ACT accommodations guide 2026: how to apply & get extra time

Getting ACT accommodations is a huge step toward educational equity. When your ACT score reflects your actual brainpower instead of a physical or processing hurdle, colleges finally get a clear look at how ready you are for the next level.

What is TAA?The Test Accessibility and Accommodations (TAA) system is ACT's online system where your school submits accommodation requests. TAA is for coordinators, not a student self-serve portal for new requests.

Who submits the request?Your school's Test Accommodations Coordinator (TAC) submits on your behalf after you register and complete any consent or paperwork ACT requires. For an official checklist, see ACT's Quick Start guide for requesting accommodations (PDF).

• Register: Sign in to MyACT, pick a test date, and indicate you need accommodations when prompted.
• Coordinate with your TAC: Share documentation and timelines so your school can submit through TAA before the deadline for your test date.
• Confirm approval:Check your admission ticket and follow ACT's instructions for national testing vs. special testing if applicable.

Key accommodations for the Enhanced ACT

Whether you take the Enhanced Paper ACT or the Digital ACT, you can apply for testing accommodations. With the Digital ACT, many accessibility features are integrated directly into the computer-based testing interface. For how digital delivery works, see our digital ACT guide. For the full test format and content overview, see our complete ACT prep guide. Planning a retake with accommodations in mind? Read our ACT retake guide. For official policies, visit ACT accessibility and accommodations.

Extended time is the most frequently requested support, primarily for students with documented processing speed challenges, ADHD, dyslexia, or other documented disabilities.

• Time and a half (+50%): Adds 50% more time to each individual section. In the 2026 Enhanced format, this gives you significantly more breathing room per question.
• Double time (+100%): Reserved for students with more significant functional impairments and typically requires Special Testing, which allows the test to be spread over multiple days.
• Timing policy: For the 2026 cycle, students must sit for the entire duration of their approved extended time for each section; self-pacing or moving to the next section early is not permitted.
• Science section: If you take the optional Science section, accommodations apply to that section as well.

Adjusted pacing is available for students whose documented disabilities require mental or physical regulation during the exam.

• Extra breaks: Additional 5-minute breaks between the core test sections.
• Extended breaks: Doubles the duration of the standard 15-minute break.
• Breaks as needed: Allows you to pause the clock for medical needs (for example, monitoring blood sugar) or emotional regulation. This usually requires testing in a non-standard environment.

The ACT provides support for students with visual impairments or decoding challenges, tailored to your testing format.

For digital testers

• Text-to-speech: The testing software reads questions and answer choices aloud through headphones.
• Magnifier and color contrast: Use native zoom for large-print text and adjust background colors to reduce glare.
• Answer masking and highlighter: Hide distractor choices and tag key evidence to manage cognitive load.
• Line reader: Works like a digital straight edge, highlighting specific lines while masking others to improve focus.

For paper testers

• Large print: Official 18-point font test booklets.
• Colored overlays: Available for students with visual processing or light sensitivity needs.
• Human reader or scribe: A one-to-one assistant to read the test or record dictated answers (requires Special Testing approval).

The most common mistake is practicing under standard timing when you will test with approved accommodations. To achieve your best score, your practice must mirror your test day experience.

Take action with Acely:Acely's full-length practice tests let you select +50% or +100% time. That helps you build the endurance that matches your specific accommodations request. Pair strategy with a schedule using our 3-month ACT study plan or 1-month ACT study plan.

ACT's Test Accessibility and Accommodations (TAA) system requires objective evidence to grant support. You must work with your school's Test Accommodations Coordinator (TAC) to provide documentation showing a functional limitation.

The request process can take several weeks, especially if an appeal is needed. You must be registered for a test date before your school can submit your request through the TAA system.