ACT Year 12 Assessment 2026
Official 2026 ACT Year 12 assessment milestones, including AST dates and ATAR timing.
The ACT does not use a single statewide end-of-year exam block like the HSC or VCE. Most assessment is school-based, while the centrally administered ACT Scaling Test (AST) supports ATAR scaling. The ACT BSSS 2026 calendar places the first AST sitting in late August 2026, and NSW and ACT ATAR access via UAC begins in mid-December 2026. See the key dates table below for the exact official dates and individual colleges for day-to-day subject assessment schedules.
ACT BSSS has published the 2026 AST dates, but course assessment schedules remain school-based and college-specific.
There is no single ACT subject exam timetable page. Students should use their college assessment calendar for coursework and the ACT BSSS material for AST rules and special provisions.
Official Source: ACT BSSS Calendar 2026 (PDF)
Last checked against official sources: 1 May 2026
The ACT uses school-based assessment, not a single centralised exam block. The only statewide test for most ATAR-eligible students is the AST, with the first 2026 sitting scheduled for late August. See the key dates table for the exact official dates.
Key Dates
Subject Revision Links
There is no single ACT subject exam timetable page. Students should use their college assessment calendar for coursework and the ACT BSSS material for AST rules and special provisions.
English
Use the official timetable for the exact session, then revise with Revizi.
Mathematical Methods
Use the official timetable for the exact session, then revise with Revizi.
Biology
Use the official timetable for the exact session, then revise with Revizi.
Chemistry
Use the official timetable for the exact session, then revise with Revizi.
Physics
Use the official timetable for the exact session, then revise with Revizi.
Psychology
Use the official timetable for the exact session, then revise with Revizi.
Economics
Use the official timetable for the exact session, then revise with Revizi.
Business
Use the official timetable for the exact session, then revise with Revizi.
Study Tips
Understand the ACT Model
The ACT does not have a single exam block like HSC or VCE. Your grades come from school-based assessment throughout the year. The AST is used for scaling and ATAR calculation only.
Prepare for the AST
The ACT Scaling Test (AST) first sitting is in late August 2026 and is compulsory for ATAR-eligible students. It tests general skills across writing, quantitative reasoning, and abstract reasoning. Past AST papers are available from the BSSS.
Stay Consistent All Year
Since your grades come from coursework across the year, consistency matters more than cramming. Treat every assessment task seriously — there’s no single exam to make up for a weak semester.
Check Your School Calendar
Assessment schedules vary by school. Get your school’s assessment calendar early and plan your study around major task due dates across all your subjects.
Use Practice Assessments
Use Revizi’s online test mode to practice MCQ, short answer and extended response questions for any ACT SSC subject. Review your results to identify weak areas before your next school-based assessment task.
More Exam Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ACT have a single exam period like the HSC or VCE?
No. The ACT uses school-based assessment throughout the year, not a centralised end-of-year exam block. The only centrally administered test is the AST (ACT Scaling Test), which is used for ATAR calculation.
What is the AST?
The ACT Scaling Test (AST) is a test of general skills in writing, quantitative reasoning, and abstract reasoning. It is compulsory for ATAR-eligible Year 12 students and is used by the ACT BSSS to calculate ATARs.
When is the AST in 2026?
The ACT BSSS 2026 calendar places the first AST sitting in late August 2026 and the second sitting in mid to late October 2026. See the key dates table for the exact official dates.
How is ATAR calculated in the ACT?
ACT ATARs are calculated using your best scaled scores from your major and minor courses, with the AST used as a scaling mechanism. The BSSS website has detailed information on the calculation methodology.
When are ACT Year 12 results released?
NSW and ACT ATAR access via UAC begins in mid-December 2026. ACT students should also follow BSSS advice for certificate and tertiary entrance statement access. See the key dates table for the exact official date.
What’s the best way to prepare for ACT SSC assessments?
Since ACT grades come from school-based assessment throughout the year, consistent revision from Term 1 matters more than end-of-year cramming. Use Revizi’s flashcards for each unit as you study it, and practice assessments to test yourself before major tasks. Prepare separately for the late-August AST using past AST papers.
Last updated: 1 May 2026 · Content aligned to the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies