ACT International Subject Tests

About ACT International Subject Tests

ACT International Subject Tests are end-of-course assessments that rigorously measure students’ understanding of content and practices in each subject. The tests are derived from ACT research. In addition to measuring whether students have mastered ACT course standards, these tests predict success in postsecondary courses. Tests are available in the following subjects: ELA (English 1 and 2), Math (Math 1 and 2), Science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) and U.S. History.

The ACT International Subject Tests can be used as companion tests with the ACT for MENA college admission.

The ACT is the leading college admissions test used in the U.S. and is comprised of separate tests measuring reading, English, mathematics, and science (as well as an optional writing test). These scores are reported on a 1-36 scale, and there are additional scores which are reported through combining scores from the above tests: STEM (mathematics and science), ELA (English, reading, and writing), and an overall ACT Composite (English, mathematics, reading, and science).

Registration Information

At the link below, you can register for ACT International Subject Tests, print your admission ticket after you have registered for an exam, and download your score report 1 – 8 weeks following test administration.

You can receive accommodations on the ACT International Subject Tests if you need it.  After you register, your school must send us an application with the appropriate documentation to request the accommodation(s). We will review your application then we will approve or deny your request. If we don’t approve your request, then you cannot have the accommodation(s) on the test.

Your school needs to send this information to us in English:

1. Complete the application in the TAA system.
2. Your school plan showing you receive accommodations at school
3. A diagnosis report from a doctor or psychologist that shows your disability

All requests and documentation must be submitted to ACT by the registration deadlines listed below.

Test Dates

Test dates for 2023 and 2024 are shown below.

2023-2024 Test Dates

Available Regions

Available exclusively in the Middle East and North Africa region.

• Egypt
• Jordan
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Qatar

Subject Tests Offered

Biology

Biology test questions ask students to solve problems and demonstrate understanding of topics including: biochemistry and the cell, genetics and evolution, and animal and plant systems and ecology. Students must demonstrate an understanding of scientific practices by applying knowledge of scientific inquiry and by using mathematics, measurement, and graphical models to solve problems.

Chemistry

Chemistry test questions ask students to solve problems and demonstrate understanding of topics including: states of matter and phase changes, mole concept, chemical formulas, chemical equations, stoichiometry, gas laws, atomic structure, periodicity, chemical bonding, solution properties, Le Chatelier’s principle, basic thermodynamics, and acids and bases. Chemistry test questions ask students to apply proportional reasoning and other mathematical thinking to solve problems.

Physics

Physics test questions ask students to solve problems and demonstrate understanding of topics including: forces and motion (e.g., displacement, velocity, acceleration, momentum, force, impulse, Work-Energy theorem, power, work), fundamental forces (e.g., Newton’s law of gravitation, Coulomb’s law, magnetism, Ohm’s law, circuits), and waves and periodic motion (e.g., wave speed, frequency, wavelength, wave types, simple harmonic motion, Doppler effect, optics). Physics test questions ask students to apply proportional reasoning, graphical models, and other mathematical thinking to solve problems.

Math 1

Students can affirm the algebra and geometry skills typically developed through the first years of secondary school. These skills include solving equations, drawing conclusions from data, finding areas and volumes, and making judgments about proofs. Calculators are encouraged, and a reference sheet provides common formulas.

Math 2

Students can affirm their advanced algebra and precalculus skills. These skills include understanding complex numbers, modeling with vectors and matrices, applying advanced functions, finding limits, fitting a normal distribution, and interpreting graphs in the polar coordinate plane. Calculators are encouraged, and a reference sheet provides common formulas.

U.S. History

The U.S. History test covers a detailed overview of United States history, from the country’s beginnings to the post–World War II era. Test questions ask student to show knowledge and insight into the forging of the new nation, the sectional conflicts that nearly tore it apart, and the Civil War and Reconstruction. Students need to know about nineteenth-century industrialization and urbanization, the growth of the West and the “New South,” and political efforts to reform capitalism. Students will also analyze the effects of the Great Depression and the New Deal, the Cold War and the United States’ role as a world power, and more recent challenges such as movements for equality, environmental issues, and global terrorism. Students should be able to investigate and interpret past events, and apply knowledge to real-world situations.

English 1 and 2

English 1 and 2 assess students’ knowledge, skills, and abilities as readers and writers. Questions use a diverse collection of authentic, high-quality texts that have been taught in successful classrooms across the United States, including drama, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry texts, as well as film scripts. The English tests also assess knowledge and skills required to write effectively in high school and college.

Practice Tests

Student Resources

If you have questions, you may also contact us via:

Phone: 319.337.1993

Email: OSUS@act.org