Roster with photo listing the examinee (see “Test Center Rosters,” page 19)
Note: The ticket for your test center and the current test date may be used to verify identification but it is not
required (see “Tickets,” page 27).

30
 Admitting Examinees

Required Steps:
1. Verify that the ID is acceptable (see “Acceptable Identification,” page 31).
2. Verify that the name on the ID matches the roster (and ticket, if provided).
3. Make eye contact with the examinee and carefully compare the ID and roster (and ticket, if provided)
to the individual to verify it is the same person.
4. If “F” ID, have the examinee sign it in your presence and compare the signatures to be sure they match.
5. Mark on the roster the type of ID (“P” or “F”) accepted for admittance (see Table 7).
6. Collect all “F” forms of ID (ACT Identification Forms) that you accept as identification and send them
to ACT with the roster. It must be the actual item presented, not a photocopy, and must be signed by
the examinee on test day, in the presence of a staff member.

Acceptable Identification
• Personal recognition by testing staff or anyone else is NOT acceptable identification.
• Identification issued or verified by a relative is NOT allowed.
• All identification must be original; photocopies or reproductions are NOT allowed.
• Stamped, computer generated, or reproduced signatures are NOT allowed.
Table 7. Acceptable Forms of Identification and their Roster Notations
Roster Notation Type of ID Criteria for Acceptance

P
Current Must include ALL of the following:
Official •• Current (valid)
Photo ID
•• Issued by a city/state/federal government agency or school.
Note: School ID must be in hard plastic card format only. Paper or electronic formats
are NOT acceptable.
•• Examinee’s first and last names—names must match the roster (and ticket, if
provided)
Note: If different, see “Examinee with a Different Name on Identification,” page 32
•• Photo is clearly recognizable as the examinee
Signature not required.
Examples: driver’s license, passport, school ID, state ID.

F
ACT Student Examinees MUST present the ACT Student Identification Form if they do not have
Identification a current official photo ID as described above. ALL items must be completed and
Form (see include:
“ACT Student •• Individually completed in English–and signed in ink–by official of the student’s
ID Form school or notary public; the official or notary may not be a relative
Sample,”
page 77)
• • Recent, recognizable, individual (not group) photo of the examinee attached to form
•• School or notary seal/stamp or school official/notary ink signature overlapping a
portion of the photo
•• Examinee’s first and last names—names must match roster (and ticket, if provided)
Note: If different, see “Examinee with a Different Name on Identification,” page 32.
•• Examinee’s date of birth, gender, and school name and location
•• Signed by the examinee in ink in the presence of the school official or notary
•• Signed by the examinee on test day, in the presence of testing staff
Collect and return to ACT with the roster.

31
Admitting Examinees

Examples of Unacceptable Identification

• ACT ticket alone
• Birth certificate
• ChildFind ID card
• Credit, charge, bank, or check cashing cards, even with a photo
• Diploma
• Family portrait or graduation picture, even if the name is imprinted on the photo
• Fishing or hunting license
• ID issued by an employer
• ID letter or form that is not an official ACT identification form
• Learner’s driving permit, or temporary or replacement driver’s license, if it does not include a
photograph
• Organization membership card
• Passport or other photo so old that the person presenting it cannot be identified
• Personal recognition by anyone, including members of the test center staff, classmates, parents,
counselors, and teachers
• Photo ID of parents
• Photo with examinee’s name embossed or printed on it by a photographer
• Photocopies or reproductions
• Photos issued by a business for promotional purposes (e.g., amusement parks)
• Police report of a stolen wallet or purse
• Printed, stamped, or photocopied signatures
• Published photo, including yearbook or newspaper
• Report card
• Social Security card
• Telephone calls to counselors, teachers, or school officials to identify the examinee
• Traffic ticket, even with a physical description and signature
• Transcript, even with photo
• Web page with photo
Examinee with a Different Name on Identification
The first and last names on the ID must be consistent with the names on the ticket and roster. If there
is a significant difference, do not admit the examinee. In all cases (admit or deny), fully document the
difference and your decision on the Irregularity Report. Base your decision on the following guidelines:
• Differences in last name are NOT acceptable.
• Slight differences in the first name due to shortened names (such as “Dave” vs. “David” or “Jen” vs.
“Jennifer”) are acceptable.
• Differences in the first name due to traditional nicknames that are not based on shortening the name
(such as “Jack” vs. “John” or “Peggy” vs. “Margaret”) are NOT acceptable.
• Differences because the examinee goes by a middle name but the photo ID lists the first name, (e.g.,
“David Smith” vs. “James David Smith” or “James D. Smith”) are NOT acceptable.
• The use of initials in place of first or last names (such as “JD” or “MJ”) is NOT acceptable.
Examinees with Questionable ID
If you cannot make a positive identification or if you suspect the ID presented has been forged or
tampered with in any way, deny the examinee admission. You do not need to call ACT.

32
 Admitting Examinees

Examinees without Identification

If an examinee cannot present acceptable identification, do not admit the examinee, even if you
personally know the examinee. If an examinee does not have acceptable identification at first, but can
present it before test booklets are distributed in the test room, follow the procedure in “Admitting Late
Examinees,” page 28.

Marking the Roster

Mark every name on the roster as indicated below–do not leave any names unmarked. See “Marked Roster
Sample,” page 73, for reference.

EXAMINEES ADMITTED TO TEST—Write the examinee’s test room in the “Room” box and circle the
appropriate ID notation–“P” or “F”–in the “ID Verification” box.

EXAMINEES DENIED ADMISSION—Write “DENIED” in the space next to the examinee’s name.

ABSENT EXAMINEES (did not come to the test center)—Circle “A” in the “ID Verification” box.

Note: The “X” ID notation on the roster does not apply to International Testing. Do not mark “X” for anyone;
use only “P,” “F,” or “A.”

Prohibited Items in the Test Room

Examinees may not use cell phones, media players, or any other electronic
devices at any time, including during the break, and the examinee must
not be able to access them during testing. Do not collect cell phones or other
electronic devices from examinees; examinees should retain responsibility for
them.

Calculators may be used during the mathematics test but they must be turned off and put away when the
examinee is not working on that test.

In addition, examinees are not permitted to use or access the following items at any time while in the test
room:
• Textbooks, foreign language or other dictionaries, scratch paper, notes, or other aids
• Highlight pens, colored pens or pencils, correction fluid/tape
• Reading material
• Tobacco in any form
• Food or beverages, including water
Note: Staff and examinees may bring snacks and beverages into the test room but may consume them only
outside the test room during break.

Staff may not eat, drink, use tobacco, or use cell phones (must be turned off or “silent”) or recording or
media devices in the test room. See “Attentiveness,” page 9.

Examinees may have a personal timepiece such as a watch, timer, or stopwatch, provided it is NOT:
• On the desk
• A distraction to others
• A prohibited device

33
Admitting Examinees

Direct Examinees to Their Seats

Upon admittance to the test room, direct each examinee to a specific seat. Separate friends and relatives.
Examinees who arrive together must not sit near each other.

Never allow examinees to choose their own seats. All examinees in a test
room must face the same direction.

Random seating is recommended. For example, you might direct the first examinee to the left side of
the room, the second examinee to the middle of the room, the third to the right side, and so on. Seating
examinees alphabetically can be acceptable; however, you must accommodate left-handed examinees
and separate relatives and friends who end up in proximity.

Spread examinees out in the room as much as possible, using all the space. If you are using tables large
enough for two examinees, start by seating one examinee per table until all tables have one person, then
go back and fill the remaining seats.

To reduce the opportunity for examinees to copy from each other, seat examinees d
­ irectly in line with
each other (see “Room Setup and Seating Arrangements,” page 7, and Figure 1, page 8).

Seating Left-Handed Examinees

Seat left-handed examinees where they cannot see others’ materials or vice versa, normally in a back row
or along a wall (see “Left-Handed Examinees,” page 7). Examinees who registered as left-handed are
noted on your roster.

Standbys
• Examinees who miss the registration deadline, or want to make a Test Center or Test Date Change after
the registration deadline, can request standby testing. Requests must be made online, in advance of
test day.
• Only those listed on the Standby Roster (Group S) may be admitted, and must present acceptable
identification. Standbys are told to bring a standby ticket for your test center and the current test date
but it is not required for admission.
• Do not admit anyone who is not listed on your rosters.
• In all cases, standbys must be identified and checked in at the test room, using the Standby Roster (see
“Assigning Test Rooms,” page 30).
• Even though they are on the roster, standbys are NOT guaranteed admission. You are encouraged
to admit standbys if possible. However, you may not be able to seat everyone on the Standby Roster.
Standbys can be admitted:
1. ONLY after all the examinees listed on the other rosters who are present at 8:00 a.m. are seated for
their test option
2. ONLY if you have seats, materials, and staff available after addressing all Test Option Change
requests
• Admit standbys in the order in which they arrive, NOT the order they appear on the roster, until seats
and materials are no longer available (e.g., the first standby to arrive is admitted first, the second to
arrive is admitted next).

34
 Admitting Examinees

Admission at a Glance
Admission Criteria
• Examinee must be on one of your final Test Center Rosters.
• Examinee must have acceptable photo ID and be positively identified, comparing the photo ID to the
roster. You may also use the ticket, if provided.
• Examinee must be on time.
Admit Examinees in the Following Order
• 1st—Examinees listed on your rosters (except Standby) that are present at 8:00 a.m.
• 2nd—Examinees listed on your rosters (except Standby) that request a Test Option Change
• 3rd—Examinees listed on your Standby Roster on a first-come, first-admitted basis
Required Admission Steps
1. Verify examinee has an acceptable photo ID
2. Verify examinee is listed on your roster
3. Determine Test Option
4. Assign a test room
5. Verify identification at the test room
6. Mark the roster at the test room
7. Collect “F” ID, if used
8. Direct examinee to a specific seat in the test room
9. Document if examinee is denied admission

35
 Administering the Tests
This section describes the procedures for administering the tests after examinees have been checked
in and seated. Room supervisors and proctors must be familiar with this section, as well as the
“Irregularities” and “Verbal Instructions” sections.
• The tests must always be administered under supervised, timed, secure, standardized testing
conditions.
• Staff must be attentive to their responsibilities at all times.
• No test room may be left unattended while examinees or test materials are present, even if only one
examinee is testing.
• Throughout testing, examinees and test materials must be monitored closely.
Test Room Starting Time
Testing starts when the room supervisor begins reading the verbal instructions. Begin reading the
verbal instructions as soon as all examinees present by 8:00 a.m. have been checked in and seated. Do
not wait for examinees who are not at the test center by 8:00 a.m. (see “Admitting Late Examinees,”
page 28).

If you are using more than one test room and you do not assign rooms alphabetically (i.e., you are
assigning and filling up one room at a time), each room may begin as soon as it is filled. At least one test
room for each test option (if separate rooms are assigned) must wait until after 8:00 a.m. to allow time
for examinees who arrive at 8:00 a.m. to be admitted.

Note: Under no circumstances can a room be scheduled to begin earlier than 8:00 a.m. If this occurs, the
answer documents for that room will not be scored.

The verbal instructions in all rooms must begin no later than 9:00 a.m. If a room starts later than 9:00
a.m., fully document the time and the reason on the Irregularity Report.

General Announcements to Examinees

Before testing begins, make announcements regarding:
• Cell phones and electronic devices: All devices must be powered off and stored away at all times. If an
examinee handles or accesses a device, or if a device activates, the examinee must be dismissed and
his or her test will not be scored.
• Calculators: Read to examinees the current list of Prohibited Calculators (and Calculators Permitted
with Modification). This list is updated and provided to test centers every test date and should be
distributed to all room supervisors (also available online by logging into your SRPS account).
• Hats: Some hats may obstruct your view of examinees’ eyes and may allow examinees to conceal
prohibited behavior, such as accessing a cell phone, earpiece, or other electronic device. Not all hats
may hinder your ability to monitor examinees and some examinees may wear hats or other head
coverings due to religious convictions or medical reasons. The announcement to remove hats is left to
your discretion.

36
 Administering the Tests

• Institutional requirements: Examinees can be dismissed for not abiding by the rules of the test
center (see “Prohibited Behavior at the Test Center,” page 49), but only if they are informed of
the rules through clearly posted signs or verbal announcements. For example, if examinees cannot
leave the building before testing concludes, make that announcement prior to testing and/or at the
break. Explain to the examinee the reason for the dismissal and write a complete explanation on the
Irregularity Report.
• Nervous noise: Some examinees relieve tension through talk and movement before and after tests.
Because they must maintain complete silence during testing, allow this n ­ ormal behavior, but remind
them to be considerate of other rooms that may still be testing while your room is taking a break.
• Restrooms: Describe the location of restrooms and drinking fountains available during the break.
Overview of Administering the Tests
KK Make any general announcements (optional)
KK Begin reading verbal instructions—perform the activities as prompted
KK Distribute the answer documents—1-page to ACT (no writing) examinees; 8-page to ACT with writing
examinees
KK Examinees complete identifying information on their answer documents
KK Distribute the multiple-choice test booklets to examinees
KK Collect ALL tickets—admission and standby
KK During each test: Complete the Timing Report
KK During Test 1: Complete the Seating Diagram
KK During Test 2: Check calculators
KK After Test 2: Give examinees a 10- to 15-minute break
KK After Test 4: Examinees complete the Student Review
Collect and count the 1-page answer documents from no writing examinees
Collect and count the multiple-choice test booklets from ALL examinees
KK Verify you have all the test materials you started with
KK Dismiss ACT (no writing) examinees

Continue with ACT with writing examinees:

KK Allow examinees taking the writing test time to relax and sharpen pencils
KK Distribute the writing test booklets to examinees
KK During the writing test: Update the Seating Diagram
KK After the writing test: Collect and count the 8-page answer documents
Collect and count the writing test booklets
KK Verify you have all the test materials you started with
KK Dismiss ACT with writing examinees

After Testing:
KK Complete the Irregularity Report (as necessary)
KK Complete the “After Testing” section of the Test Room Report
KK Return all test materials and forms to the test coordinator
KK Sign the Test Room Report

Distributing Test Materials to Examinees

The verbal instructions tell you when to distribute each type of answer document and test booklet. To
ensure security of test materials, distribute answer documents and test booklets to examinees only when
directed to do so in the verbal instructions, not before.

37
Administering the Tests

Answer Documents
• Distribute answer documents in the order they are packaged. Different shading patterns on page 2 are
intentional.
• Be certain each examinee receives the correct answer document. Only examinees taking the ACT
(no writing) use the 1-page answer sheet. Examinees taking the ACT with writing must use the 8-page
answer folder for both their multiple-choice and essay responses.
• All answer documents have a Test 5 Code block and sections for five multiple-choice tests.
• Examinees need to leave the Test 5 Code block and section for Test 5 blank. International examinees
do not take Test 5.

Figure 5. Test 5 Code block

Test Booklets
The multiple-choice test booklets are distributed only after examinees have completed the front page
of their answer documents—when directed in the verbal instructions. All examinees seated in the room
receive a multiple-choice test booklet.

The writing test booklets are distributed just prior to the writing test—when directed in the verbal
instructions. Only examinees taking the ACT with writing receive a writing test booklet.

For each type of test booklet:

• Personally hand one test booklet individually to each examinee, in sequential serial number
order, and only to examinees who are in the room.
Begin with the first serial number of your series and walk down the rows handing them in sequential
order to each examinee in a seat. Do not skip serial numbers, do not leave booklets at empty seats, and
do not assign or hold booklets for absent examinees. Any leftover (unused) booklets will be the last
serial numbers of your series.

For example, if you have 15 booklets but only 12 examinees are in the room, hand out only the first 12
serial numbers. Keep the unused booklets (with the last three serial numbers) secure during testing.

003 004 empty seat 010

empty seat 005 009 011
002 006 empty seat 012
001 007 008 empty seat

Start End
Figure 6. Test booklet distribution diagram
• Do not allow examinees to handle any booklet except their own. For example, do not allow booklets to
be passed down rows or across aisles.
• Make sure each examinee receives only one booklet.
• Keep track of how you distributed booklets so you can document the serial number given to each
examinee on the Seating Diagram.
38
 Administering the Tests

Collecting Tickets
Collect ALL admission and standby tickets before Test 1 begins, when directed in the verbal instructions
(see “Tickets,” page 27).

Sequence of Tests
All tests must be administered in the order listed below for all examinees. If this order is altered, the
answer documents will not be scored. Exactly observe these test times and the break schedule.
Test 1 = 45 minutes
Test 2 = 60 minutes
Break = 10–15 minutes
Test 3 = 35 minutes Examinees cannot take
Test 4 = 35 minutes the writing test without first
Break = 5 minutes taking the multiple-choice
tests in the same session.
Writing Test = 40 minutes

Timing the Tests

Each room supervisor is responsible for timing the tests in his or her own room. Reading the verbal
instructions or timing the tests is not to be controlled from a central location for multiple rooms (for
example, using bells, a PA system, or loudspeaker). Each room supervisor must be able to react to any
problems or questions that occur in a particular room and adjust timing if necessary. This procedure also
minimizes the effects of any mistimings.

Take extreme care to ensure the exact time is allowed for each test.

Even if all examinees in the room finish a test before the allowed time elapses, the full time for each
test must be given. Each room must use two (2) timepieces to time the test, as a precaution in the event
one fails. One timepiece must be an accurate clock or watch that shows the actual time of day. ACT also
recommends that one of these be an interval timer or stopwatch. Do not use a cell phone as one of your
timepieces.

As you begin timing each test, enter the actual Start time (e.g., 8:52) on the Timing Report. Calculate the
Stop time, then the time for the verbal announcement of 5 minutes remaining (subtract 5 minutes from
the Stop time), and enter those times. Double check your calculations carefully.

You may use the chart provided for each test to calculate stop time. Times are “minutes after the hour.”
For example, if Test 1 starts at 8:26 it stops at 9:11.

Start Stop Start Stop Start Stop Start Stop Start Stop
0:00 0:45 0:12 0:57 0:24 0:09 0:36 0:21 0:48 0:33
0:01 0:46 0:13 0:58 0:25 0:10 0:37 0:22 0:49 0:34
0:02 0:47 0:14 0:59 0:26 0:11 0:38 0:23 0:50 0:35
0:03 0:48 0:15 0:00 0:27 0:12 0:39 0:24 0:51 0:36
0:04 0:49 0:16 0:01 0:28 0:13 0:40 0:25 0:52 0:37

Figure 7. Example timing chart for Test 1

If your actual time remaining and Stop announcements differ from the times you calculated, change what
you entered to reflect the actual times the announcements were made. The actual times of day (e.g.,
8:26) you make your Start, time remaining, and Stop announcements must be entered on the form.

Before you announce 5 minutes remaining, and before you call Stop, check your timepiece carefully
against the time you have written down and verify it with the second timepiece. If a proctor is in the room,
the proctor is to double-check the room supervisor’s timing. 39
Administering the Tests

Announcing Time Remaining

A verbal announcement of time remaining must be made five minutes before the end of each test.
It is important to give the time remaining announcement accurately as examinees rely on it to pace
themselves.

Posting Times on the Board (Optional)

You may post the Start and Stop times or time allowed for each test on the board if one is available (e.g.,
Test 1, 45 minutes: Start time—8:45, Stop time—9:30). Verify your calculations before writing the time on
the board. Do not write time remaining on the board as it can be confusing depending on when examinees
check it. Time remaining must be a verbal announcement.

Monitoring the Test Room

Follow these policies for monitoring a test room.
• A member of testing staff must be physically present in the room at all times to monitor the
examinee(s). Monitoring through glass partitions or via security cameras is not allowed. The
examinee(s) cannot be left unattended, even briefly.
• The room supervisor must be in the room for the entire session, except when relieved by a proctor for
a short break.
• One room supervisor cannot supervise multiple rooms at the same time.
Note: A room supervisor is the person responsible for administering the test in one test room. A test
coordinator who supervises a test room is the room supervisor for that room.

Checking for Prohibited Behavior

Throughout testing, walk quietly around the room to discourage and detect prohibited behavior. Staff
attentiveness is a very effective deterrent. See “Prohibited Behavior at the Test Center,” page 49.

Accessing a Cell Phone or Electronic Device

All cell phones, media players, and any other electronic devices must be powered off and stored away. Pay
special attention to pockets, backpacks, and purses to be sure that devices are securely out of sight. Watch
for hands in pockets and the use of earbuds or headphones. If an examinee accesses a device at any time
during testing or during a break, the examinee must be dismissed. Additionally, if a device activates or
makes any noise during testing or during a break, the examinee must be dismissed.

Working Behind/Working Ahead

Examinees may only look at or work on the current test. There are symbols at the top of every test booklet
page to help you identify the different tests.

Giving or Receiving Assistance

Make sure examinees are keeping their eyes on their own work and not communicating with others. If
you suspect communication or copying is taking place, but are uncertain, move the suspect to another
seat and continue to observe closely. If you are certain, dismiss the examinee(s). In all cases, document
carefully which examinees are involved.

Marking Ovals after Time Is Called

Examinees are not permitted to mark, erase, darken, or otherwise alter their responses in any way once
time is called on each test. This is perhaps the most common prohibited behavior. When you call Stop,
look up at the examinees—all pencils must be put down immediately. Anyone continuing to work must
be dismissed.

After each test or at the beginning of the next test, walk around the room and note which examinees
have unfinished ovals. Use a suitable method to keep track such as making notes on the Seating Diagram
or scratch paper. If you then see any of the previously incomplete ovals filled in, dismiss the examinee.
Examinees may not ‘undo’ their behavior by erasing marks they made after time was called.

40
 Administering the Tests

Removing Test Materials

Watch for note-taking, phone use, cameras, recording devices, tearing out whole or partial pages of the
test booklet, not turning in a test booklet or answer document, taking another examinee’s or an unused
test booklet, etc. Whenever possible, recover the material from the examinee. Document completely on
the Irregularity Report and notify ACT Test Administration as soon as possible.

Using Notes or Aids

Make sure all personal belongings are inaccessible and that examinees have nothing on their desks except
a test booklet, answer document, pencils, and eraser. Calculators must be turned off and put away when
examinees are not working on the mathematics test. Watch for notes in an examinee’s purse or book bag
and inside a calculator cover, for notes or codes written on unlikely items such as erasers or clothing, and
for headphones, earplugs, dictionaries, language translators, etc. Document any incident carefully on the
Irregularity Report and attach the notes or aid in question whenever possible.

Checking Calculators during Test 2

You must check for prohibited calculators during Test 2 (mathematics). Check periodically to make sure
examinees did not switch calculators after the first check. If you discover an examinee using a prohibited
calculator, follow the procedures in “How to Dismiss for Prohibited Behavior,” page 50, to dismiss the
examinee and void the answer document. Document this dismissal on the Irregularity Report.

Calculators
The ACT Calculator Policy is designed to ensure fairness for all examinees, avoid disturbances in the
testing room, and protect the security of the test materials.
• All problems on the mathematics test can be solved without a calculator.
• Examinees may only use a permitted calculator on the mathematics test.
• The calculator must be turned off and put away during all other tests.
• A current Calculator Policy was provided in your materials shipment.
~~ Each room supervisor must be given a copy of the policy.
~~ Post it for examinees to see (e.g., at check-in stations, test rooms, etc.).
~~ It may be read to examinees as a general announcement before testing begins.
• Examinee responsibilities:
~~ Ensure any calculator brought on test day is permitted.
~~ Check www.actstudent.org or call 800.498.6481 for a recorded message about the current ACT
Calculator Policy.
• If a calculator has characters one inch high or larger, or a raised display, seat the examinee where no
others can see the display.

Break after Test 2

ACT requires that you allow a break of 10 to 15 minutes at the end of Test 2 so examinees can relax or go
to the restroom. Before testing begins, the test coordinator is to determine the length of time to be allowed
for a break and inform the room supervisors and proctors. Each room supervisor is to begin the break at
the end of Test 2 as dictated by individual testing activity in the room. Do not attempt to preset an exact
schedule for all test rooms.

All test booklets must be closed with the answer documents inside them before the break begins. If
examinees remain in the room, collect the materials or otherwise ensure that examinees do not tamper
with them.

Do not leave the test room unattended at any time. Designate a break area away from test rooms or
assign staff to control noise if some rooms are still testing while others are on break.

During break, be attentive to examinees trying to access cell phones or electronic devices. Dismiss any
examinees who violate the cell phone and electronic device policy. 41
Administering the Tests

Resume testing after the break, according to your room schedule. Do not delay testing waiting for
examinees who are late. Examinees who return late may be readmitted, but lost time cannot be made up.
Keep conversation with examinees who return late to a minimum to limit the distraction to those already
testing.

Break before the Writing Test

Once the multiple-choice test booklets have been collected and verified after Test 4, allow ACT with
writing examinees to relax and sharpen their pencils before beginning the writing test. Examinees must
remain in the room.

Monitor the test room closely to ensure that answer documents are not tampered with. Do not leave
the test room unattended at any time. If an examinee needs to leave the room, collect the answer
document. Resume testing after five minutes. Do not wait for examinees who return late.

Examinees Who Leave during a Test and Return

Examinees may go to the restroom during a test, but it is best not to announce it. They are told when they
register to expect a break between Tests 2 and 3.

Collect test booklets and answer documents from examinees who go to the restroom and return them
when they return. Be sure the same examinees return after leaving. If you have doubts, recheck the
identification.

Examinees who leave the test room during a timed test or return after timing has begun may not make up
lost time. The absence need not be recorded on the Irregularity Report.

If two or more examinees are permitted to leave at the same time, or if other rooms have been dismissed,
the examinees must be accompanied by a proctor. If no proctor is available, only one examinee may leave
the room at a time. Do not leave a test room un­supervised at any time.

Student Review
Examinees are asked about their testing experiences, test preparation activities, and communication
methods in the Student Review, to be completed at the end of Test 4. Examinee responses do not affect
test scores.

Examinee Questions, Suggestions, or Concerns

You may answer questions about the mechanics of a test but must not answer questions about guessing or
content. Instead, refer them to the directions in their test booklets.

Examinees are encouraged to write to ACT Test Administration about any aspect of the test. Provide
examinees with the email or mailing address of ACT Test Administration given on the inside front cover
of this manual. Urge them to write within two weeks describing their concerns in detail and to include the
name and location of their test ­center.

ACT will respond promptly and also will contact you for your response. When a complaint involves a
matter you can control, try to take steps that will correct the condition during future administrations.
If examinees or others disagree with an action taken at the test center, refer them directly to ACT Test
Administration.

Collecting Materials from Examinees

• The verbal instructions tell you when to collect each type of answer document and test booklet.
• Examinees must remain in their seats while materials are collected. No one may leave the room until
materials are counted and verified.
• Materials must be collected individually from each examinee—do not allow them to be passed in.
• Collect and check answer documents first, then collect and check test booklets separately.
42
 Administering the Tests

• Examinees may not have access to their answer documents or test booklets after they have been
collected.
• Count and verify all materials and complete the Test Room Report.
• Make sure you have an answer document and test booklet for every examinee marked present on your
roster.

Dismissing Examinees after Testing

• Examinees must remain in their seats until dismissed by the room supervisor.
• Examinees may not be dismissed until all test materials have been collected and verified.
Required Test Room Documentation
The room supervisor in each test room must submit the following documentation to the test coordinator
after testing concludes.
• Test room copy of the roster marked for attendance and the type of photo ID accepted for each
examinee admitted to the room (see “Verifying Identification,” page 30).
• All “F” ID forms collected (see “Verifying Identification,” page 30).
• All collected tickets.
• Test Room Report—Documents the transfer of test materials between test coordinator and room
supervisor, and accounts for the test materials assigned to each test room.
• Seating Diagram—Documents the test room setup, location of each examinee in the room, and the
specific test booklet(s) used by each examinee.
• Timing Report—Documents the actual times when the Start, time remaining, and Stop
announcements were made for each test.
• Irregularity Report—as necessary. Documents testing irregularities and examinees denied admission
(see “Irregularities,” page 44).

43
 Irregularities
Complete an Irregularity Report (page 81, remove it from the manual) for each room in which an
individual or group irregularity occurs and return it with your answer documents. Report and describe
in detail any irregularity, especially those that could affect test scores. Include the names of examinees
who were dismissed from or who left the test center without completing all their tests. If there are no
irregularities in any test rooms, do not return a report.

Group Irregularities
A group irregularity is one that affects a group of examinees (such as an entire test room or the whole
test center). If this occurs, follow the instructions below and contact ACT Test Administration as soon as
possible. Remember to safeguard the security of the test materials at all times.

Interrupting a Test
If you must interrupt a timed test, instruct examinees to stop testing and close their test booklets with
their answer documents inside; record the elapsed testing time. Collect the materials if necessary to
maintain security. When you resume testing, begin timing where you left off to give examinees the
remaining time allowed for that test. If the interval is significant, add two additional minutes to the
remaining time for that test so examinees can regain their concentration. If you cannot resume testing,
collect the materials and dismiss the examinees. Follow the instructions for Rescheduled Examination
below.

Disturbances and Distractions

If a disturbance or distraction occurs that affects examinees’ concentration and it cannot be stopped, or
the examinees cannot be moved to another room, immediately contact ACT Test Administration. Do not
dismiss examinees until you have received instructions. If you do not have a proctor to assist you, stop
testing and collect the test booklets and answer documents before leaving the room to contact ACT.

Report all disturbances and distractions, however minor (including examinee illness), on your Irregularity
Report. Remember that examinees who are not familiar with your facility may be distracted by sounds or
movements that do not seem distracting to you.

Rescheduled Examination
If the examination is canceled before testing has begun, or if testing is interrupted and cannot be
completed, contact ACT Test Administration immediately to reschedule the administration. If you
contact us by fax, use the “ACT Reschedule Notification,” page 83. If you contact us by email or phone,
be prepared to provide us with the information requested on the form.

Emergency Evacuation
In the event of an emergency evacuation, your first concern must be for the safety of your examinees and
your staff. If an emergency occurs, note the testing time that has elapsed and—if time permits—have
examinees close their test booklets and place their answer documents inside them.

44
 Irregularities

Collect the test booklets only if time permits. Instruct the examinees and staff to leave the building. If it is
safe to do so, lock the test room. Contact ACT Test Administration as soon as possible.

Inclement Weather
If the weather in your area is threatening, wait to cancel an administration until the decision to do so is
absolutely clear, preferably on the morning of test day. It is best to test if it is possible to do so safely. If
severe weather on the morning of test day poses a danger to your center’s staff or examinees, do not open
your center. Even if you choose to test, examinees who contact you in advance should be discouraged
from traveling to the center if conditions are dangerous.

Proceed with testing all examinees who are able to get to your test center by the designated start
time. If 50 percent or more of the registered examinees cannot get to the test center, contact ACT
Test Administration immediately. Arrangements may be made to schedule another examination for
examinees who could not attend.

You must notify ACT Test Administration­—by email, fax, or phone—as soon as the decision is made to
close the center. Follow the instructions in “Rescheduled Examination,” page 44.

If you do test, document any inclement weather in your area on the Irregularity Report, even if only a
small percentage of examinees were unable to travel. ACT will attempt to accommodate those unable to
test because of the weather conditions.

Reschedule information for examinees will be posted at www.actstudent.org.

Missing or Stolen Test Materials

A missing or stolen test booklet is one of the most serious irregularities that can occur at a test center. If—
at any time—a test booklet is unaccounted for, you must immediately contact ACT Test Administration
at OSUS@act.org or 319.337.1510. We will advise you regarding what actions must be taken (see “In the
Event of a Security Breach,” page 17).

Mistiming
Any deviation from timing the tests exactly is a mistiming (see “Timing the Tests,” page 39). A
mistimed test constitutes a serious irregularity that is difficult to resolve. MISTIMINGS CAN BE
PREVENTED BY CAREFUL SUPERVISION. Scores ­cannot be adjusted to compensate for a mistiming. If
a retest is necessary, examinees must retake all tests, not just the one that was mistimed.
• If more than the required time is given on a test, contact ACT Test Administration immediately.
• If less than the required time is given on a test, allow examinees to make up the shortage before
dismissal. If a shortage on a previous test is discovered after examinees have begun work on the next
test, do not interrupt their work. Wait until that test has been completed, then make up the additional
time on the previous test. Document the problem and its resolution on the Irregularity Report.
• If a mistiming is discovered after examinees have been dismissed, contact ACT Test Administration
immediately. This irregularity must be resolved before answer documents are scored and early
notification is critical. Please attach only the affected answer documents to your Irregularity Report so
the situation can be resolved as expeditiously as possible.

Power Failure
If a power failure occurs and examinees cannot be moved to a location with adequate heat, ventilation,
light, and examinee spacing, try to determine from local sources when power will be restored. Follow the
instructions in “Interrupting a Test,” page 44, or “Rescheduled Examination,” page 44.

45
Irregularities

Individual Irregularities
An individual irregularity is one that affects a single person or several individuals involved in a single
circumstance (e.g., communicating answers to each other). Follow the directions for each type of
individual irregularity.

Examinees Who Leave Early

If an examinee leaves the test room and does not return, collect and secure his or her test materials.
Examinees will sometimes leave before completing all of their tests. Document early departures on the
Irregularity Report. Return the answer document for scoring. Do not attach it to the Irregularity Report.
Do not void the answer document unless the examinee has asked that it not be scored (see “Void at
Examinee’s Request,” page 51).

Examinees must remain seated until all test materials are accounted for and they are dismissed after
testing concludes. If an examinee insists on leaving early, do not void the answer document unless the
examinee tells you it should not be scored.

Test Item Challenges

If an examinee challenges typographical errors in a booklet or ambiguities in particular test items, tell the
examinee to answer the item as it is written and report the details of the challenge to you after the test is
over.

Complete an Irregularity Report with the examinee’s name, address, Match Number, test booklet number,
test form, the item number being challenged, and the examinee’s question about the item. For security
reasons, do not include a copy of the test item in question. Fax or email a copy of the Irregularity Report to
ACT Test Administration on test day or the next business day.

Examinee Seated in the Wrong Room

It is the room supervisor’s responsibility to double-check rosters and tickets to make sure examinees
admitted to the test room are in the correct room. All room supervisors must have a copy of the
appropriate full roster to mark attendance.
• IF A NO WRITING EXAMINEE IS SEATED IN A WRITING ROOM. If testing has not started, you may
move the examinee to a no writing room. Otherwise, the examinee may remain in the writing room
(which now becomes a combination room) and continue testing on the 8-page answer document,
leaving the writing test pages blank. Dismiss the examinee after Test 4 by reading the appropriate
verbal instructions at the end of Test 4. Explain the circumstances on the Irregularity Report and
return the answer document for scoring with the rest (do not attach it to the Irregularity Report). Do
not void the writing test pages—leave them blank.
• IF A WRITING EXAMINEE IS SEATED IN A NO WRITING ROOM. The examinee must use the 8-page
answer document for the ACT with writing. Have the examinee begin using the 8-page answer
document as soon as you discover the error (have the examinee transfer any test responses to the
8-page answer document after testing; see procedure in “Failure to Follow Directions in Marking
Responses on the Answer Document,” page 47). Move the examinee to a writing room at the break
or after Test 4, or ask the room supervisor to stay and administer the writing test to the examinee,
using the verbal instructions for a combination room.

Defective Test Materials

Replace a defective test booklet or answer document as quickly as possible so the examinee does not lose
time. If necessary, stop testing until a replacement can be obtained.
• Be sure the replacement booklet is the same test form as the defective booklet. A replacement answer
document does not need to have the same shading pattern.
• Print “Defective Material” on the cover of the test booklet or across the front page of the answer
document and attach it to the Irregularity Report. Explain the circumstances on the Irregularity
Report.

46
 Irregularities

• If an answer document is defective, the examinee must transfer, under your supervision, all
information exactly as originally noted to a new one after the test session and without access to the
test booklet.
• Contact ACT for instructions if you do not have sufficient materials to replace those that are defective.
Duplicating Test Materials
Test personnel and examinees are not permitted to duplicate or record any part of the ACT or ACT
with writing by copying, taking notes, photographing, scanning, or using any other means. All answer
documents and test booklets must be returned to test center personnel. No portion of these materials may
be retained by examinees.
If you observe an examinee using photographic, scanning, or recording devices during the test or
removing pages from a test booklet, follow the procedures in “How to Dismiss for Prohibited Behavior,”
page 50, or “Refusal to Turn In Test Materials,” page 52.

In all cases, examinees observed using photographic, scanning, or recording devices, or observed
removing pages from a test booklet, are to be dismissed, the device confiscated or cleared, and the answer
document marked VOID. Inform the examinee the answer document will not be scored and include all
necessary information on the Irregularity Report. Contact ACT Test Administration (during the test, if
possible) to determine if any additional action is required.

Failure to Follow Directions in Marking Responses on the Answer Document

Only answers properly marked on the answer document during the time allowed for a particular test
can be scored. If an examinee is not properly marking responses on the answer document, follow the
instructions for the relevant error, below.

Note: These errors in marking are not prohibited behavior; do not dismiss the examinee.

• Unauthorized Marking of Responses in the Test Booklet

If an examinee is marking responses in the test booklet, immediately take these steps.

1. If... Then...
Time remains on the current test Instruct the examinee to immediately transfer responses
from the test booklet to the answer document.
Time has been called on that test No answers can be transferred at any time, including
during the break or after testing.
2. Instruct the examinee to continue testing by marking responses on the answer document.
3. Document the situation in detail on the Irregularity Report.
4. If... Then...
There are some responses marked Submit the examinee’s answer document for scoring.
on the answer document Note: Unless the examinee tells you the answer document
should not be scored, it will be scored as received.
There are NO responses marked Attach the answer document to the Irregularity Report.
on the answer document

• Marking Responses on the Wrong Answer Document

If a no writing examinee is using a writing answer document, take these steps.
1. Allow the examinee to continue testing with the writing answer document, leaving the essay
section blank (do not mark the essay section void).
2. Submit the answer document for scoring with your other writing answer documents.
3. Document the situation in detail on the Irregularity Report.

If a writing examinee is using a no writing answer document, take these steps.

1. At the end of the current test, give the examinee a writing answer document and collect the first
answer document.
Note: Call ACT for instructions if you do not have a writing answer document to give the examinee. 47
Irregularities

2. Instruct the examinee to begin marking responses on the new answer document.
3. After testing is completed, supervise the examinee as he or she transfers the information
from page 1 and all previous test responses from the first answer document to the new answer
document.
Note: This transfer must occur under close supervision and without access to the test booklet.

4. Document the situation in detail on the Irregularity Report.

5. Mark the first answer document “REPLACED” and attach it to the Irregularity Report.
6. Return the new answer document for scoring.
Note: Call ACT for instructions if a number of writing examinees are using no writing answer
documents.

• Marking Responses in a Future Section of the Answer Document

Example: Marking Test 3 responses in the section for Test 4 during the time for Test 3.

If an examinee is marking responses in a future section, take these steps.

1. At the end of the current test, give the examinee a new answer document and collect the first
answer document.
Note: Call ACT for instructions if you do not have a new answer document to give the examinee.

2. Instruct the examinee to begin marking responses in the correct section of the new answer
document.
3. After testing is completed, supervise the examinee as he or she transfers the information from
page 1 and all previous test responses from the first answer document to the correct sections on the
new answer document.
Note: This transfer must occur under close supervision and without access to the test booklet.

4. Document the situation in detail on the Irregularity Report.

5. Mark the first answer document “REPLACED” and attach it to the Irregularity Report.
6. Return the new answer document for scoring.

The following errors are prohibited behaviors and the examinee must be
dismissed (see “Prohibited Behavior at the Test Center,” page 49):
•• Marking a previous section of the answer document
(e.g., marking the section for Test 2 during the time for Test 3)
•• Working on any test other than the current test

Examinees Who Become Ill

Collect the test booklet and answer document from an examinee who becomes ill and asks to leave the
test room. If the examinee returns and continues testing, lost time may not be made up. Record the time
lost on the Irregularity Report.

If an examinee becomes ill and cannot finish testing, ask if the examinee wants the answer document
scored or not. If the examinee becomes ill during the writing test, ask if the examinee wants the entire
answer document or just the multiple-choice tests scored (i.e., void the writing test only). Clearly indicate
the examinee’s decision on the Irregularity Report.

Do not void the answer document unless the examinee tells you it should not be scored. If the examinee
tells you not to score the answer document (or the writing test only), follow the procedures for “Void at
Examinee’s Request,” page 51. Otherwise, include it with your other answer documents to be scored;
do not attach it to the Irregularity Report.

Once an examinee breaks the seal on the test booklet, the examinee is considered to have tested, whether
or not he or she chooses to have the answer document scored. Do not return the ticket to the examinee.

48
 Irregularities

Irrational Behavior
If an examinee acts in an irrational or violent manner, proceed as follows:
• Try to prevent other examinees from being interrupted, affected, or involved.
• Collect and retain the examinee’s test materials without physical force.
• Dismiss the examinee from the test room as quietly as possible, without physical force or contact.
• If necessary, call security or police to protect staff and other examinees’ safety.
• Inform the examinee that the answer document will not be scored.
• Give a detailed explanation on the Irregularity Report, void the answer document, and attach the
examinee’s test materials to the report.

Also see “Safety,” page 5.

Prohibited Behavior at the Test Center

The prohibited behaviors listed below are taken from the Terms and Conditions all examinees agreed to
when they registered to take the ACT test.

The following behaviors are prohibited. You may be dismissed and/or your answer document may
not be scored, at ACT’s sole discretion, if you are found:
• Filling in or altering responses on your answer document, or continuing to write the essay after
time has been called on that test section. This means that you cannot make any changes to a
test section outside of the designated time for that section, even to fix a stray mark or accidental
keystroke.
• Looking back at a test section on which time has already been called.
• Looking ahead in the test booklet.
• Looking at another person’s test booklet or answer document.
• Giving or receiving assistance by any means.
• Discussing or sharing test content, test form identification numbers, or answers during test
administration, during breaks, after the test, or on social media.
• Using a prohibited calculator (www.act.org/calculator-policy.html).
• Using a calculator on any test section other than mathematics.
• Sharing a calculator with another person.
• Using a watch with recording, internet, or communication capabilities.
• Accessing any electronic device other than an approved calculator or watch. All other electronic
devices, including cell phones and other wearable devices, must be powered off and stored out of
sight from the time you are admitted to test until you leave the test center.
• Attempting to photograph, copy, or memorize test-related information, or remove test materials
(including questions or answers) from the test room in any way, including through social media.
• Using highlight pens, colored pens or pencils, notes, dictionaries, or other aids.
• Using scratch paper.
Note: If you are taking the ACT online, some use of ACT-provided scratch paper or an ACT-provided
white board may be permitted; all such use must be in accordance with ACT policies and procedures.
• Not following instructions or abiding by the rules of the test center.
• Exhibiting confrontational, threatening, or unruly behavior, or violating any laws. If ACT suspects
you are engaging in criminal activities, such activities will be reported to law enforcement
agencies.
• Allowing an alarm to sound in the test room or creating any other disturbance.

49
Irregularities

ACT may restrict the items you bring into the test center. All items brought into the test center, such
as hats, purses, backpacks, cell phones, calculators, and other electronic devices, may be searched
at the discretion of ACT and its testing staff. Searches may include the use of tools, such as handheld
metal detectors, that detect prohibited devices. ACT and its testing staff may confiscate and retain
for a reasonable period of time any item suspected of having been used, or capable of being used, in
violation of these prohibited behaviors. ACT may also provide such items to and permit searches by
third parties in connection with an investigation conducted by ACT or others. ACT and its testing
staff shall not be responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items that you bring to a test center. Your
test center may also have additional procedures with which you must comply.

Monitor examinees at all times. If you observe or suspect prohibited behavior, take prompt action.

If you are certain prohibited behavior occurred, promptly dismiss the examinee. Follow the How to
Dismiss for Prohibited Behavior procedure exactly.

If you suspect prohibited behavior occurred but are not certain, take these steps:
1. Discreetly warn the examinee that he or she is suspected of prohibited behavior.
2. Continue close observation.
3. After one warning, if you continue to suspect prohibited behavior, promptly dismiss the examinee.
Follow the How to Dismiss for Prohibited Behavior procedure exactly.
Notes:
• The behavior does not need to be verified by the test coordinator or another staff member. Dismiss based
on your own observation.
• You do not need to directly observe prohibited behavior to determine that it occurred. For example, if
you are certain that ovals left unfilled at the end of a test were filled in after time was called, dismiss the
examinee.

How to Dismiss for Prohibited Behavior

If you dismiss an examinee, follow these procedures exactly:
1. Take action immediately without creating a disturbance. If you cannot, wait until the end of the
current test.
2. Collect the answer document and test booklet.
3. If you believe an electronic device or other item was used to store or exchange information, or to make
an image of the test, collect the device/item from the examinee and contact ACT immediately. ACT
will determine if the device/item is to be retained and sent to ACT or returned to the examinee. Do not
return the device/item to the examinee without ACT approval.
4. Tell the examinee:
a. You observed or are certain of the prohibited behavior.
b. He or she is being dismissed because of the behavior.
c. The answer document will not be scored.
5. Write VOID on the front of the answer document. Do so in the examinee’s presence if possible.
6. Complete a detailed Irregularity Report that includes:
a. The time of the incident and the name(s) of the examinee(s).
b. The number of ovals the examinee(s) had filled in at the time of the incident.
c. The test room and seating location(s) of the examinee(s).
d. The details of what you observed.
e. The statements you and the examinee(s) made.
f. The name(s) of the staff who observed or were certain of the prohibited behavior.
7. Attach the voided answer document to the Irregularity Report and return it with your other test date
documentation.

50 ACT will not score the answer document(s) if you follow these procedures exactly. However, you must
 Irregularities

inform the examinee that the answer document will not be scored, and clearly indicate this on the
Irregularity Report. Otherwise, the answer document will be scored.

Voiding Answer Documents

Void an answer document for the following reasons only:
• The examinee becomes ill and asks that the answer document not be scored.
• The examinee asks that the answer document not be scored for any reason.
• The examinee is dismissed for prohibited behavior and has been told the answer document will not be
scored.

In all cases, complete an Irregularity Report to document the reason.

Void for Prohibited Behavior

If an examinee is dismissed for prohibited behavior, you must void the entire examination–no part of the
answer document will be scored. You must tell the examinee that the answer document will not be scored.
If you do not, the test may be scored. Follow procedures for “How to Dismiss for Prohibited Behavior,”
page 50.

Void at Examinee’s Request

An examinee may request that the entire examination not be scored or that the writing test only not be
scored. If an examinee chooses to void the writing test only, all four multiple-choice tests will be scored.
It is not possible to selectively score certain multiple-choice tests. It is not possible to void the multiple-
choice tests and score only the writing test. Clearly indicate the examinee’s decision on the Irregularity
Report.

Using a soft lead No. 2 pencil only (no ink, no mechanical pencil), mark the answer document void and
process it according to the instructions in Figure 8, below.

To Void the Entire Examination To Void the Writing Test Only

| © 2016 by ACT, Inc. All rights reserved. 22089 Printed in U.S.A. IM-(A)196619-001:654321 011 215 17W Rev 1 PAGE 1 T T PAGE 4 |
T T
The ACT with Writing 2016–2017 Answer Folder
® T
T
T
T Please enter the
WRITING TEST BOOKLET NUMBER WRITING TEST FORM
T T Print your 6-digit \ 30A \ 30T \ 31M \ 32N
information at the Booklet Number
T T \ 30C \ 30W \ 31P \ 88F
EXAMINEE STATEMENT, CERTIFICATION, AND SIGNATURE T T right before beginning in the boxes at the \ 30E \ 30Z \ 32A \ 88G
Print your
1. Read the following Statement: By submitting this answer folder, I agree to comply with and be bound by the Terms and Conditions: T T the Writing Test. right. 3-character \ 30G \ 31B \ 32C \ 88K
Testing Rules and Policies for the ACT ® Test provided in the ACT registration materials for this test, including those concerning test T T Test Form in \ 30J \ 31D \ 32E \ 88L
security, score cancellation, examinee remedies, arbitration, and consent to the processing of my personally identifying information, T T the boxes above \ 30L \ 31F \ 32G \ 88Z
including the collection, use, transfer and disclosure of information as described in the ACT Privacy Policy (www.act.org/privacy.html). T T Use a soft lead No. 2 and fill in the \ 30N \ 31H \ 32J
T T pencil only. Do NOT corresponding \ 30R \ 31K \ 32L
I understand that ACT owns the test questions and responses and affirm that I will not share any test questions or responses with T T use a mechanical oval at the right.
anyone by any form of communication before, during, or after the test administration. I understand that assuming anyone else’s identity T T
to take this test is strictly prohibited and may violate the law and subject me to legal penalties. T T pencil, ink, ballpoint, or
T T felt-tip pen.
International Examinees: By my signature I am also providing my consent to ACT to transfer my personally identifying information T T
to the United States to ACT, or a third party service provider for processing, where it will be subject to use and disclosure under the T T

VOID Begin WRITING TEST here.

laws of the United States. I acknowledge and agree that it may also be accessible to law enforcement and national security T T
authorities in the United States.
2. Copy the Certification shown below (only the text in italics) on the lines provided. Write in your normal handwriting.
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
WRITING
Certification: I agree to the Statement above and certify that I am the person whose name and address appear on this answer folder. T T
T T
T T
T T
T T
T T

VOID
T T
T T
T T
T T
T T
T T
T T
Your Signature Today’s Date T T
T T
T T
USE A SOFT LEAD NO. 2 PENCIL ONLY. T T
Do NOT mark in
» T T
this shaded area. (Do NOT use a mechanical pencil, ink, ballpoint, correction fluid, or felt-tip pen.) T T
T T
T T
A NAME, MAILING ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE B MATCH C T T
(Please print.) NAME MATCH NUMBER T T
(First 5 letters T T
of last name)
T T
T T
Last Name First Name MI (Middle Initial) T T
\\\\\ 1 \
\ 1 \
1 \
1 \
1 1 \
\ 1 \
1 \
1 \
1 T T
\
A \
A \
A \
A \
A 2 \
\ 2 \
2 \
2 2 \
\ 2 \
2 \
2 \
2 T T
House Number & Street (Apt. No.); or PO Box & No.; or RR & No. \
B \
B \
B \
B \
B 3 \
\ 3 \
3 \
3 3 \
\ 3 \
3 \
3 \
3 T T
\
C \
C \
C \
C \
C 4 \
\ 4 \
4 \
4 4 \
\ 4 \
4 \
4 \
4 T T
\
D \
D \
D \
D \
D 5 \
\ 5 \
5 \
5 5 \
\ 5 \
5 \
5 \
5 T T
City State/Province ZIP/Postal Code E \
\ E \
E \
E \
E 6 \
\ 6 \
6 \
6 6 \
\ 6 \
6 \
6 \
6 T T
\
F \
F \
F \
F \
F 7 \
\ 7 \
7 \
7 7 \
\ 7 \
7 \
7 \
7 T T
/ \
G \
G \
G \
G \
G 8 \
\ 8 \
8 \
8 8 \
\ 8 \
8 \
8 \
8 T T
Area Code Number Country \
H \
H \
H \
H \
H 9 \
\ 9 \
9 \
9 9 \
\ 9 \
9 \
9 \
9 T T
\
I \
I \
I \
I \
I 0 \
\ 0 \
0 \
0 \
0 0 \
\ 0 \
0 \
0 \
0 T T
\
J \
J \
J \
J \
J T T
ACT, Inc.—Confidential Restricted when data present \
K \
K \
K \
K \
K D DATE OF BIRTH
T T
L \
\ L \
L \
L \
L T T
\
M \
M \
M \
M \
M T T
ALL examinees must complete block A – please print. Month Day Year
\
N \
N \
N \
N \
N T T
\
O \
O \
O \
O \
O \ January T T
Blocks B, C, and D are required for all examinees. Find the MATCHING INFORMATION on \
P \
P \
P \
P \
P \ February T T
your ticket. Enter it EXACTLY the same way, even if any of the information is missing or \
Q \
Q \
Q \
Q \
Q \ March 1 \
\ 1 \
1 \
1 T T
incorrect. Fill in the corresponding ovals. If you do not complete these blocks to match your \
R \
R \
R \
R \
R \ April 2 \
\ 2 \
2 \
2 T T
previous information EXACTLY, your scores will be delayed up to 8 weeks. S \
\ S \
S \
S \
S \ May 3 \
\ 3 \
3 \
3 T T
\
T \
T \
T \
T \
T \ June 4 \
\ 4 \
4 T T
\
U \
U \
U \
U \
U \ July 5 \
\ 5 \
5 T T
\
V \
V \
V \
V \
V \ August 6 \
\ 6 \
6 T T
\
W \
W \
W \
W \
W \ September 7 \
\ 7 \
7 T T
\
X \
X \
X \
X \
X \ October 8 \
\ 8 \
8 T T
PO BOX 168, IOWA CITY, IA 52243-0168 \
Y \
Y \
Y \
Y \
Y \ November 9 \
\ 9 \
9 T T
Z \
\ Z \
Z \
Z \
Z \ December 0 \
\ 0 \
0 \
0 T T
1
If you need more space, please continue on the next page.
T T IM-196619-001:654321
T T
PLEASE DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA. T T
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ T T Do not write in this shaded area.
T T
| || | | | T T | | | || |

•• Write “VOID” across page 1. •• Write “VOID WRITING” on the first line of the
•• Attach it to the Irregularity Report so it will not essay area on page 4. Do not mark any other
pages or in the top part of page 4.
go through scoring.
•• Return the Irregularity Report with •• Return the answer document with your other
attached answer document inside the Test answer documents to be scored so the
Administration Forms envelope. multiple-choice tests will be scored.
•• Return the Irregularity Report (do not attach
the answer document) inside the Test
Administration Forms envelope.

Figure 8. Left, how to void the entire examination; right, how to void the writing test only
51
Irregularities

Refusal to Turn In Test Materials

Examinees must return all test materials before leaving the test room. If an examinee refuses to turn in a
test booklet, warn the examinee that the police will be contacted and this action may result in fines and
imprisonment. Contact ACT immediately and describe the situation in detail, including the examinee’s
name and Match Number (from your roster) and the test booklet number. Do not place yourself in a
position of physical danger, and do not leave other test materials or examinees unattended.

Reporting Personal Injury/Property Damage

It is critical that any incident involving injury to ACT test center staff, personal injury to an examinee,
or property damage to the test center be clearly and completely documented and reported at once by
contacting ACT Test Administration. We will provide instructions on how to document and report the
situation. The occurrence of property damage must also be reported to the appropriate authority at the
test center.

52
Verbal Instructions
This section contains the verbal instructions to be read to examinees and instructions for staff activities
during testing. Administer the tests under supervised, timed, secure, standardized testing conditions (see
“Administering the Tests,” page 36).
• Staff must be in the room if examinees or test materials are present. Do not leave the room unattended,
even momentarily, even if only one examinee is testing.
• An arrow ( •) indicates an action to perform at that time. Instructions are in a specific order to ensure
security of materials and prevent a misadministration.

Time the tests exactly and document the time accurately. Follow the directions in “Timing the Tests,”
page 39. A mistiming may require examinees to retake the entire exam. A timing chart is provided for
each test.
• Periodically walk around the room during the timed tests to:
~~ Check that examinees are working on the correct test.
~~ Observe examinees and check for prohibited behavior (see “Checking for Prohibited Behavior,”
page 40).
• If you observe prohibited behavior that requires you to dismiss the examinee and void the answer
document, follow the procedures in “How to Dismiss for Prohibited Behavior,” page 50, exactly and
inform the examinee.
• Document all irregularities (see “Irregularities,” page 44).
Read aloud all instructions in the shaded boxes, loudly and clearly, exactly as written. Do not depart from
the text. This ensures all examinees receive consistent, accurate instructions.
• Do not read aloud text in (parentheses)
• Pause after each series of dots (…) and wait for examinees to finish the task before proceeding. Look at
the examinees to be sure they are following instructions.

Read the correct instructions for your test room.

• If all examinees are taking the ACT (no writing), read the instructions for a no writing room in the left
column.
• If all examinees are taking the ACT with writing, read the instructions for a writing room in the middle
column.
• If some examinees are taking the ACT (no writing) and some are taking the ACT with writing, read the
instructions for a combination room in the right column.
• Instructions that pertain to all rooms are page-wide.

53
Verbal Instructions

All Rooms
»» When all examinees have been admitted and seated, and everyone has a pencil, greet
the examinees and, if you wish, introduce yourself and your proctors. Make any general
announcements (see “General Announcements to Examinees,” page 36), then begin:

NO Writing Room WRITING Room COMBINATION

Room

You are about to take
the A-C-T, which is
composed of multiple-
choice tests in English,
mathematics, reading,
and science. You will
NOT be taking the
writing test today. If
you believe you are to
take the writing test,
please raise your hand
now. . . .
You are about to take the You are about to take
A-C-T with writing, which is the A-C-T, which is
composed of multiple-choice composed of multiple-
tests in English, mathematics, choice tests in English,
reading, and science, followed mathematics, reading,
by a writing test, for which and science. If you
you will complete an essay are taking the A-C-T
written in English. with writing, you will
then take a writing
If you believe you are NOT to
test for which you will
take the writing test, please
complete an essay
raise your hand now. . . .
written in English.

If an examinee raises his or her hand, confirm they are in the correct room by checking the test option on
the ticket. If there is a discrepancy, immediately confer with the test coordinator to move the examinee to
the correct room. DO NOT leave the test room unattended to do so.

»» Continue by saying:

All items brought into the test center may be searched. Items suspected of
being used to engage in misconduct may be confiscated and retained.
Cell phones, smart watches, fitness bands, and any other devices with
recording, internet, or communication capabilities are prohibited.
You may not handle or access such devices during testing or during breaks.
All electronic devices must be powered off and stored out of sight. Turning
your device to silent or airplane mode is not acceptable.
If you have a cell phone or other electronic device, power it off now and
store it away in a backpack, purse, pocket, or other area where it will be out
of sight. . . .

»» Wait for examinees to power off and store their cell phones, then continue by saying:

Now that you have powered off and stored away your device, you may
not handle or access it again until you leave the test center at the end of
testing. If you access a device, or if a device activates or makes any noise or
vibration, you will be dismissed and your test will not be scored.

54 Are there any questions?

 Verbal Instructions

»» From this point forward, if you see an examinee with a phone or electronic device, or if a device
activates or makes any noise, the examinee MUST be dismissed. Look around the room again to
check for any devices, then say:

Please clear your desk of everything except soft lead No.2 pencils, erasers,
and your ticket. Place all personal items under your seat. You will not be
able to access them during testing or during the break. A-C-T and this test
center are not responsible for the loss of any personal items. If you brought
a calculator, put it under your seat now; you may use it only during the
mathematics test. Please keep the aisles clear. . . .

»» Wait for examinees to clear their desks, then say:

A complete list of the prohibited behaviors was provided during the

registration process. Please be reminded of the following:
•• You may not access an electronic device at any time during testing or
during a break.
•• You may not fill in or alter a response, or continue writing, after time has
been called on that test section. This includes fixing stray marks. You
may not look at any section of the test booklet outside of the designated
time for that test section.
•• You may not give or receive assistance by any means. This includes
looking at another person’s test booklet or answer document.
•• You are not allowed to use highlight pens, colored pens or pencils, notes,
dictionaries, scratch paper, or other aids.
•• You may not allow an alarm to sound in the test room or create any other
disturbance. If you are wearing a watch with an alarm or have any other
alarm device, you must be sure it is turned off.
•• The test is confidential and remains so even after the exam is complete.
You may not remove any materials from the test room. You may not
discuss the test questions or responses at any time, including during the
break.
•• Finally, eating, drinking, and the use of tobacco or reading materials are
not permitted in the test room.
If you are observed or suspected of engaging in prohibited behavior, you
will be dismissed and your answer document will not be scored. Do you
have any questions about prohibited behavior?
»» Address any questions, then say:

I will now hand you an answer document. Do not mark on it until I give you
instructions.

»» Distribute the 1-page answer documents to ACT (no writing) examinees.

»» Distribute the 8-page answer documents to ACT with writing examinees.
55
Verbal Instructions

If you administer both test options in the same room, be certain examinees use the correct
answer document. Testing with the wrong answer document could result in additional fees for
examinees and will delay their scores up to eight weeks.
»» When every examinee has the correct answer document, continue by saying:

Your answer document will be scored by machine. Make all marks heavy
and black. Fill in each oval completely without extending your marks outside
the lines. Stray marks, smudges, or errors not carefully and cleanly erased
can affect the scoring of your answer document. Use only a soft lead No. 2
pencil. Do not use a mechanical pencil, ink pen, or correction fluid. If you do,
A-C-T will not be able to score your answer document accurately.
Turn your answer document to Page 1. In Block A, print your name, current
mailing address, and telephone number. Please be sure to include your
country and postal code. . . .

»» Wait for everyone to finish, then say:

Refer to your ticket now and locate the box labeled “Matching
Information. . . .” Even if the Matching Information on your ticket is incorrect,
copy it EXACTLY as it appears into Blocks B, C, and D on your answer
document and fill in the corresponding ovals.
If you do not copy it exactly, or if the ovals are not filled in, your scores will
be delayed up to eight weeks. When you finish, leave the ticket on your
desk; it will be collected later.

It is important that examinees complete Blocks A through D correctly in order to receive their
scores on time. If there are questions, refer to page 75. If an examinee finds an error in the Matching
Information, he or she must contact ACT Customer Care during normal business hours to make
corrections.

»» Wait for everyone to finish, then say:

Please turn your answer document to Page 2. I will now hand you a
multiple-choice test booklet. Do not break the seal or open it until I tell you
to do so. Test booklets are the property of A-C-T and must be returned
before you are dismissed. You are strictly prohibited from disclosing test
questions or response choices to anyone. When you receive your test
booklet, read the directions. When you finish, look up. . . .

»» Hand one multiple-choice test booklet, individually, to each examinee, in sequential serial number
order, and only to examinees who are in the room. Follow the directions in “Distributing Test Materials
to Examinees,” page 37. Do not distribute the writing test booklets.
Keep an exact count of the number of test booklets distributed, and the order in which you distributed
them, for completing your Seating Diagram.

IMPORTANT! Do not admit any examinees to the test room once you have
distributed the test booklets.
56
 Verbal Instructions

»» Wait for everyone to finish reading the directions, then continue by saying:

Raise your hand if you need more time. . . .

When examinees are ready, continue by saying:

Now, on the front cover of your test booklet, read the Examinee Statement,
then copy only the Certification—not the Statement—on the lines provided.
Sign your name and enter today’s date (give the date). When you finish, put
your pencil down and look up at me. . . .

»» Give everyone time to copy and sign the Certification. When all examinees have finished, say:

Now, in the top-left corner of your booklet, find the 6-digit number and
copy it onto your answer document, at the top of Page 2, in the “Booklet
Number” boxes. Fill in the corresponding oval below each box. . . .
Next, on the front cover of your test booklet, find the 3-character test form,
copy it into the “Form” boxes on your answer document, and fill in the
matching oval. If you do not fill in the correct oval, your answer document
cannot be scored accurately. . . .
Do not fill in the Test 5 Code block. This needs to be left blank. . . .

»» Wait for everyone to finish, then say:

I will now collect your ticket and check your answer document and test
booklet. . . .

»» Do the following:
• Collect all tickets.
• Check the answer documents to be certain each examinee
completed the bottom half of page 1 and the top of page 2.
• Check the answer documents to be sure the Test 5 Code block
(sample, right) is blank. If necessary, have the examinee erase it.
• Check the test booklets to be sure each examinee completed and Figure 9.
signed the front cover. Sample Test
»» Then say: 5 Code block

Please listen carefully to the following instructions. The use of scratch paper
is not permitted. Do any figuring or scratch work in your test booklet.
Mark only one response to each question. You will receive credit only for
responses properly marked on your answer document during the time
allowed for a specific test.
I will walk around the room during testing to be sure you are working on the
right test. If you have a question or need another pencil, raise your hand. Do
not look around.
57
Verbal Instructions

If you decide to discontinue testing for any reason and you do not want your
answer document scored, you must inform me. Otherwise, it will be scored
even if you have not completed all the tests.
I will keep the official time for this examination. I will announce when five
minutes remain on each test to serve as a warning before time is called. It is
to your advantage to answer every question. Are there any questions? . . .

»» If there are no questions, continue by saying:

Remember to keep your answer document flat on your desk and placed so
that others cannot see it.
Please pay attention to the announcement of five minutes remaining on
each test. When I call time and tell you to Stop at the end of each test, put
your pencil down immediately and look up at me. If you finish before I call
time, remain quietly in your seat. You may not read or engage in any other
activity that could distract others still testing. We will begin testing shortly.
There must be no talking. Listen carefully to these instructions. . . .

Test 1—English

»» When everyone is ready, say:

You will have 45 minutes to work on Test 1. Do not begin work until I tell
you to do so. During this time you are to work only on Test 1. If you finish
before time is called, recheck your work on Test 1, then place your answer
document inside your test booklet and close the cover. Do not turn the
page to the next test. You may now break the seal, but do not open the
booklet. . . .

»» Wait for everyone to break the seal, set your stopwatch or interval timer to 45 minutes, then say:

You have 45 minutes to work on this test. Open your booklet to Test 1, read
the directions carefully, and begin work.

»» Begin timing.

»» During Test 1, do the following:

• On the Timing Report, record the time of day you START timing Test 1 and calculate the times of
day for announcing 5 MINUTES REMAINING and STOP (see “Timing the Tests,” page 39).
• Walk around the room to monitor examinees (see “Checking for Prohibited Behavior,” page 40).
• Complete your Seating Diagram. If you need to verify test booklet serial numbers, do so at the
break. Update the diagram if an examinee is moved or needs a replacement test booklet.
• Monitor for cell phone and electronic device usage throughout testing. Dismiss any examinees
58 observed accessing a device.
 Verbal Instructions

»» When 40 minutes have passed and you have checked the time, say:

You have 5 minutes remaining on this test.

»» When 5 more minutes (exactly 45 minutes total) have passed and you have checked the Stop
time, say:

Stop, put your pencil down, close your test booklet, and look up at me now. . . .
»» Verify everyone has stopped.

Test 2—Mathematics

»» Continue by saying:

Test 2 is mathematics. All problems on the mathematics test can be solved

without a calculator. However, you are allowed to use a calculator on this
test. If you brought a calculator, you may get it out now. . . .
You are responsible for knowing if your calculator is permitted. I will check
your calculator during the test. If you use a prohibited calculator, you will be
dismissed and your answer folder will not be scored.
You are also responsible for making sure your calculator is working prop­
erly. I will not provide you with backup batteries or a replacement calculator.
Do not share your calculator with another examinee. If you need to use
your backup calculator, raise your hand and I will check it. You may have
only one calculator on your desk or in operation at a time. If you did not
bring a backup calculator and yours malfunctions, continue testing. If your
calculator has games or other functions, you may not use those functions
during the test; you may use only the mathematics functions. Keep your
calculator flat on your desk. Are there any questions? . . .

»» If there are no questions, continue by saying:

You will have 60 minutes to work on Test 2. Do not begin work until
I tell you to do so. During this time, you are to work only on Test 2. If you
finish before time is called, recheck your work on Test 2, turn your calculator
off, then place your answer document inside your test booklet and close
the cover. Do not turn the page to the next test, and do not work on, fill in,
or alter ovals for Test 1. Please remember to close your calculator quietly in
consideration of others. There will be a break after I call time on this test.

»» Set your stopwatch or interval timer to 60 minutes, and say:

You have 60 minutes to work on this test. Do any figuring in your test
booklet. Turn to Test 2, read the directions carefully, and begin work.
59
Verbal Instructions

»» Begin timing.

»» During Test 2, do the following:

• Record the time of day you START timing Test 2 and calculate the times of day for announcing
5 MINUTES REMAINING and STOP.
• Refer to the Calculator Policy and check all calculators periodically throughout the test (see
“Checking Calculators during Test 2,” page 41, and “Calculators,” page 41).
• Walk around the room to monitor examinees.
»» When 55 minutes have passed and you have checked the time, say:

You have 5 minutes remaining on this test.

»» When 5 more minutes (exactly 60 minutes total) have passed and you have checked the Stop
time, say:

Stop, put your pencil down. Place your answer document inside your test
booklet, close the booklet, leave it on your desk, and look up at me now. . . .

»» Verify everyone has stopped, then say:

Put your calculator away. You will not be permitted to use it for the
remaining tests.
You will have a __________ minute break (10–15 minutes). Testing will
resume promptly at __________. If you return late, you will not be allowed
to make up lost time. Remember, you may not access phones or other
electronic devices during the break. If you do, you will be dismissed.
You may not eat or drink anything in the test room. Please be quiet if testing
is in progress in other rooms. (Give general directions and locations of
restrooms and drinking fountains. Announce your facility’s rules, if any, about
leaving the building, avoiding restricted areas, etc.)

»» During the break, do the following:

• Monitor for cell phone and electronic device usage. Dismiss any examinees observed accessing a
device.
• Make sure no test materials are taken out of the room, all test booklets are closed, and all answer
documents are inside the test booklets.
• Do not leave the test room unattended. If any examinees remain in the room, monitor them
closely (see “Break after Test 2,” page 41).
• Double-check every answer document to be sure examinees have entered the test booklet number
and test form, and filled in the corresponding ovals. Check that test booklets have been signed and
the certification copied.
• Verify the test booklet serial numbers you have written on your Seating Diagram against the
booklet at each seat.
• You or a proctor must monitor hallway noise to prevent disrupting rooms that are still testing.
Do not delay the start of Test 3 waiting for examinees who return late from the break. If examinees
return late they may be readmitted, but cannot make up lost time. Keep conversation with late arrivals
to a minimum.

60
 Verbal Instructions

If an examinee does not return, do not void the answer document unless the examinee asked that it
not be scored (see “Examinees Who Leave Early,” page 46).

»» At the end of the break, say:

Attention. Please get ready to resume testing. . . . Remember, if you are

wearing a watch with an alarm or have any other alarm device, it must
remain turned off. If you have a cell phone or other electronic device, it must
remain powered off and stored out of sight until you are dismissed from all
testing for the day.
Clear your desk of everything except your pencils, erasers, test booklet,
and answer document. Do not open your test booklet. Remove your answer
document and check the front page to be sure your name appears in
Block A. . . .

Test 3—Reading

»» When everyone is ready, say:

You will have 35 minutes to work on Test 3. Do not begin work until I tell
you to do so. During this time, you are to work only on Test 3. If you finish
before time is called, recheck your work on Test 3, then place your answer
document inside your test booklet and close the cover. Do not turn the page
to the next test and do not work on, fill in, or alter ovals for previous tests.
Even with the test booklet closed this behavior is prohibited. You will be
dismissed and your answer document will not be scored.

»» Set your stopwatch or interval timer to 35 minutes, and say:

You have 35 minutes to work on this test. Turn to Test 3, read the directions
carefully, and begin work.

»» Begin timing.

»» During Test 3, do the following:

• Record the time of day you START timing Test 3 and calculate the times of day for announcing 5
MINUTES REMAINING and STOP.
• If any examinees do not return from break, collect their materials shortly after testing has begun
(see “Examinees Who Leave Early,” page 46).
• Walk around the room to monitor examinees.

61
Verbal Instructions

»» When 30 minutes have passed and you have checked the time, say:

You have 5 minutes remaining on this test.

»» When 5 more minutes (exactly 35 minutes total) have passed and you have checked the Stop
time, say:

Stop, put your pencil down, close your test booklet, and look up at me now. . . .

»» Verify everyone has stopped.

Test 4—Science

»» Continue by saying:

You will have 35 minutes to work on Test 4. Do not begin work until I tell
you to do so. During this time you are to work only on Test 4. If you finish
before time is called, recheck your work on Test 4, then place your answer
document inside your test booklet and close the cover. Do not fill in or alter
ovals for any other test. After this test, you must remain quietly in your seat
while I collect and count the test materials.

»» Set your stopwatch or interval timer to 35 minutes, and say:

You have 35 minutes to work on this test. Turn to Test 4, read the directions
carefully, and begin work.

»» Begin timing.

»» During Test 4, do the following:

• Record the time of day you START timing Test 4 and calculate the times of day for announcing
5 MINUTES REMAINING and STOP.
• Walk around the room to monitor examinees.
»» When 30 minutes have passed and you have checked the time, say:

You have 5 minutes remaining on this test.

»» When 5 more minutes (exactly 35 minutes total) have passed and you have checked the Stop
time, say:

Stop, close your test booklet and turn it to the outside back cover. Turn your
answer document to Page 2, read the Student Review Questions, and mark
your responses at the bottom of your answer document. Your responses
to these questions will not affect your scores. When you finish, look up at
me. . . .

62
 Verbal Instructions

»» While examinees are completing the Student Review, all staff must walk around the room and make
sure no one is filling in or altering test responses.

»» When everyone has finished the Student Review, continue by saying:

Now, turn your answer document to the front page. Read the Statement,
then copy only the Certification—not the Statement—on the lines
provided. Sign your name and enter today’s date (give the date). When you
finish, put your pencil down and look up at me. . . .

»» Walk around (all staff) and monitor examinees closely to make sure they work on the Certification and
signature ONLY.

»» Give everyone time to copy and sign the Certification. When all examinees have finished, say:

Now, place your answer document on your desk next to your test booklet,
with Block A facing up. Do not place it inside the test booklet and do not
mark on it. . . .

(read ONE of the following columns)

»» If ALL examinees are taking the ACT (no writing), read the left-hand column.

»» If ALL examinees are taking the ACT with writing, read the middle column.

»» If SOME examinees are taking the ACT (no writing) and some are taking the ACT with writing,
read the right-hand column.

Continue by saying:

NO Writing WRITING COMBINATION

I will now collect and
check the answer
documents, then I will
collect and check the test
booklets. They will be
picked up individually; do
not pass them in.
You may not leave the
room. Remain quietly in
your seat until I give you
further instructions.
Remember, you may not
access your cell phone or
other electronic devices
until you leave the test
center.
I will now collect and
check the test booklets.
They will be picked up
individually; do not pass
them in.
You may not leave the
room. Remain quietly in
your seat until I give you
further instructions.
Remember, you may not
access your cell phone or
other electronic devices
until you leave the test
center.
I will now collect and
check the answer
documents from everyone
who is not taking the
writing test, then I will
collect and check all the
test booklets. They will be
picked up individually; do
not pass them in.
You may not leave the
room. Remain quietly in
your seat until I give you
further instructions.
Remember, you may not
access your cell phone or
other electronic devices
until you leave the test
center.
63
Verbal Instructions

»» While examinees remain in their seats, follow the instructions below:

Note: In writing and combination rooms, monitor the writing examinees to ensure they do not alter or
add any multiple-choice responses.

1. Individually collect the answer document from each no writing examinee.

KK Confirm the Certification is copied.
KK Confirm the answer document is signed.
KK Confirm the section for Test 5 and the Test 5 Code block are blank.
KK Stack all answer documents so they face the same direction.
KK Verify the number of answer documents collected equals the number of no writing examinees.

2. Individually collect the test booklet from all examinees.

KK Confirm the Certification is copied.
KK Confirm the test booklet is signed.
KK Verify the number of booklets collected equals the number distributed.

3. Keep the collected test materials where examinees do not have access.
Note: No one may examine test booklets or answer documents after they have been collected.

»» In rooms where examinees are leaving after Test 4, make any special announcements at this time (e.g.
instructions for leaving the building, waiting area).
»» After the materials have been counted and verified, say:
(read ONE of the following columns)

NO Writing WRITING COMBINATION

Your scores will be
reported in two to eight
weeks. If you have
comments or questions
about this administration,
email or write A-C-T Test
Administration within the
next two weeks.
Remember, discussing
or sharing test content,
test form identification
numbers, or answers
is prohibited, including
on social media.
Be sure you have
all of your personal
belongings. As you leave,
please be quiet in the
halls. Thank you for your
cooperation. You are
dismissed.
(Go to “Writing If you are not taking the writing
Test,” page 65, test, please pay attention: Your
and continue.) scores will be reported in two
to eight weeks. If you have
comments or questions about
this administration, email or write
A-C-T Test Administration within
the next two weeks.
Remember, discussing or
sharing test content, test form
identification numbers, or
answers is prohibited, including
on social media.
Be sure you have all of your
personal belongings. As you leave,
please be quiet in the halls. Thank
you for your cooperation. Everyone
not taking the writing test is
dismissed.
(Go to “Writing Test,” page 65,
and continue.)

64
 Verbal Instructions

»» In rooms where all examinees have been dismissed, make sure you have completed the following
forms:
• Irregularity Report (if necessary): Complete immediately after testing. Please be specific
regarding the circumstances.
• Timing Report—Required: Double-check that the actual times of day announcements made for
all tests have been recorded accurately.
• Test Room Report—Required: Double-check your counts. The number of used and unused test
booklets must equal the number you received.
• Seating Diagram—Required: Double-check it for accuracy and completeness.
»» Return all test materials to the test coordinator immediately.

Writing Test
»» After all multiple-choice materials have been accounted for and only examinees taking the
writing test remain in the room, say:

We will continue testing shortly. Leave your answer document closed on

your desk. You may use this time to relax and sharpen your pencils, but you
may not leave the room.

»» Monitor examinees closely to ensure they do not open or mark on their answer documents.

»» If necessary, remind examinees to be quiet, and that eating, drinking, reading, and using electronic
devices, including cell phones, are not permitted.

»» Resume testing after five minutes.

Examinees must remain in the room. If an examinee needs to leave the room, collect his or her test
materials. Do not wait for examinees who return late. If an examinee returns after the writing test has
begun, give the examinee the next writing test booklet in sequence. Instruct the examinee to read the
directions on the front cover and begin work. Lost time may not be made up. Remember to add the
serial number of the test booklet to the Seating Diagram. After testing concludes, the examinee must
complete the identifying information on pages 3 and 4 of the answer document and on the cover of the
test booklet. The room supervisor must supervise this process closely to ensure the examinee does not
alter or add any test responses. Document the late return on the Irregularity Report.

Examinees must remain in their original seats. If you must move an examinee to another seat,
document it carefully on the Seating Diagram and Irregularity Report so it is clear which seat the
examinee was in originally, which seat the examinee moved to, at what point during testing the move
took place, and the reason for moving the examinee.

»» When you are ready to resume testing, continue by saying:

We are ready to resume testing…. The next test is a writing test for which
you will complete an essay written in English. Use a soft lead No. 2 pencil;
do not use a mechanical pencil, ink pen, or correction fluid. If you do, A-C-T
will not be able to score your essay accurately.

65
Verbal Instructions

I will now hand you a writing test booklet. Do not break the seal or open it
until I tell you to do so. Test booklets are the property of A-C-T and must
be returned before you are dismissed. You are strictly prohibited from
disclosing essay topics or responses to anyone. When you receive your
writing test booklet, sign and print your name and enter your date of birth in
the spaces provided on the front cover. Then, read the directions. When you
finish, look up. . . .

»» Hand one writing test booklet, individually, to each examinee, in sequential serial number order, and
only to examinees who are in the room. Follow the directions on page 37. Keep an exact count of the
number of test booklets distributed, and the order in which you distributed them, for completing your
Seating Diagram.

»» Allow examinees enough time to read the directions, then say:

Raise your hand if you need more time. . . .

Now, look at your answer document, and turn it to Page 3. Print your name
in the spaces provided. . . .
Now, turn it to Page 4. Find the 6-digit number in the top-left corner of
your test booklet. Copy it into the “Writing Booklet Number” boxes on your
answer document. . . .
Next, find the 3-character test form on the front of your test booklet. Copy
it into the “Writing Test Form” boxes on your answer folder and fill in the
matching oval. When you finish, put your pencil down and look up at me. . . .

»» When everyone is ready, say:

You will have 40 minutes to work on the writing test. Do not begin
work until I tell you to do so. If you finish before I call time, recheck your
work on the writing test, close both your test booklet and your answer
document, and place them on your desk with Page 1 of the answer
document facing up. You must sit quietly until time is called. Are there any
questions? . . .

»» If there are no questions, continue by saying:

You may now break the seal, but do not open the booklet. . . .

»» Wait for everyone to break the seal, set your stopwatch or interval timer to 40 minutes, then say:

You have 40 minutes to work on this test. Open your test booklet, read the
assignment, and begin work.

66
 Verbal Instructions

»» Begin timing.
»» During the writing test, do the following:

•• Record the time of day you START timing the writing test and calculate
the times of day for announcing 5 MINUTES REMAINING and STOP.
•• Complete the writing test portion of your Seating Diagram. Record the
serial number of the writing test booklet given to each examinee.
•• Walk around the room to monitor examinees.
»» When 35 minutes have passed and you have checked the time, say:

You have 5 minutes remaining on this test.

»» When 5 more minutes (exactly 40 minutes total) have passed and you have checked the Stop
time, say:

Stop, put your pencil down. . . .

»» Verify everyone has stopped, then say:

Close both your test booklet and your answer document and keep them
separate on your desk. Turn your answer document so that Page 1 faces up,
and look up at me now. . . .
I will now collect and check the answer documents and test booklets.
They will be picked up individually; do not pass them in. You may not leave
the room. Remain quietly in your seat until I give you further instructions.
Remember, you may not access your cell phone or other electronic devices
until you leave the test center.

»» While examinees remain in their seats:

1. Individually collect the answer document from each examinee.
KK Confirm the Certification is copied.
KK Confirm the answer document is signed.
KK Confirm the section for Test 5 and the Test 5 Code block are blank.
KK Stack all answer documents so they face the same direction.
KK Verify the number of answer documents collected equals the number of examinees.

2. Individually collect the test booklet from each examinee.

KK Confirm the test booklet is signed.
KK Verify the number of booklets collected equals the number distributed.

»» Make any special announcements (e.g., instructions for leaving the building, waiting area).

67
Verbal Instructions

»» After materials have been counted and verified, say:

Your scores will be reported in five to eight weeks. If you have comments
or questions about this administration, email or write to A-C-T Test
Administration within the next two weeks.
Remember, discussing or sharing test content, test form
identification numbers, or answers is prohibited, including on social
media.
Be sure you have all of your personal belongings. As you leave, please be
quiet in the halls. Thank you for your cooperation. You are dismissed.

»» Make certain that examinees do not have access to the test materials as they leave the room. Under no
circumstances may anyone examine test booklets or answer documents after they have been collected.

»» Make sure you have completed the following forms:

• Irregularity Report (if necessary): Complete immediately after testing. Please be specific
regarding the circumstances.
• Timing Report—Required: Double-check that the actual times of day announcements made for
all tests have been recorded accurately.
• Test Room Report—Required: Double-check your counts. The number of used and unused test
booklets must equal the number you received.
• Seating Diagram—Required: Double-check it for accuracy and completeness.
»» Return all test materials to the test coordinator immediately.

68
Return of Materials
After Testing
Immediately after examinees are dismissed, the test coordinator must:
• Account for all materials
• Ensure required documentation is completed
• Keep copies, if applicable
• Pack the test materials for return
Return all materials on the next business day, no later than three days after the Saturday test date.

Notes:
• Include your six-digit test center code (not high school code) on all materials—it can be found on your Test
Center Rosters and Test Materials Distribution List.
• Failure to pack and return materials as directed can result in scores being delayed up to 8 weeks.
• The test coordinator is responsible for all materials until they are in the return carrier’s possession.
What to Keep
Keep the following items for 3 months, and then securely destroy them:
• Copy of the marked Test Center Rosters
• Record of the number of cartons returned and the tracking numbers
• Used and unused administration manuals—reuse until your last test date
Note: Do not reuse manuals that contain notes about examinees or what happened on test day.

What to Return
Return all used and unused test materials including:
• Test booklets
• Answer documents
• Tickets
• ID forms
• Rosters, marked originals
• Test room forms, completed and signed
• Irregularity Reports
• Other documentation as required
Note: Do not return administration manuals.

69
Return of Materials

Returning the Test Booklets

Take these steps to account for and pack the test booklets:
1. Separate the multiple-choice test booklets from the writing test booklets.
2. Put them in serial number order, used and unused together.
3. Check to be sure there are no answer documents or completed forms inside them.
4. Count the booklets and check the serial numbers to be sure you have every one listed on your Test
Materials Distribution List (packing list).
Note: If there is a discrepancy, contact ACT Test Administration. Do not continue until all booklets are
accounted for.

5. Complete and sign the Test Materials Distribution List (packing list).
6. Place the booklets and Test Materials Distribution List in the return carton, as illustrated in the
diagram (see “Packing the Carton,” page 72).
Notes:
• Multiple-choice and writing test booklets can be packed together in the same carton.
• Return all materials you received for a test date in a single shipment.
Returning Unused Materials
Return all unused materials (except manuals) in the return carton, as illustrated in the diagram (see
“Packing the Carton,” page 72).

Returning the Answer Documents to Be Scored

Return the answer documents to be scored in the Answer Documents to Be Scored envelope.

Take these steps to pack the answer documents.

1. Separate the 1-page answer documents from the 8-page answer documents, and separate standard
time from extended time.
Notes:
• Turn them all the same way with the same side up.
• Be sure you have an answer document for every examinee marked present.
• If an examinee did not sign the answer document, return it without the signature.
2. Pull out answer documents that are not to be scored (e.g., voids), attach them to their respective
Irregularity Reports (do not staple), and set them aside to be placed in the Test Administration Forms
envelope.
3. Count the answer documents to be scored and complete the Site Headers:
• Pink for (1-page) no writing answer sheets
• Green for (8-page) with writing answer folders
4. Stack all the 1-page answer documents—standard time and extended time together—with the Site
Header on top.
5. Repeat step 4 with the 8-page answer documents.
6. As illustrated below, place them all inside the Answer Documents to Be Scored envelope, following the
instructions on the envelope.
7. Complete the information on the front of the envelope with a permanent marker.
8. Seal it and pack it at the top of the carton, as illustrated in the diagram (see “Packing the Carton,”
page 72).

70
 Return of Materials

Site
Supervisor’s 1-page
1-Page
Header
Report Form Answer
answer Sheets
sheets
for 1-Page
1-page to be scored Answer Documents
No
no writing
Writing to Be Scored envelope
Answer
answer Sheets
sheets
(pink)

Site
Supervisor’s 8-page
8-Page
Header
Report Form Answer
answer Folders
folders
8-page
for 8-Page to be scored
writing
Plus Writing
answer Folders
Answer folders
(green)

Figure 10. Packing the Answer Documents to Be Scored Envelope Diagram

Returning the Test Administration Forms

Return the ID forms, test administration forms, and other specified documentation in the Test
Administration Forms envelope.

Take these steps.

1. Complete the front of the envelope with a permanent TEST CENTER CODE:

marker. Test Administration Forms

TEST DATE:

MONTH DAY YEAR

2. Check the test administration forms and documents for

T E ST C E N T E R N A M E ( P l e a s e P r i n t ) C I T Y, STAT E / P R OV I N C E / C O U N T RY

• Do NOT include admission or standby tickets in this envelope; place them in the Tickets envelope.
• Seal this envelope and follow the packing and return instructions in the Supervisor’s Manual.

accuracy and completeness. ALL TEST CENTERS – INCLUDE THESE COMPLETED TEST ADMINISTRATION FORMS IN THIS ENVELOPE:
n TEST CENTER ROSTERS—Return the marked originals. Keep a copy in your files for 12 months.
n ID LETTERS, NOTARIZED STATEMENTS (if any)—Attach to the rosters.
n SEATING DIAGRAMS (one for each test room)—Keep a copy in your files for 12 months.

3. Keep required copies (see “What to Keep,” page 69).

n TEST BOOKLET COUNT FORMS (one for each test room)—Keep a copy in your files for 12 months.
n TESTING TIME VERIFICATION FORMS (one for each standard time test room)—Keep a copy in your files for 12 months.
n IRREGULARITY REPORTS (if any)
n VOID OR REPLACED ANSWER DOCUMENTS (if any)—Attach to the relevant Irregularity Report.
n TEST SUPERVISOR / SUBSTITUTE TEST SUPERVISOR PROFILES (as necessary)

4. Follow the instructions on the envelope and enclose all TEST CENTERS IN THE UNITED STATES, US TERRITORIES, PUERTO RICO AND CANADA – INCLUDE THESE
ADDITIONAL FORMS:
n TEST ACCOMMODATIONS ROSTERS (if any)

the required documents—including answer documents

n EXTENDED TIME TESTING EXAMINEE PROGRESSION REPORTS (one for each extended time room)—Keep a copy in your files for 12 months.

attached to Irregularity Reports (do not staple). ACT Test Administration: 319.337.1510 or 800.553.6244, extension 1510

5. Seal it and pack it at the top of the carton, as illustrated in 19968 *011244140* Rev 1

the diagram (see “Packing the Carton,” page 72).

Figure 11. Test Administration
Forms Envelope
Returning the Tickets
Return the tickets collected from examinees in the Tickets
envelope. TEST CENTER CODE:

Tickets TEST DATE:

MONTH DAY YEAR

Take these steps. T E ST C E N T E R N A M E ( P l e a s e P r i n t ) C I T Y, STAT E / P R OV I N C E / C O U N T RY

1. Complete the front of the envelope with a permanent INCLUDE ONLY TICKETS IN THIS ENVELOPE:

marker. ADMISSION TICKETS

STANDBY TICKETS

2. Follow the instructions on the envelope and enclose all
tickets.
3. Seal it and pack it at the top of the carton, as illustrated in
• Tickets do not need to be in any particular order.
• Do not include answer documents or any other documents in this envelope.
• Seal this envelope and return it in CARTON 1.
ACT Test Administration: 319.337.1510 or 800.553.6244, extension 1510

the diagram (see “Packing the Carton,” page 72). 19969 *011011140* Rev 1

Figure 12. Tickets Envelope

71
Return of Materials

Packing the Carton

Take the following steps to pack the carton:
1. Use the original shipping cartons.
2. Pack the multiple-choice test booklets Return to ACT
first, then the writing test booklets, (address label must show)

filling up cartons as you go.

Test Administration Forms Envelope
3. Add the remaining items in the order
shown in this diagram, with the Test Answer Documents
to Be Scored Envelope
Administration Forms envelope and
Answer Documents to Be Scored
Tickets Envelope
envelopes at the top of the carton.
4. Seal each carton with the tape
Signed Packing List
provided.
5. Number each carton (e.g., 1 of 1, or 1
All Unused Materials
of 2 and 2 of 2).
Note: Label the carton containing the All Writing Test Booklets
Test Administration Forms envelope (used and unused)
and Answer Documents to Be Scored
envelopes as carton #1. All Multiple-Choice Test Booklets
(used and unused)
6. Store securely until shipped.
7. Keep a record of how many cartons
you are returning and the tracking
numbers. Figure 13. Carton packing order

Return Shipping
If ACT did not attach a FedEx International return service label to your carton, international waybills were
provided instead. Please choose one of the return carriers provided with your shipment and complete the
following:
1. Carrier Waybill—one (1) for each carton. Complete the “shipper” information (your name, address,
and telephone number), weight of box, box count “1”, and sign and date the waybill. The recipient
and billing information have already been completed for you. Keep the “Sender’s/Shipper’s copy” and
place the remaining copies of the form inside the clear waybill pouch. Peel and stick the waybill pouch
to that carton. Repeat this process for each carton you are returning.
2. Commercial Invoice—three (3) for each carton. Complete the “shipper” information (your name,
address, and telephone number) and sign. Place three signed, completed invoices inside the waybill
pouch. You may complete one and photocopy it before signing—all three much have an original
signature. The waybill pouch on each carton must contain a completed waybill and three completed
invoices.
3. Freight Collect Letter of Authorization. In some countries, you may be required to present this letter
to the return carrier to authorize the carrier to bill ACT for freight charges. Do not place this letter
inside the return cartons or inside the waybill pouch. Please be prepared to present this letter to the
carrier at the time your return shipment is picked up.

Note: DO NOT PAY any shipping fees. ACT has pre-paid the return shipping fees or authorized the carriers to
bill ACT.

72
Marked Roster Sample
The ACT ROSTER

GROUP A WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL TEST DATE 26-OCT-20

NO WRITING 4315 LAWRENCE TEST CENTER CODE 111111
Examinee’s 1ST FLOOR - SIGNS POSTED PAGE 1 OF 5
Test Room IOWA CITY, IA

PHOTO DETAIL PHOTO DETAIL

SAMPLE, ROBERT, H SAMPLE, JESSICA
IOWA CITY, IA IOWA CITY, IA
ACT Match Number 11111-11111 Match Number 12222-22222
Student ID Gender MALE Left Handed Gender FEMALE
HS Code 3333-333 HS Code 3333-333
Form—collected
at check-in ID Verification Room ID Verification Ro
P F X A 123 P F X A

SAMPLE, JULISA, V SAMPLE, ASHLEY, A

IOWA CITY, IA IOWA CITY, IA
Match Number 13333-33333 Match Number 14444-44444
Gender FEMALE Gender FEMALE
Current HS Code 3333-333 HS Code 3333-333
Photo ID
ID Verification Room ID Verification Ro
P F X A 123 P F X A

SAMPLE, SARA
IOWA CITY, IA
Denied SAMPLE, KARUS, J
IOWA CITY, IA
Match Number 15555-55555 Match Number 16666-66666
Denied–
Gender FEMALE Gender MALE
also mark on
HS Code 3333-333 HS Code 3333-333
Irregularity Report
ID Verification Room ID Verification Ro
P F X A P F X A

SAMPLE, FEDLENE SAMPLE, JAMEEL, L

IOWA CITY, IA IOWA CITY, IA
Match Number 17777-77777 Match Number 18888-88888
Gender FEMALE Gender MALE
Absent HS Code 3333-333 HS Code NOT YET IN HS

ID Verification Room ID Verification Ro

P F X A P F X A

SAMPLE, MARCKENDY, E SAMPLE, ANTHONY, J

IOWA CITY, IA IOWA CITY, IA
Match Number 19999-99999 Match Number 11111-11112
Gender MALE Gender MALE
HS Code 3333-333 HS Code 3333-333

ID Verification Room ID Verification Ro

P F X A 123 P F X A

SAMPLE, TYLER, J Writing SAMPLE, OTTISON, A

Test IOWA CITY, IA IOWA CITY, IA
Match Number 11111-11113 Match Number 11111-11114
Option Change to
Gender MALE Gender MALE Left
Writing
HS Code 3333-333 HS Code 3333-333

ID Verification Room ID Verification Ro

P F X A 343 P F X A
73
 Roster Samples
The ACT ROSTER

GROUP A CANBERRA UNIVERSITY TEST DATE 22-OCT-2016

NO WRITING MAIN ENTRANCE TEST CENTER CODE 111111
1234 SPARROW PLACE PAGE 1 OF 5
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA
Examinees
PHOTO DETAIL PHOTO
who registered for the ACT noDETAILwriting
SAMPLE, ROBERT, H (multiple-choice
SAMPLE, only) will be on the
JESSICA
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA NoSYDNEY,
Writing roster.
AUSTRALIA
Match Number 11111-11111 Match Number 12222-22222
Gender MALE Gender FEMALE
HS Code 3333-333 HS Code 3333-333

ID Verification Room ID Verification Room

P F X A P F X A

SAMPLE, JULISA, V SAMPLE, ASHLEY, A

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Match Number 13333-33333 Match Number 14444-44444
DOB Sep 07, 1996 DOB Nov 22, 1995
Gender FEMALE The ACT ROSTER Gender FEMALE
HS Code 3333-333 HS Code 3333-333
GROUP B CANBERRA UNIVERSITY
ID Verification Room TEST DATE
ID Verification 22-OCT-2016
Room
WRITING
P F X MAIN
A ENTRANCE P TESTF CENTER
X CODE
A 111111
1234 SPARROW PLACE PAGE 2 OF 5
SAMPLE, SARA CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA SAMPLE, KARUS, J
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Examinees
PHOTO Match Number 15555-55555
DETAIL PHOTO Match Number 16666-66666
DETAIL
DOB Nov 04, 1996
whoDOB
registered for the ACT with writing
Oct 23, 1995
SAMPLE, TREVOR, K
Gender FEMALE
will beGender
on the Writing
SAMPLE, TALINA, M roster
MALE
and have ‘Writing’
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
HS Code 3333-333 next
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
HS Code to their
3333-333 names.
Match Number 11111-11115 WRITING Match Number 11111-11116 WRITING
GenderID Verification
MALE Room GenderID Verification
FEMALE Room
HS P
Code F X 3333-333
A HS P
Code F X 3333-333
A

ID Verification
SAMPLE, FEDLENE Room ID Verification
SAMPLE, JAMEEL, L Room
P
SYDNEY, F X
AUSTRALIA A P
SYDNEY, F X
AUSTRALIA A
Match Number 17777-77777 Match Number 18888-88888
DOB Oct 21, 1995 DOB Feb 20, 1999
Gender FEMALE Gender MALE
HS Code 3333-333 HS Code NOT YET IN HS
ID Verification Room ID Verification Room
P F X A The ACT ROSTER P F X A

SAMPLE, MARCKENDY, E SAMPLE, ANTHONY, J

GROUP S CANBERRA UNIVERSITY TEST DATE 22-OCT-2016
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
STANDBY MAIN ENTRANCE TEST CENTER CODE 111111
Match Number 19999-99999 Match Number 11111-11112
1234 SPARROW PLACE PAGE 5 OF 5
DOB Jun 30, 1995 DOB Nov 15, 1995
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA Examinees
Gender MALE Gender MALE
who requested to test on a
HS Code 3333-333 HS Code 3333-333
PHOTO DETAIL standby basis appear on
PHOTO the STANDBY roster.
DETAIL
ID Verification Room ID Verification Room
SAMPLE, ANNA, C ThoseSAMPLE,
who requested
ANDRE, C the ACT with writing will
P F X A P F X A
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA have
SYDNEY,‘WRITING’
AUSTRALIA next to their names.
Match Number
SAMPLE, TYLER,11112-11111
J WRITING Match Number
SAMPLE, 11113-11111
OTTISON, A WRITING
Gender
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA FEMALE Gender
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA MALE
HS Code
Match Number 3333-333
11111-11113 HS Code
Match Number 3333-333
11111-11114
DOB ID Verification
May 23, 1996 Room DOB ID Verification
Jan 16, 1995 Left
Room Handed
Gender MALE Gender MALE
P F X A P L X A
HS Code 3333-333 HS Code 3333-333
ID Verification Room ID Verification Room
P F X A P F X A

74 ID Verification : (P) = Photo ID, (F) = Form With Photo, (X) = ACT Approved Exception, (A) = Absent
Accommodation : (A) = Approved, (*)= Pending (For "A" see separate accommodations roster)
 Group A

Answer Document Matching Information Sample

Admission Ticket
SAMPLE MARY B Required for admission: You will NOT be admitted to test without this ticket.
FEMALE

Test Date SATURDAY, MMM DD, YYYY MARY B SAMPLE

Reporting Time 8:00 AM 1713 LARK LANE
Test Option ACT NO WRITING APT 3
SYDNEY AUSTRALIA
Test Center Code 111111
CANBERRA UNIVERSITY Test Center Messages (if any)
MAIN ENTRANCE BRING A SWEATER.
1234 SPARROW PLACE PARK IN LOT B.
CANBERRA AUSTRALIA

Matching Information The Matching

On the test date, you MUST enter on your answer
document the matching information EXACTLY as it is
Information from Blocks B, C, and D on
printed below: the Ticket must match exactly to Blocks B, C,
and D on the answer document
B Match Name SAMPL
(1st 5 letters)
C Match Number 22222-22222
D Date of Birth MMM DD YY
What to Bring
Required for Admission: You will NOT be admitted without Acceptable ID and this Admission Ticket
BOTH this ticket AND one of the following forms of I.D. Your #2 pencils and good eraser (no pens or mechanical
name on your I.D. must match your name on this ticket. pencils)
Permitted calculator for the Math Test.
Current Official Photo ID. Must be original, valid ID issued You will be dismissed if you use a prohibited model, such
by the government or your school (e.g., school ID card, as the TI-89. See www.actstudent.org for details.
driver's license, or passport), on which your full name and A watch to pace yourself. Not all rooms have clocks.
current recognizable photo appear. Snacks to eat outside of the test room during break.
School ID Letter with Photo or Notarized Statement with
What NOT to Bring
Photo. See www.actstudent.org for details.
ANY electronic devices (e.g., cell phone, media player)
ACT Talent Search ID letter (if you are participating in an Reading materials, dictionaries, notes, or scratch paper
Front of Answer
academic talent search program)
See actstudent.org for fees and deadlines to make changes to
Highlighters, correction fluid, colored pencils, or other aids
On Test Day
Document
your test date, test option, or test center. The deadline to add,
change, or cancel score report choices is noon Central Time on
the Thursday after the test date listed above. Additional fees
You must be at your test center by the "Reporting Time"
listed above. Dismissal is about 12:15 pm for ACT (No
Writing), or 1:00 pm for ACT Plus Writing.
apply to score reports requested after that deadline. If severe weather, check local radio and TV, or
www.actstudent.org, for cancellations.
Find information or contact us via www.actstudent.org
Phone: 319/337-1270 (8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. CT, M–F) Date/Time Generated: mm/dd/yy 16:10:44
ACT Student Services, P.O. Box 414, Iowa City, IA 52243-0414

Student Messages (if any)

ACT ID: –16068644 © 2012 by ACT, Inc. All rights reserved.

75
Admission Ticket Samples

SAM
FEM PLE MA
ALE RY B
Test Req Adm
issio
Date uired
Rep for a Grou
ort dmis
n Tic
pA
Test ing Tim SAT
sion
: You
Opti e
Test
Cen
on
8:00
ACT M
URD
A
AY,
M MM
DD,
will N
OT b
e ad
mitte
ket
CAN ter NO W YYY d to
B R Y test
MAIN E R RA U IT ING witho
C M ut th
1234 ENTRA NIVER ode
1 1111
ARY
B
is tic
ket.
CAN SPARR NCE SITY 1 1713 SAM
BER OW APT LARK L PLE
RA A PLA 3 ANE
UST C S
RAL E YDN
EY A
IA UST
Matc RAL
On th hing Info Test IA
docu e test d rmatio BRIN Center
m a te n G M
A SW essa
printe ent the , you PAR
K E g
d be m M IN L A es (i
low: atching UST ente OT B TER. f any
inform r on . )
B ation your a
Matc E X n s w
(1st h Name ACT
L Y as
er
C 5 lett it is
Matc ers)
h Nu SAM
D mbe PL
Date r
of Bir
Req th 2222
u 2-22
BOT ired for MMM 222
nam H th A d m DD Y
is
e on ticket A ission: Y
y our I. ND o Y
Curr D. m ne ou wil
ust m of the fol NOT b
by th ent Offic atch ll ea
drive e govern ial Pho your owing fo dmitted
to nam rm w
curre r's licens ment or ID. Mu e on s of I.D ithout Wha
this
nt re
cogn
e, or
p
your
s
st be ticke . Your t to
Acc Bring
Sch izab assport chool (e original, t. e
Pho
ool ID le photo on w ), .g ., sc v alid #2 p ptable ID
to. S Letter appe h ic h o o ID is penc encils a and th
ee w w
ww.a ith Pho ar. h your fu l ID card sued ils) nd g
ACT
T ctstu to ll n a , P e r m ood is Admis
acad alent S dent. or Nota
me a
nd You itted ca eras
er (n sion Tic
emic e
See talen arch ID org
for d
rized
State as th w il l be d ulatorlc o pe
ns o et
k
a c t s le e is
your ts tude e arch tt er (if e tails. men A wa TI-89. m issed for the r me
chan
te
chan st date t.org fon p rogra y o u are t with tch to S ee w if you Math T ical
m partic S n a p w u e st.
the T ge, or ca , test op r fees a )
ipati
cks w
to ea ace yours .actstu e a proh
s
apply hursday ncel sco tion, or tend dead ng in
an
Wha
t NOT
t outs e
ide o Not alf . dent.
org
ibite
d mo
to sc after re re s t c lines A to ll fo d
ore re the te port c enter. f the r e
ports st hoic
to
The make c
NY
Rea electro ing
Br test rooms ha details. l, such
Find requ date liste es is no deadlin hanges
room v
Phon informati este o
d
High ing mate ic devic
n durin e clocks
e : o n d aft d above n Centr e to add to lighte rials
,
es (e g bre
a k
.
ACT 3 o e . a , rs , corr dictio .g .
Stud 19/337-1 r conta
r tha A l On T
c t dea dditiona Time on est D ectio narie ., cell ph
ent S 2 7 t u s d li n l fe a n s , n o n e
Stud ervic 0 (8:0 via w e. e s Y ou y fl uid, o
colo tes, or s media p
,
ent M es, P 0
.O. B a.m.–8 ww.acts listed must be red p c la
essa :0 Writi above. at your te encil ratch pa yer)
14, Io 0 p.m. tudent.
ges ox 4 s, or p
(if an w C T o r g If s
ng),
o r
Dism
is
st ce
n othe er
a Cit sal is
y, IA , M–F)
y) evere 1:00 ter b r aid
w ww.a weath m for p a bout y the "R s
5224 c e r, A C 1 2 e p
tstu
3-04 S dent. check lo T Plus :15 pm fo orting T
Grou1p4 org, cal ra Writin r AC ime"
for c g T (N
ance dio and . o
llatio T
Date
/Tim ns. V, or
e Ge
nera
ted:
mm/d
d/yy
ACT 16:1
ID: – 0:44
1606
8644

t
y Ticke st without th©is20ticer12ke. bt.y A
Standb to te
mitted at at the test
cent CT,
Inc.
T be ad se All ri
: Y ou will NO antee you a ghts
rese
mission es NOT gu ar rved
d for ad t do B SAM
PLE .
B Require standby ticke MARY RK LANE
MARY This Y 13 LA
SAMPLE MM DD
,Y Y Y 17
A
FEMALE DAY, M APT 3 Y AUSTRALI
SATUR SYDNE
M
ate 8: 00 A IT IN G (if any)
Test D
g Time ITH WR essages
ACT W enter M
Reportin n Test C A SWEATER
.
ptio BRING LOT B.
Test O 1111
Code 11 PARK
IN
enter RSITY
Test C UNIVE
ERRA
CANB NTRANCE CE
MAIN E ARROW PLA LIA
P A
1234 S RRA AUSTR
CANBE
swer
n your an it is
rmatio UST enter on XACTLY as
ing Info M E
Match test date, you g information
th e mat ch in
On
ent the
docum below:
printed SAMP
L
Name Ticket hanica
l
Match tters) 22222 Bring Standby pens or mec
B 2- d this
(1st 5 le 2222 What to table ID an od eraser (n
o
umber D YY Accep ils and go
atch N MMM D st .
Math Te ibited mod
el, such
C M #2 penc for the
Birth ithout ) oh .
Date of itted w pencils ed calculator if you use a pr rg for details ks.
D T be adm of I.D. Your itt d t.o oc
ill NO w s rm Perm be dismisse w.actstuden oms have cl k.
on: You wing fo ket. You will -89. See ww self. Not all ro during
brea
dmissi e of the follo me on this tic
d for A on na sued as the
TI your test room
Require is ticket AND t match your va lid ID is to pace e of the
BOTH
th I.D . mus t be orig in al ,
ID card , A watch to eat outsid ia play
er)
ur us ol d s e, ed paper
m
name on
yo ID. M ol (e.g., scho ll name an Snack ll phon
Photo Bring vices (e.g., ce tes, or scra other aids
tch
nt O fficial t or your scho which your fu O T to
Curre men , on What N electronic de dictionaries, red pencils,
no or
govern ssport) ent with
by the license, or pa oto appear. Statem ANY materia
ls, colo
ph arized n fluid,
driver's recognizable or Not details. Reading ers, correctio e"
en t ho to ig ht or ting Tim
curr er with
P
t.org fo
r g in an Highl the "Rep T (No
oo l ID Lett w.actstuden e pa rti cipatin ay st ce nter by 5 pm for AC
Sch you ar D ur te :1
See ww
12
letter (if On Testmust be at yo issal is about Writing.
Photo. rch ID ogram) ges to You ism Plus , or
lent Sea e chan d, ove. D r ACT and TV
ACT Ta ic talent sear
ch pr to mak ad listed ab, or 1:00 pm fo k local radio ns.
d de adlines e deadline to e on in g) , ch ec latio
academ fo r fe es an nt er . Th en tra l Tim Writ w ea ther , fo r cancel 16:10:44
6/15/13
ce C re
nt.org tion, or test
ces is no
on fees If seve student.org
tstude
See ac date, test op e report choi d above. Add e.
itional
www.a
ct erated:
ime Gen
st or
your te or cancel sc test date liste r that deadlin Date/T
, e te
change sday after th requested af org
the Thur score reports udent. )
w.actst PREP CE
apply to us via ww p.m. CT, M–F3-0414 L ACT N
nt ac t 8:00 5224 SEE E REA UR REFERE UR
n or co a. m .– ity , IA NTER. NG. TH O O
d in fo rmatio 1270 (8:00 414, Iowa C E TE ST CE NDBY TESTI 338-3282. Y PROVIDE Y ATE
Fin 31 9/ 33 7- P .O . Box E A T A T TH OUT STA C A LL 800/ A N T TO
R TE ST D
: s, B
OU A S RMATION A FTER THAT: NS. IF YOU EFORE YOU 0123456 7860
W
Phone dent Service
76 ACT S
tu
ges (if D
TEE Y
any) NOT GUARANETAILED INFOQUESTIONS
.
A
TO AP
TIO SB
PLICA AST 10 DAY 40 12345 67 6785 012345
85
5
6

d en t Messa TICKET DOES NDBY FOR HIN 3 WEEKS H SCORES 7-1270 AT LE 30 123456 7856 7840 1234 12345 6785 5
Stu TANDBY O RG/STALISHER WIT E LP MATC ALL 319/33 E2 3456 78 7830 1234 34 56 7840 78 40 1234
S N T. H C R 56
THIS CTSTU
DE
THE P
UB
SE SS
N TO
OLLEG
ES,
SSAGE
HE 2 3456 3456 7830 12 7830 1234 3456 78
40
H ERE
WWW.ASHIPS FROM COLLEGES U PORTS TO C TUD ENTME TME SSAGE AGEH ERE2 H ERE2 3456 3456 7830 12
E 2
GUIDE R IS . MANY LUDE ON RE = 82STU D1S D1STUD EN D ENTME SS TME SSAG SAGEH ERE
M B E IN C E R E S TU 1S TU D E N E S
NU R US TO CH 82 D D1STU D ENTM
E SPA HERE= 82STU
SSN FO T EMAIL). IN L INE SPAC AC HERE= HERE= 82STU82STU D1STUD
ACT Student ID Form Sample
Student Identification Form
You must complete this ACT Student Identification Form, in English, if you do not have an acceptable photo ID per the requirements at www.act.org.
This applies to all examinees, regardless of their age. This form also must be signed by a school official or notary who is not related to the student.
The form will be collected on test day.

Student School Official or Notary Test Staff

1) Fill out your information on the “Student
Information” section.
2) Attach or print a photo in the designated area.
3) Provide your signature in two locations —
one before test day, another on test day —
while in the presence of the indicated person.
1) Place your seal or signature so it partially
overlaps the student photo below.
2) Watch the student sign the appropriate area of
the form in your presence.
3) Sign the School Official or Notary section of the
form after the student completes the signature.
1) Watch the student sign the appropriate area of
the form in your presence.
2) Ensure that all items are completed on the form
and there is no blank information.
3) Compare the student’s signatures, compare
the individual to the photo, and compare the
student’s information to the roster information.

Student Information Attach or print photo here.

Photo Requirements: A recent, head-and-shoulders
Name photo of the student only (not in a group).
(must match LAST
admission ticket)
COMPLETED BEFORE TEST DAY

FIRST MI

Gender  Male  Female

by Student

Date of Birth ______ ______ / ______ ______ / ______ ______ ______ ______
MONTH DAY YEAR

School
SCHOOL NAME (If student is not in school, indicate current status—for example, “home
schooled” or “graduated.”)

CITY
School Official/Notary: Place seal/ink signature
overlapping a portion of the student’s photo.
STATE/PROVINCE COUNTRY

Observe Student Signature and Seal Photo

COMPLETED BEFORE TEST DAY

Student’s Statement and Signature: I certify that I am the person whose name, identifying information, and photo
with School Official or Notary

appear above. I am signing this statement in the presence of the school official or notary named below. I understand that the
falsification of one’s identification may result in the cancellation of test scores.

STUDENT’S SIGNATURE (signed in the presence of the School Official or Notary) DATE

School Official or Notary: I confirm that the student is not my relative and has signed this form in my presence.

SCHOOL OFFICIAL OR NOTARY SIGNATURE DATE NAME AND TITLE (please print)

I am a (check one):  School Official  Notary Public AND →  I have placed a signature/seal overlapping the student photo.
COMPLETED ON TEST DAY

Instructions to Test Staff

In your presence, the student must sign below, and you must initial it. Ensure that all information is complete, the student’s
with Test Staff

photo is attached, and the notary/official seal overlaps a portion of the photo. If any part of this form is incomplete, do not
accept it. Compare the student’s signatures, the individual to the photo, and the information on this form to your roster to be
sure it is the same person. Once the student is admitted to test, collect this ID form and return it to ACT.

STUDENT’S SIGNATURE (signed in the presence of test staff) STAFF INITIALS

© 2017 by ACT, Inc. All rights reserved. FT00005.OPS2084

77
78
 Irregularity Report Sample
Canberra University 103 2 7 5 7
—— —— —— —— —— ——
5 0
Test Center Name Room Name/Number Test Center Code

Canberra, Australia MM/DD/YY

City, State/Province Test Date

Note all irregularities (individual and group) and all examinees denied admission on this form. Enter the appropriate information and/or check (✓) in each column and provide additional explanation.
ATTACH VOID ANSWER DOCUMENTS and defective test materials to this form (do NOT staple). Return this form in the Test Administration Forms envelope. PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE.
INDIVIDUAL IRREGULARITIES
Type of Irregularity (✓ applicable) Answer Document (✓ one)
Test Marked VOID at Examinee Marked VOID for
Option Examinee’s Request (Indicate Prohibited Behavior (All
(✓ one) Test Booklet Time and examinee’s decision) tests must be voided)
Form(s) Test When Void Not
Examinee’s Name and Serial Irregularity Void All Writing Examinee Examinee Marked
Tests Test Only Informed NOT Informed Void

No
Writing
Writing
Phone/Device
Usage
Denied Admission
Illness
Working Behind/
Ahead
Unauthorized
Calculator Use
Marking Ovals
After Time
Timing Questioned
Alarm Sounds
Other
(Item Challenged)
Materials Damaged,
Defective, Duplicate,
Replaced
(Specify below)

and Match Number Number(s) Occurred

Name:
✓ ✓

Figure 14. Example Completed Irregularity Report

Michelle Martinova
Explanation:
Match
Number: Student claimed to have requested standby online but did not have a ticket and was not on the Standby Roster..

Name:
✓ 67A/123456 10:30/Test 2 ✓ ✓ ✓
George Johnson
Explanation:
Match Number: tudent continued to fill in four ovals after examinees were instructed to put pencils down at end of Test 2. Student was
S
01234-56789 dismissed during break and informed answer document would not be scored. Marked “VOID” in his presence.

GROUP IRREGULARITIES
Number of Time and Test
Examinees When Irregularity Duration of Description of Irregularity. (Attach separate sheet, if more space is required.) Be prepared to
in Room Occurred Irregularity provide a list of examinees affected by this irregularity. Call ACT immediately if a mistiming occurs.
33 10:30 a.m. Test 3 1 hr. 15 min. Room became uncomfortable as day warmed up. I opened the windows and the door to
the room to help cool it off. Room cooled off and students did not complain about street noise.

Room Supervisor’s Signature Test Coordinator’s Signature

79
 Form purpose To document the test room setup, the location
of each examinee in the room, and the specific

Seating Diagram instructions Staff responsible

test booklet(s) used by each examinee
Room supervisor
When completing the seating diagram form: Number required 1 per room

•• Complete all form fields during testing. Return procedure

Place in Test Administration Forms envelope

•• Each seat in the room is represented by one box on the diagram.

•• The completed diagram should show where examinees are seated in relation to each other.
•• If the diagram does not fit your room, draw a diagram that does and attach it to the form.
Take these steps.
1. Stand at the front of the room and face the examinees. (The front of the room is where all
examinees would see you if they looked up.)
2. Mark each empty seat by drawing an “X” in the appropriate box.
3. Mark each occupied seat by writing the serial number of that examinee’s test booklet in
the appropriate box.
•• During Test 1, write serial numbers of multiple-choice booklets in the spaces marked
“MC.”
•• During the writing test, write serial numbers of writing test booklets in the spaces
marked “W.”
4. If examinees are seated at tables, show which seats are at the same table by drawing a
circle around the boxes that represent those seats.
5. If examinees are not all facing the same direction, draw an arrow inside each seat’s box to
indicate the direction the examinee sitting there is facing.
6. If you move someone to another seat after booklets have been distributed, indicate the
original seat and the new seat on the diagram and complete an Irregularity Report to
explain why.

Examples
Two adjacent seats

MC
350001 MC350006 •• Each box represents one seat.
W W •• Serial numbers written in the “MC” section only
indicate the examinees in these seats took only
the multiple-choice test.

Two seats per table, both tests

•• Each box represents one seat.
MC 350009 MC350010 •• Two circled boxes represents two seats at a single table.
•• Serial numbers written in both the “MC” and “W” sections
W 500249 W 500250 indicate the examinees in these seats took both the
multiple-choice and writing tests.

Two seats per table, one empty seat

•• A box marked with an “X” represents an empty seat.

MC350003 MC
W 500244 W

80
ACT Irregularity Report
Complete and return ONLY if irregularities occurred or examinees were denied admission.

—— —— —— —— —— ——
Test Center Name Room Name/Number Test Center Code

City, State/Province Test Date

Note all irregularities (individual and group) and all examinees denied admission on this form. Enter the appropriate information and/or check (✓) in each column and provide additional explanation.
ATTACH VOID ANSWER DOCUMENTS and defective test materials to this form (do NOT staple). Return this form in the Test Administration Forms envelope. PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE.
INDIVIDUAL IRREGULARITIES
Type of Irregularity (✓ applicable) Answer Document (✓ one)
Test Marked VOID at Examinee Marked VOID for
Option Examinee's Request (Indicate Prohibited Behavior (All
(✓ one) Test Booklet Time and examinee’s decision) tests must be voided)
Form(s) Test When Void Not
Examinee’s Name and Serial Irregularity Void All Writing Examinee Examinee Marked
Tests Test Only Informed NOT Informed Void

No
Writing
Writing
Phone/Device
Usage
Denied Admission
Illness
Working Behind/
Ahead
Unauthorized
Calculator Use
Marking Ovals
After Time
Timing Questioned
Alarm Sounds
Other
(Item Challenged)
Materials Damaged,
Defective, Duplicate,
Replaced
(Specify below)

and Match Number Number(s) Occurred

Name:
Explanation:
Match Number:

Name:
Explanation:
Match Number:

GROUP IRREGULARITIES
Number of Time and Test
Examinees When Irregularity Duration of Description of Irregularity. (Attach separate sheet, if more space is required.) Be prepared to
in Room Occurred Irregularity provide a list of examinees affected by this irregularity. Call ACT immediately if a mistiming occurs.

81
Room Supervisor’s Signature Test Coordinator’s Signature
82
INDIVIDUAL IRREGULARITIES
Type of Irregularity (✓ applicable) Answer Document (✓ one)
Test Marked VOID at Examinee Marked VOID for
Option Examinee’s Request (Indicate Prohibited Behavior (All
(✓ one) Test Booklet Time and examinee’s decision) tests must be voided)
Form(s) Test When Void Not
Examinee’s Name and Serial Irregularity Void All Writing Examinee Examinee Marked
Tests Test Only Informed NOT Informed Void

No
Writing
Writing
Phone/Device
Usage
Denied Admission
Illness
Working Behind/
Ahead
Unauthorized
Calculator Use
Marking Ovals
After Time
Timing Questioned
Alarm Sounds
Other
(Item Challenged)
Materials Damaged,
Defective, Duplicate,
Replaced
(Specify below)
and Match Number Number(s) Occurred
Name:

Explanation:
Match Number:

Name:

Explanation:
Match Number:

Name:

Explanation:
Match Number:

Name:

Explanation:
Match Number:

Name:
Explanation:
Match Number:
ACT Reschedule Notification

EMAIL OSUS@act.org or CALL 319.337.1510.

Note: Do NOT publicly announce or post the reschedule date. ALL announcements about rescheduled test dates
must come directly from ACT Test Administration. Refer examinees to www.actstudent.org. Rescheduled dates will
be posted on the web as soon as they are set.

Name of Person Completing Form_________________________________ Test Center Code ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Test Center____________________________________________________ Test Date____________________________________

City, State/Province_____________________________________________ Fax_________________________________________

Email_________________________________________________________ Cell phone___________________________________

Section 1: Complete this section if test center is closed on the scheduled test date.

Reason for closing: • Weather • Materials • Other:_________________________________________________________

Proposed rescheduled test date___________________________________

The rescheduled date is normally 1–2 weeks following the published test date. ACT will contact you to confirm the reschedule
date.

Will the reporting location for the rescheduled test date be the same as the original?

_____ Yes _____ No

If no, write the new reporting location here:

Building/Room_________________________________________________

Street Address_________________________________________________

I have taken the following steps to notify examinees of the closure (check all that apply):

_____ Requested a public service announcement on area radio or television stations, including the name of my test center.

_____ Posted signs and/or staff members at the reporting location.

Section 2: Complete this section; email a copy of the marked rosters and a completed Irregularity Report with this
form if (mark one):

• The test was administered, but not all test sections were completed

• The test was administered and completed, but absenteeism was high (more than 50%)

Total # registered (all rosters but Standby) _____ Total # present (excluding Standbys) _____

If fewer than 50% of those registered were present, ACT may reschedule the test.

Reason for high absenteeism (if known)________________________________________________________________________

83
84
85
86
87
88
Anonymous Security
Hotline
Test center staff are expected to report test administration irregularities and security issues to
ACT Test Administration by completing the Irregularity Report or calling 800.553.6244 ext. 1510.
Immediate reporting to ACT Test Administration is critical to the standardized administration of the
ACT.
In exceptional situations, test center staff may wish to file an anonymous report about concerns that
the ACT tests may have been compromised. If you wish to report such concerns anonymously, you
may do so at www.act.ethicspoint.com.

ACT Test Security

Principles
1. Ensure that ACT business processes, distribution models, tests, test scores, and the information
and insights we provide are “secure by design.”
2. Protect the integrity of our testing assets and the information and insights ACT provides
throughout the entire life cycle of a test (from test concept to development, delivery, reporting,
investigation, and remediation).
3. Promote conduct that enhances test security. Deter and detect conduct that will materially and
negatively affect the reputation and integrity of our testing assets, test scores, the information
and insights ACT provides, and the ACT brand.
4. Ensure that a reported test score and associated information are accurate and valid indicators
of the test taker’s own achievements, behaviors, and/or goals.
5. Foster effective communication that enables prompt reporting and resolution of test security
concerns.
6. Ensure that everyone in the testing process is aware of, competent for, and supported in their
roles. Avoid placing individuals or organizations in situations that may pose or appear to pose a
conflict of interest or a safety concern.
7. Build a sense of community, collaboration, and trust that engages and empowers people to act
upon these principles.
89