Technical Requirements

Device Requirements

ACT online testing requires test-taking devices, sufficient bandwidth, and a reliable network connection throughout the entire test. Supported computers may be Chromebook, Windows, or MacBook. iPads and Tablets are not supported at this time.

Chromebook Test-Taking Devices

  • Operating System: Chrome OS - 112.0.5615.62
  • Management: Must be managed by the institution through Google Admin.
  • Security: Must be able to deploy an ACT test-taking application (ACT Gateway) in Kiosk mode and must allow ACT Gateway to manage power.
  • Processor: Chromebook with ARM or Intel processor
  • Memory: 4 GB
  • Disk Space: 150 MB available
  • Screen size: Minimum 9.5”
  • Screen resolution: Minimum 1024x768

Windows Test-Taking Devices

  • Operating System: Windows 10 or 11 Pro, Enterprise or Education - Version 22H2 (OS build 19045)
  • Management: Administrative rights must be managed by the institution for school-managed computers. This is not required for personal computers owned by the examinee.
  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor
  • Memory: 4 GB
  • Disk Space: 150 MB available
  • Screen size: Minimum 9.5”
  • Screen resolution: Minimum 1024x768

Macbook Test-Taking Devices

  • Operating System: MacOS
    • Required Minimum: MacOS 11.7.5
    • Recommended Maximum: MacOS 14.6.1
  • Security: Must be able to deploy an ACT test-taking application (ACT Gateway), allow ACT Gateway to enable Take a Test mode, and must allow ACT Gateway to manage power.
  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor
  • Memory: 4 GB
  • Disk Space: 150 MB available
  • Screen size: Minimum 9.5”
  • Screen resolution: Minimum 1024x768

Device Readiness

ACT recommends performing readiness checks 2 to 4 weeks prior to the test. It is required that device checks be completed no later than the Thursday prior to the test. You can start readiness checks up to 30 days in advance. It is important to perform these checks to ensure devices meet all technical requirements and are prepared for test day.

ACT Gateway conducts device readiness checks at three different points in time:

  • The pre-test checks that are invoked by the Run Device Check button.
  • The just-in-time check that occurs at the time the test is launched
  • During the exam

ACT Gateway will look at the following items:

  • Secure connection
  • Screen size
  • Battery level
  • ACT Gateway version
  • OS version
  • Kiosk mode
  • Ability to connect to PSI services
  • Ability to connect to ACT domains and services
  • External mass storage devices

Network Requirements

The test center will need at least 1MBps of bandwidth per tester. For example:test center will need at least 1MBps

  • A 10 Mbps connection can support 10 testers
  • You can find resources here if you need help evaluating your networks bandwidth

Devices must be able to access the following domains:

NOTE: Your network must be consistently available throughout the test event. Small, intermittent outages during the event can be tolerated, but extended outages will impact the ability to test successfully.

ACT Gateway FAQ

The ACT Gateway application is currently supported on Chromebook, Windows, and Macbook computers. The same application is used for students and test centers for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) anticipated September 2025.

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Yes. Starting with the December test administration, to continue to test online you will have to uninstall the old application and reinstall the new update.

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For Windows devices, follow these instructions.

For Chromebook devices, follow the instructions below; 

  1. Log into your Google Workspace account with administrative access.
  2. From the side bar menu select Devices > Chrome > Apps & Extensions > Users & Browsers.
  3. Select the organizational unit from which you want to remove the ACT Unity app (if you want to remove it for specific users)
  4. Select the ACT Unity app.
  5. From the right of the screen, select the delete delete-icon.jpg icon.

NOTE: Your technical coordinator may need to assist in removing the applications on all devices if other mass installation software was used.

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  1. Visit the Microsoft Store and install ACT Gateway on devices that will be used for testing.
  2. ACT recommends working with your Technical Coordinator prior to test day to set up a guest account for examinees to use on test day. This will ensure examinees have access to the devices and can log in at the start of the test, after breaks, etc. without the need of the Technical Coordinator or other staff to log back in to Windows.
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The technical coordinator downloads ACT Gateway on all testing devices, using Google Admin. The Google Admin account needs to be a single account for an entire site. If the technical coordinator does not own the account, coordinate with the person who does to ensure installation can be completed.

Part 1:

  1. Open Apps & Extensions in Your Admin Console
  2. Log in to the Google Admin console at https://admin.google.com
  3. Select Devices.
  4. Locate DEVICE SETTINGS in the left-hand column and select Chrome management.
  5. Scroll down the screen and select Apps & extensions.
  6. On the left-hand side, select the organizational unit for which you want to install ACT Gateway. Then select the KIOSKS tab to access kiosk applications. Hover over the “+” icon, then select on the top icon that appears: “Add by URL..”

Part 2: Add Application URL and Extension

The Steps listed below explains how to add the required application and extension information to your Google Admin console:

  1. In the Add by URL window, enter the application URL shown above, then select Save.
  2. Enter the extension information by selecting ACT Gateway in the Apps list to view its kiosk settings
  3. Scroll down and select ADD EXTENSION, then select Add from a custom URL.
  4. Update to the extension ID and URL shown above. Then select Confirm and Save.
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  1. Visit the Apple Store and download ACT Gateway Enterprise.
  2. ACT recommends working with your technical coordinator prior to test day to set up a guest account for examinees to use on test day. This will ensure examinees have access to the devices and can log in at the start of the test, after breaks, etc., without the need of the technical coordinator or other staff to log back in.
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Yes. Anticipated September 2025, students will have the option to bring a personal or school managed device as long as it can support the ACT Gateway application.

The student is responsible for performing the device readiness checks if they are bringing their own computer.

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Yes, specifically for the Pilot ACT recommends to have computers ready for all online examinees in anticipation of any technical issues that may arise.

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You will need to ensure you have sufficient bandwidth to support the number of students testing (1 Mbps of bandwidth per tester.) If you have an extended outage you will need to contact ACT.

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Yes. We provide support for Students and Test Centers during test administration.

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In order to support the Bring Your Own Device testing model, anticipated September 2025, you must allow external devices onto the network. If you have additional questions, please contact ACT for assistance.

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What's Next?

Find up-to-date test ACT Test Enhancement information and FAQs.