You might be wondering where to watch “The Act,” the gripping true-crime drama series. While we can point you to streaming services where you can catch the show, let’s pivot to another crucial “act” – the ACT test. Just like the performances in the show, we believe in fair and honest displays of ability. That’s why ACT test security is paramount. We want to ensure every student has an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a secure and fair environment.
Maintaining Fairness: Why Test Security Matters
Imagine watching “The Act” and knowing some scenes were staged or manipulated unfairly. The impact would be diminished, right? Similarly, in standardized testing, any form of cheating undermines the validity of the results and disadvantages honest students. To maintain the integrity of the ACT and ensure a level playing field for all examinees, certain behaviors are strictly prohibited at the test center.
Engaging in prohibited behaviors will lead to dismissal, and your test will not be scored. For detailed information on what constitutes prohibited behavior, please refer to the Prohibited Behavior at the Test Center section of the Terms and Conditions (PDF).
See Something, Say Something: Report Cheating
Just as viewers might discuss the authenticity of events in “The Act,” we encourage vigilance in the testing environment. If you witness any suspicious activity or suspect cheating, report it immediately through the Test Security Hotline.
Alt text: A concerned student discreetly reports suspicious activity during the ACT test to maintain test integrity.
Cheating undermines the hard work of honest students. Whether it’s using unauthorized materials, copying someone else’s work, or impersonating another test-taker, these actions compromise the system and are unfair to everyone. We all feel cheated when someone attempts to manipulate the process.
ACT is committed to providing a fair and equal platform for every student to showcase their academic achievements. Our testing procedures are meticulously designed to ensure this. If you observe any actions that seem unfair or out of the ordinary, please report them to ACT. You can anonymously report test security concerns through the Test Security Hotline.
Let’s work together to keep the ACT fair. Report cheating and adhere to all testing regulations.
Robust Security Measures in Place
Just like a well-produced show has behind-the-scenes measures to ensure quality, ACT employs a range of security measures to protect test integrity. We continuously refine these measures to deter and detect potential security breaches while ensuring accessibility for all students. Our security protocols include:
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Photo Submission: Students are required to upload a recognizable head-and-shoulders photograph during ACT registration via the ACT website, mobile device, or mail. This photo becomes a key identifier throughout the testing process.
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Identity Verification Details: In addition to a photo, students provide their gender and high school name. This information aids ACT in verifying the examinee’s identity at various stages.
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Roster Photo Verification: The submitted student photo is printed on the examinee roster used by test center staff for check-in on test day. This allows for visual confirmation of identity.
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Ticket and Photo ID Matching: The student’s photo is also printed on their admission ticket. On test day, students must present both their ticket and an acceptable photo ID. Test center staff meticulously compare the name and photo across the ticket, roster, and photo ID before granting admission.
Alt text: Diligent test center personnel carefully verify a student’s photo ID and admission ticket to ensure secure ACT test administration.
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Written Affirmation of Identity: Both before and after the test, students must sign written affirmations confirming their identity as the person named on the test booklet and answer sheet. They also acknowledge the legal ramifications of identity fraud in testing.
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Test Center Monitoring: ACT may conduct on-site visits to test centers to implement additional security measures on test day. This can include capturing images of examinees during check-in and other security activities to further deter misconduct.
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Post-Score Reporting Verification: After scoring, the student’s photo is included on the score report automatically sent to their high school. This allows educators who know the student personally to further reinforce score integrity.
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Pre-Registration Requirement: To prevent attempts to bypass security measures, all students, including standby testers, must pre-register their intent to test. No test center or test date changes are permitted on test day.
The Importance of Test Security: Upholding Fairness
Our comprehensive test security procedures are in place to guarantee that every examinee has a fair and equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic abilities. We are committed to ensuring that students who prepare honestly are not disadvantaged by those who attempt to gain an unfair advantage. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that the scores reported for each student are valid and accurately reflect their true abilities.
Explore Further:
Terms and Conditions – Compromises/Disruptions in the Testing Process (PDF)
