Different ACT Forms in a Classroom

In recent moves and what we believe is a security measure, ACT has started administering multiple test codes in classrooms. In the past, ACT administered one test across the nation in every classroom. For example, everyone who took a regular timed Saturday ACT in December 2014 took the exact same test, code 72G, whether they were sitting in Annapolis, Maryland, or San Diego, California. A few years ago, we noticed two different test codes were administered for the April sitting, because two different tests were released for the TIR. However, this was likely the case of the Saturday administration having one code and the Sunday administration having another.

What we've seen take place more recently, however, is at least 2, but likely closer to 4 or 5 different test codes in a single classroom. This means it will be much harder to cheat on test day. Hooray! It will also be harder to “compare notes” with your friends later, as everyone will have different passages and questions. And we also believe this means ACT has been able to scale up its use of purchased software to create questions more easily. We anticipate this will benefit students who study, as the question phrasing will likely become more standardized and predictable in time. This also may be an intermediate step on the way towards online administration. Either way, the silent change has us intrigued!

Note: we anticipate the number of tests being administered in April and June will go back to single tests due to the TIR dates.