Using Online Testing a Screen Reader - ACT National Special - Practice Tests and Technical Requirements

Oct 9, 2026

Uploaded by Muffet

Guidance explains how examinees and testing staff should use a screen reader during the ACT national and special testing programs. It covers advance practice with screen-reader compatible practice tests for English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and Writing, plus required systems and supported screen reader software. The document details technical requirements, basic table navigation, recommended screen reader settings for punctuation and text attributes, and subject-specific notes for passage references and mathematical expressions, including future MathML navigation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Practice Tests

Technical Requirements

Screen Reader Basics

Table Navigation

Screen Reader Settings

Subject-Specific Notes

References to Passages

English and Reading Tests

Mathematical Expressions

Braille notation

Using ONLINE TESTING a Screen Reader PROGRAM: NATIONAL, SPECIAL | PRODUCT: THE ACT | AUDIENCE: EXAMINEES, TESTING STAFF Screen reader practice: You should use the ACT® practice tests compatible with screen readers in advance of your test date to familiarize yourself with the format and confirm screen reader functionality in all areas of the ACT test. There may be screen reader settings you wish to have ready before the test. Use the tutorial to make any adjustments you need ahead of time. Please review the additional information in this document carefully to navigate the test successfully. Practice Tests Practice tests compatible with screen readers are available for each of the subject tests atthe following links: 􀁺 English timed or English untimed 􀁺 Mathematics timed or mathematics untimed 􀁺 Reading timed or reading untimed 􀁺 Science timed or science untimed 􀁺 Writing Technical Requirements Due to the importance of consistency for standardized tests, only the following systems and software are supported at this time for screen reader use: 􀁺 Operating System: Windows, Mac OS (no tablets) 􀁺 Screen Readers: JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver 􀁺 Optional: o Accessible calculator: Use of an accessible or “talking” calculator is allowed. Please refer to the ACT Calculator Policy for full details on the use of an accessible calculator. The policy is found here: [https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/un](https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/un)[secured/documents/ACT-calculator-](secured/documents/ACT-calculator-)[policy.pdf](policy.pdf) o Braille display: Use of a braille display is allowed only if internet and file access are disabled during testing. Screen Reader Basics General recommendations for using screen readers on the ACT are provided here. Please consult documentation for JAWS and NVDAto verify accuracy and to learn more. ACT isnot affiliated with these organizations. Table Navigation When encountering a table, it will be helpful to know how to use your screen reader’s table mode. Tables can be navigated manually as well. You may use your supplemental material, such as tactile graphics or reader’s script, to help with reading the tables. Screen Reader Settings Punctuation: Punctuation is important in some tests, such as English and mathematics, so please ensure you know how to adjust your screen reader’s punctuation settings during the test so you can choose whether or not to hear all punctuation. Text attributes: You may also want to have your screen reader tell you the different text attributes, like underlined or bold. Subject-Specific Notes References to Passages Only one question appears per page, but sometimes there will be multiple questions that refer to the same information or passage. English and Reading Tests Within the English and reading tests, questions are based upon a passage that comes before the question. Within some questions, there may be a link or reference to an * (asterisk) in the passage. The link takes you to a specific point in the passage that is important to that question. When you land on the point in the passage, your screen reader should begin to read. If it does not, it may be helpful to navigate forward or backward to understand context. Sometimes these points appear at the end of a passage or sentence. The referenced point will either have a number in brackets like [1] or an asterisk like [*] . Mathematical Expressions Beginning in January 2027, mathematical expressions are fully navigable as math (MathML) within the test platform. Braille notation: If you do not have a refreshable braille device, and you prefer to read math in braille, please ensure your school test coordinator has requested and received the associated braille book or stand-alone tactile graphics in your preferred braille code. ACT materials are available in UEB Technical (formerly known as Math/Science) or UEB with Nemeth. You can use these alternate fo

FAQs

What should examinees do before test day to use a screen reader effectively?

Use ACT practice tests compatible with screen readers in advance to become familiar with the format and confirm screen reader functionality across all areas. Use the tutorial to make any adjustments before the test.

Which operating systems and screen readers are supported for screen reader use?

Supported operating systems are Windows and Mac OS, with no tablet support. Supported screen readers are JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver.

How are mathematical expressions and braille handled during the ACT?

Starting in January 2027, mathematical expressions are fully navigable as math (MathML) within the test platform. Braille display is allowed only if internet and file access are disabled during testing, and schools should request the appropriate braille book or tactile graphics in the preferred braille code.

Oct 9, 2026

Uploaded by Muffet