ETS Acquires ACT, Expanding Pathways to Opportunity Across America

ETS, a leading education and talent solutions organization, announced today its acquisition of ACT, a prominent name in college and career readiness, for an undisclosed amount. This strategic move, revealed on June 30, 2026, aims to combine the strengths of both organizations to tackle significant challenges in the American education landscape. The partnership is expected to enhance the delivery of solutions that help individuals learn, demonstrate skills, and connect with job opportunities in an economy increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.

The acquisition of ACT aligns with ETS's mission to prepare over 100 million individuals for the next generation of jobs. Both organizations share a commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based solutions that extend beyond traditional testing. By integrating their resources and expertise, ETS and ACT plan to offer comprehensive support for students, educators, and states, facilitating access to education and job opportunities across the United States. ACT's established relationships with K-12 schools and higher education institutions will complement ETS's capabilities in measurement and innovation.

The strategic rationale behind this acquisition is rooted in the evolving demands of the education sector. As the workforce landscape changes due to technological advancements, there is a growing need for effective tools that help learners validate their skills and prepare for future employment. ACT's workforce readiness portfolio, particularly its WorkKeys assessments, is widely utilized by job seekers and employers, making it a valuable asset for ETS as it seeks to expand its impact in the education and employment sectors.

In the immediate term, customers and partners of ACT can expect continuity in the products and services they currently rely on, with no disruptions anticipated. The integration of ACT into ETS is expected to provide enhanced resources and capabilities, allowing both organizations to scale their missions more effectively. Steve Tapp, CEO of ACT, emphasized that joining ETS will enable the organization to fulfill its mission at a scale that would have been unattainable independently.

The acquisition of ACT by ETS signals a broader trend in the education sector, where organizations are increasingly seeking to collaborate and innovate in response to the challenges posed by a rapidly changing economy. As educational institutions and employers alike prioritize skills readiness, this merger could pave the way for new solutions that better prepare individuals for the workforce. The combined expertise of ETS and ACT positions them to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education and career readiness in the United States.