The first batch of scores from the September 19 ACT national test is scheduled for release on October 6, according to the nonprofit testing organization. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first September administration since Educational Testing Service (ETS) completed its acquisition of ACT in June. The transaction value was not disclosed, but the move signals a major shift in the college admissions testing landscape.
ACT has stated that more than 97% of test-takers receive their scores within one to four weeks. The upcoming release date provides an early operational checkpoint for ETS, which pledged minimal disruption to students and educators when the deal was announced. The company is now navigating the test's revised format, which includes a shorter core section and an optional science component, a change that has been closely watched by educators and admissions officers.
In a parallel development, Pearson, a London-based education and publishing giant, announced on September 18 that it has acquired ITS, a provider of assessment technology. This acquisition adds remote testing, proctoring, and continuous certification capabilities to Pearson's portfolio, strengthening its position in the professional testing market. Pearson's New York-listed American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) closed at $15.71, down 1.81% on volume of 1.48 million shares.
ACT's New Format and Strategic Shift
The current ACT format, effective as of September 2026, includes three required sections: English (50 questions, 35 minutes), Math (45 questions, 50 minutes), and Reading (36 questions, 40 minutes). The Science section (40 questions, 40 minutes) is now optional and does not contribute to the Composite score, while the Writing section (1 prompt, 40 minutes) also remains optional. The required sections total 125 minutes and 131 questions, offering a more streamlined core test.
This structural change is part of a broader strategic repositioning. ACT became a public-benefit corporation following an investment from Nexus Capital in 2024, before being acquired by ETS on June 30. Neither transaction disclosed a financial value, but the moves reflect a consolidating assessment industry where scale and technology are becoming increasingly important.
Pearson's Acquisition and Market Context
Pearson's purchase of ITS is aimed at enhancing its Professional Assessments division, which already generates a substantial portion of the company's revenue. In the first half of the year, the segment accounted for 45% of Pearson's total revenue, with assessment sales reaching £803 million, nearly flat against the £802 million reported in the same period last year. Underlying growth was 2%, but adjusted operating profit fell 6% to £157 million, reflecting higher one-time delivery costs and a less favorable sales mix.
The segment's adjusted operating margin contracted to 19.6% from 21.2%, a decline that highlights the challenge of converting revenue growth into profitability. Analysts have noted that while the acquisition of ITS could expand Pearson's capabilities, it may also add near-term costs before any revenue benefits materialize.
Analyst Sentiment and Outlook
Brokerage recommendations for Pearson remain cautious, with targets implying modest upside. Barclays (Hold, 1,250p), JPMorgan (Hold, 1,360p), Citigroup (Neutral, 1,345p), UBS (Buy, 1,300p), and Goldman Sachs (Neutral, 1,375p) all see potential gains of between 4.3% and 14.8% from the current price of 1,198p. However, the differing business models of ACT and Pearson's professional testing focus limit direct revenue comparisons.
Investors will have two key data points in the coming weeks: the ACT score release on October 6, which will provide an early indication of operational performance under ETS, and Pearson's nine-month trading update on October 22. These events will offer a clearer picture of whether assessment growth is translating into improved margins, a critical question for both companies as they navigate a rapidly evolving sector.
