When the SAT went digital, College Board allowed students to test on their own computers from the start. ACT has been playing catch-up, requiring students to use the computers provided by test sites for online testing. The paper-and-pencil ACT has remained a good option as seats at test sites with computers have remained sparse.
Now, ACT students have the additional option of taking the test on their own computer or on a computer belonging to the testing site. Not all ACT test centers offer both options, and paper testing continues to have the widest selection of locations. You can only verify availability via the registration process.
There is overlap between ACT and SAT policies, but there are also some key differences.
This table breaks down the differences between “Bring your own device” (BYOD) for the ACT and SAT.
ACT |
SAT |
|
Testing application |
ACT Gateway | Bluebook |
Tests available |
ACT | SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9, Digital AP Exams |
Supported devices |
Windows, Chromebook (personal or school-managed), and Macbook computers (no iPads) | Windows or Mac device, iPad, and school-managed Chromebook (no personal Chromebooks or phones) |
Tablets/iPads |
Not supported | Supported |
Device readiness |
Install ACT Gateway before test day.
Log in with your MyACT credentials. Run the Device Check before the device readiness deadline (see dates below) but no more than 30 days before the test. |
Install Bluebook before test day.
Click Test Your Device. Check for updates to Bluebook before test day. If testing on a Mac in the fall, avoid updating your OS right before a test. |
Internet connection |
Continuous access to WiFi is necessary for testing.
If the internet becomes unavailable during testing, the test will be affected. |
Access to WiFi is necessary only at the start of the test to download the questions and at the end of the test to upload answers.
If the internet becomes unavailable during testing, the test should not be affected. |
Practice |
Practice is not available in the app. | Practice tests and practice questions are available in the app. |
Technical Issues |
“You will need to communicate with the Room Supervisor and Technical Coordinator on test day and escalate to ACT if you require further support or troubleshooting.” | “If you hit a snag during testing, follow any instructions you see in Bluebook. If you and your proctor can’t quickly resolve the issue, they’ll send you to a help room where a staff member will assist you.” |
Power |
Bring a fully charged device and a power cord or portable charger as backup but you may not have access to an outlet. | Bring a fully charged device and a power cord or portable charger as backup but you may not have access to an outlet. |
Accommodations |
Accommodations available for the paper test are available for computer-based tests. | Accommodations are available. |
| Learn about requesting accommodations. | ||
Additional settings |
Computer must be configured in English. | Enable auto-update for the Bluebook app.
Set keyboard input layout to English (U.S.). Make sure the device’s date and time is set to automatic. |
External Keyboards |
Unspecified | Strongly recommended for windows tablets, permitted for iPads, not permitted for laptops or Chromebooks |
External Mice |
Unspecified | Permitted |
Calculator |
External calculators that are not connected to the computer are approved, including 4-function, graphing and scientific calculators.
“An on-screen calculator may be available.” |
External calculators that are not connected to the computer are approved, including 4-function, graphing and scientific calculators.
Desmos graphing calculator built in to the testing platform. |
Timing |
The timing is the same for paper and computer-based ACTs. | A timer shows the remaining time. It can be hidden until 5 minutes remain, then it gives an alert. |
If your device does not meet the minimum requirements |
You must register for a paper test or to use a test center computer. | Request a device for SAT Weekend from College Board at least 30 days before test day. |
If you forget your device or it does not work on test day |
You may be unable to test. | |
ACT Device Readiness
ACT may cancel your registration if you do not perform the device readiness test by the deadline below.
Test Date |
Registration Deadline |
Device Readiness Deadline |
| September 6, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | August 29, 2025 |
| October 18, 2025 | September 12, 2025 | October 10, 2025 |
| December 13, 2025 | November 7, 2025 | December 5, 2025 |
| February 14, 2026 | January 7, 2026 | February 6, 2026 |
| April 11, 2026 | March 6, 2026 | April 3, 2026 |
| June 13, 2026 | May 8, 2026 | June 5, 2026 |
| July 11, 2026 | June 5, 2026 | July 3, 2026 |
