ETS Acquires Standardized Test Provider ACT

Educational Testing Service (ETS) acquired ACT, Inc. on June 30, 2026, merging two of the largest providers of standardized assessments in the United States. This significant consolidation in the education sector brings together ETS, known for the GRE and TOEFL, with ACT, famous for its college admissions test.

The acquisition occurs at a time when the landscape of educational assessment is rapidly evolving. There is a growing demand for skills-based assessments that measure specific competencies relevant to the modern workforce, alongside a noted decline in participation rates for traditional standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. This shift has prompted many educational institutions and policymakers to re-evaluate the role and efficacy of these long-standing exams.

ETS stated that the combined entity will focus on innovation in assessment, aiming to provide a broader range of tools and services to students, educators, and institutions. The organization plans to leverage the strengths of both companies to develop new assessments that better reflect the diverse needs of learners and the evolving requirements of higher education and employment. This includes a potential emphasis on adaptive testing technologies and more granular skill measurement.

Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed by either ETS or ACT. However, the merger is expected to create a formidable force in the assessment industry, potentially influencing future trends in college admissions, professional certifications, and workforce development evaluations. Both organizations have a long history of serving millions of individuals globally through their respective testing programs.