January FAQ Part 1: How to Apply for Accommodations on the Enhanced ACT

At Mindfish, we regularly help families navigate applying for ACT accommodations. The ACT now exists in both digital and paper formats, offers accommodations in multiple testing settings, and uses a school-mediated application process that can feel opaque if you’re encountering it for the first time.

This post is designed to clarify that structure. Rather than listing every accommodation in one long sequence, we’ll organize the information the same way ACT does: by test format, testing setting, and application steps.

A Quick Orientation

The ACT is administered by ACT, and accommodations do not apply automatically, even if a student has an IEP, ISP, or 504 Plan at school.

Key ideas to keep in mind as you read:

• Accommodations differ between digital and paper ACT formats.
• Some accommodations can be delivered at National Test Centers, and others require Special Testing through a school.
• Most accommodation requests must be submitted by a school official, not by families directly.

Official ACT Overviews

ACT has published comprehensive lists of allowable accommodations, which can be found at the links below:

• ACT Accommodations Home Page (all formats)

• • Allowable ACT Accommodations – Digital Testing (PDF)
  • Allowable ACT Accommodations – Paper Testing (PDF)

• Accessibility Supports Guide for the ACT (this guide walks you through all available support types, who is eligible, and on what test format it can be delivered)

Common ACT Accommodations by Test Format (Digital vs Paper)

Common Accommodations on the Digital ACT

The digital ACT includes many accessibility tools built directly into the testing platform. Some of these features reduce the need for separate accommodation requests.

Common digital accommodations and supports include:

• Extended time
• Built-in text-to-speech and screen-reader compatibility
• Adjustable font size, zoom, and color contrast
• Answer masking and answer-choice eliminator tools
• Line reader for visual tracking
• Highlighting and mark-for-review tools
• On-screen calculator for math
• Keyboard navigation and navigation aids

Important clarification:
While these tools are available on the digital platform, students must still be formally approved if they need extended time, breaks, or special testing arrangements.

Common Accommodations on the Paper ACT

Paper testing relies on physical materials and human supports rather than software-based tools.

Common paper-test accommodations include:

• Extended time
• Large-print test booklets
• Braille test materials
• Human reader or pre-recorded audio
• Human scribe to record answers
• Permission to mark answers directly in the test booklet
• Color overlays, magnifiers, or answer-masking cards
• Small-group or individual testing rooms

For students who struggle with screen fatigue or digital navigation, the paper ACT is often the better option.

ACT Accommodations at National Test Centers vs. Special Testing

One confusing part of ACT accommodations is determining if your student should apply for National or Special Testing Accommodations. In short, Special Testing adds options to the accommodations offered through National Testing. Most students only qualify for National Testing and not Special Testing.  

National Test Center Accommodations

These accommodations can be delivered at standard ACT test centers on national test dates.

Typically include:

• 50% extended time
• Small-group testing
• Making answers in the test booklet (no bubble sheet)
• Most digital accessibility tools
• Some assistive devices
• Breaks as needed

Students approved for these accommodations test on the same Saturday schedule as other students, just under modified conditions.

Special Testing Accommodations

If an accommodation cannot be delivered at a National Test Center, ACT assigns the student to Special Testing, which is coordinated through the school.

Special Testing often includes:

• Double or triple time
• Multi-day testing
• Human readers or scribes
• Certain assistive technologies
• Testing at alternative locations (school, hospital, home, etc.)

Key distinction from the SAT:
On the ACT, double time automatically grants multi-day testing, whereas this is not the case on the SAT.

Special Testing is administered during the special testing window, which is typically two weeks starting with the official registered Saturday test date.

Documentation Requirements (What ACT Looks For)

ACT evaluates accommodations under ADA standards, giving significant weight to what students already receive in school.

In general:

• A current IEP or Section 504 Plan that lists the requested accommodations is usually sufficient.
• If no IEP or 504 exists, ACT requires documentation from a qualified professional explaining:
  • The diagnosed condition
  • How it substantially limits a major life activity
  • Why the requested accommodations are necessary
• ACT strongly prefers evidence that accommodations are already used in similar settings, especially school tests.

Documentation is confidential and never appears on score reports.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for ACT Accommodations

Step 1: Register and Indicate You Need Accommodations

• Create or log into a MyACT account.
• Register for a specific test date.
• Answer “Yes” when asked if you need accommodations. You must then select whether the accommodations you have applied for (or will apply for) can be delivered at a National Test Center or through Special Testing.

Step 2: Work with Your School/Submit Documentation

• Contact your school’s Test Accommodations Coordinator.
• Provide signed consent forms and documentation.
• The school submits the request through ACT’s Test Accessibility and Accommodations (TAA) system.
• If you are submitting documentation yourself (because your student is no longer in school or homeschooled), you may need to fill out an Exceptions Statement Form and have a teacher complete this survey.

Step 3: ACT Review

• ACT typically reviews requests within 5–10 business days.
• The school receives the decision notification.

Step 4: If Needed, Appeal or Adjust

• If accommodations are denied, the school may appeal and submit additional documentation before the late-registration deadline.

Step 5: Confirm Test-Day Details

• Verify accommodations in MyACT.
• Confirm test format (paper vs. digital), location, and timing.
• For Special Testing, coordinate with your school regarding your testing schedule.

Deadlines and Final Thoughts

Accommodation requests must be submitted by the late registration deadline for the chosen test date, and earlier is always better – especially if Special Testing may be required.

Final Mindfish Takeaways

• Start planning accommodations well before junior year testing.
• Choose paper vs. digital deliberately; accommodations are delivered differently.
• Do not assume SAT accommodations will translate to the ACT. Each organization has a separate application process.
• When in doubt, ask early! Deadlines are unforgiving.
• More questions? You can reach out to ACT directly at 319-337-1332.

If your family would like help deciding whether the ACT is the right test, interpreting accommodation options, or coordinating with a school, feel free to schedule a call with Mindfish’s accommodations specialist, Hailey Andler.