ACT® Accommodations & English Learner Supports: 2025 Updates
ACT has rolled out updates that simplify and strengthen accommodations and English Learner (EL) supports for eligible students taking the ACT®, beginning September 8th, 2025.
In this post, I’m focusing only on what’s changed and how those changes will affect our students who request accommodations or EL supports.
Side note: Since this post is focused solely on the updates to ACT’s newest accommodations and EL supports, please check out my previous posts that take a deeper dive into the types of accommodations, modifications, and EL supports offered for the ACT® and SAT® (keeping in mind the most recent updates to the ACT®) to help you understand and better support your clients:
Test-Prep Accommodations and Modifications to Best Support Learning Differences
Helping Our English Language Learners to Study for the ACT® & SAT®
Key Takeaways
Simpler EL supports: Schools can now approve most EL supports themselves. Only 1.5× single-day extended time still needs ACT approval.
Longer approvals: EL extended-time approvals now last two years, not one.
File rules: Uploads in TAA must be letters/numbers only and ≤10 MB.
Deadlines matter: The spring request window opens September 8—mark your calendars!
Full plans required: Always upload the entire IEP/504/diagnostic with name, DOB, start, and expiration dates.
Check old approvals: Ensure they’re tied to the correct test session and resubmit any expired ones.
Practice tools exist: Students can rehearse with Text-to-Speech, ASL, screen-reader, and alternate-format practice tests.
Help is available: ACT offers Office Hours and direct support by email or phone.
ACT® Accommodations & EL Supports: What’s New
There are seven notable updates and changes that have been made for September 2025. I’ll go over each one to give you a general idea of what each update means for test takers.
#1: Easier Process for English Learner (EL) Supports
No ACT approval needed for small-group testing, translated directions (from ACT’s approved list), or bilingual word-for-word dictionaries.
Still needs ACT approval: 1.5× extended time (single-day).
Not allowed: Multi-day testing just for EL students.
In Short: Schools can handle most EL supports directly. Only extended time requests go through ACT. For more information, see ACT’s English Learner Supports page.
#2: Longer Validity for EL Approvals
EL extended-time approvals now last two years instead of one.
In Short: Less paperwork — always check the expiration dates on the decision letter carefully, but approvals now carry over an extra year.
#3: Clearer Rules for Uploading Documents in the TAA System
File names must use letters and numbers only (no spaces or symbols).
Each file must be 10 MB or smaller.
If uploads fail, check those two things first.
In Short: Rename files simply, and keep them small. That solves most upload problems. For access to the Test Accessibility and Accommodations (TAA) System, visit Success.ACT.org.
#4: Spring 2026 Requests Open September 8
You can start sending requests for accommodations and EL supports for spring 2026 State & District testing in TAA on September 8.
In Short: Mark your calendar—missing this window can cause delays or denials.
#5: Full Documentation Required
Upload the entire IEP, 504 plan, or diagnostic, not just the accommodations page.
The plan must show: student’s name, date of birth, start date, and (if relevant) expiration date.
In Short: Don’t cut corners — ACT wants the full plan, with all identifying details. See Criteria for Diagnostic Documentation, and choose the documentation by type of disability that applies. You can also view an in-depth explanation of EL Supports Documentation Requirements for more information.
#6: Double-Check Prior Approvals
Make sure each approved student is assigned to the correct test administration in TAA.
If an EL approval has expired, submit a reconsideration before your deadline.
In Short: Old approvals don’t automatically carry over — you have to match them to the right test session.
#7: Practice Resources with Accommodations & Supports
ACT offers free practice tests designed for students with accommodations:
Online: Text-to-Speech, screen-reader formats, and ASL videos.
Paper: Alternate-format booklets and pre-recorded audio.
In Short: Students can rehearse with the same tools they’ll use on test day — encourage them to try these.
Important ACT Resources:
If you or your clients have any further questions, help is available. ACT has set up both live sessions and direct support lines with Fall 2025 Office Hours for accommodations questions. Contact them at actstateaccoms@act.org or 319-337-1788 (Mon–Fri, 7:00–5:00 CT).
Help Your Students Get the Scores They Deserve
The right accommodations can make a huge difference on test day — but preparation matters just as much. Our Clear Choice Prep ACT® & SAT® curriculum and practice tests are designed to help tutors and students work smarter, not harder.
With step-by-step lessons, realistic practice questions, and full-length practice exams, you’ll have everything you need to guide students toward their best possible scores.
Request a Demo of Clear Choice Prep’s ACT®/SAT® Curriculum to see how our resources can support your students this testing season.