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Is there a limit on ACT retakes?
No. ACT's retest page says "there is no limit to how many times students can take the ACT test" (ACT). Some prep sites still say you can take it up to 12 times (Piqosity, Higher Scores Test Prep), but ACT's current page doesn't set a cap.
ACT does have one restriction: "You may not receive scores from more than one test date during a scheduled national" administration. If you test more than once in that window, ACT reports only the first test's scores and cancels the others without a refund (ACT registration).
How many times students usually take it
ACT says "on average it takes students 2-3 times to achieve their testing goals" (ACT). It also reports that students who first score between 13 and 29 raise their Composite by an average of one point when they retest.
That average hides a lot of variation, so a retake plan should start from your own section scores. The raw-score calculator shows the fewest extra correct answers that would raise your Composite by a point.
When a retake makes sense
ACT suggests considering a retest if you had problems on test day, weren't feeling well, weren't fully prepared, struggled with test anxiety, or believe you can do better. It also notes that what you've learned since your first test can help (ACT).
A practical check: compare your score with the ranges at the colleges on your list (see what counts as a good ACT score). If you're already in or above them, another test adds cost without much benefit.
How superscoring changes the math
Every extra test can only help a superscore, since ACT combines your best English, Math and Reading scores from all your attempts (ACT). Tests taken since September 2016 count, legacy or Enhanced (ACT superscore FAQs).
So you can focus a retake on your weakest section. Whether a college uses superscores is its own decision, so check each college's policy. To see yours, enter each test's section scores in the ACT superscore calculator.
What each attempt costs
ACT's fee for English, Math and Reading is $70, with $5 for Science and $25 for Writing (ACT fees). Two attempts at the core test cost $140 before any add-ons. Students who qualify can get up to two fee waivers (ACT fee waivers). The ACT cost guide lists every fee.
What other guides say
Here's where published sources disagree:
- The "12 times" claim: Piqosity and Higher Scores Test Prep say you can take the ACT up to 12 times, while ACT says there's no limit. We follow ACT's page.
- How many attempts to plan for: ACT's own figure is 2 to 3 attempts on average.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a limit to how many times you can take the ACT?
No. ACT's retest page says there is no limit to how many times students can take the ACT.
How many times do most students take the ACT?
ACT says it takes students 2 to 3 attempts on average to reach their testing goals.
Does retaking the ACT raise your score?
Often a little. ACT reports that students who first score between 13 and 29 increase their Composite by an average of one point when they retest.
Can I take the ACT twice in the same test window?
You can only receive scores from one test date during a scheduled national administration. ACT reports the first test's scores and cancels the others without a refund.
Do all my tests count toward a superscore?
Tests taken since September 2016 count, whether they were on the legacy or Enhanced ACT. ACT averages your best English, Math and Reading scores.
Related guides
Sources and how this page is built
How this page is built
Research current as of:
Cedrick Reese wrote this retake guide for TutoringForAct.com using ACT's retest page, its registration rules, its superscore guides, its fee schedule and its fee waiver page. Where prep sites disagree with ACT, the page follows ACT and names the sources that differ. Fees and retest rules are rechecked against ACT.org whenever this page is updated and before each testing season.
Sources
- Can You Retake the ACT? (ACT)
- Can You Retake the ACT? (Piqosity, February 19, 2026)
- How Many Times Can You Take The ACT? (Higher Scores Test Prep)
- Register for the ACT (ACT)
- ACT Superscore FAQs (ACT)
- ACT Fees (ACT)
- ACT Fee Waiver Program (ACT)
ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT Education Corp., which is not affiliated with and does not endorse this site. ACT policies, fees and score tables change; check ACT.org before you register or apply.