The AST (ACT Scaling Test) is a test that ACT Year 12 students sit so that course scores from different colleges and courses can be compared fairly for the ATAR. The ACT has no common external exams in most courses, so the AST provides the common measure. Your AST result is not added to your ATAR directly; it is used to scale the scores of groups of students.
AST key facts
- The ACT Scaling Test lets college-assessed course scores be compared across colleges and courses.
- It is used at the group level to moderate and scale; it is not added to your ATAR.
- The ACT aggregate is your best three major scaled scores plus 0.6 of a further major or a minor.
- UAC releases ACT ATARs with NSW: Wednesday 16 December 2026.
Why the ACT needs the AST
In most states, external exams let results be compared across schools. ACT senior secondary courses are assessed by the colleges themselves. Without a common reference, a high score at one college could not be compared with a high score at another. The AST gives every ATAR-eligible student the same test, so the Board of Senior Secondary Studies can adjust scores between colleges and courses.
How the AST is used
- Moderation between colleges. A college's group AST results help place its course scores on a common scale.
- Scaling between courses. Course scores are scaled so that results from different courses can be added.
- The aggregate. The ACT aggregate uses your best three major scaled scores plus 0.6 of a further major or a minor, often called the best 3.6.
- The ATAR. UAC releases ACT ATARs on the same day as NSW. In 2026 that is Wednesday 16 December.
Because the AST works at the group level, one student's bad day on the test has limited effect on their own result. It matters most as a measure of each college group. For the broader idea, see how ATAR scaling works.
Preparing for the AST
The AST tests general reasoning, writing and quantitative skills rather than course content. Colleges usually run practice sessions. Taking it seriously helps your whole group, because group results feed the scaling.
ACT in the ATAR picture
How the ACT method compares with other states is in how the ATAR is calculated. An ACT calculator is planned; the method makes any ACT estimate less certain than those for states with published tables. For subject-count rules, see how many subjects count.
ACT compared with other states
| ACT | Most other states | |
|---|---|---|
| Common measure | The AST, sat by every ATAR student | External exams in each subject |
| Who assesses courses | Colleges | Schools plus state exams |
| Aggregate | Best 3.6 (three majors + 0.6 of a major or minor) | Best four to six subjects, by state rules |
| Calculated by | UAC, with the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies | Each state's admissions centre |
The best 3.6 in plain terms
Your three best major scaled scores count in full. Then 60% of one more scaled score counts: either a fourth major or a minor. So a strong fourth subject still matters, but less than your top three.
AST myths
- "My AST score is part of my ATAR." No. It is used to scale groups of students.
- "A bad AST day ruins my ATAR." Its effect on one student is limited because it works at the group level.
- "You can study the content." The AST tests general reasoning, writing and quantitative skills rather than course content. Practice helps with the format.
FAQ
What does AST stand for?
ACT Scaling Test.
Does the AST score go into my ATAR?
Not directly. It is used to moderate and scale course scores for groups of students, which then make up your aggregate.
Do I have to sit the AST?
ACT students seeking an ATAR are expected to sit it. Check your college's requirements.
Do I have to sit the AST?
ACT students who want an ATAR are expected to sit it, because it is part of how ACT scores are scaled. Check your college for the current rules and dates.