AKC Agility Course Test (ACT)
What is ACT?
The Agility Course Test (ACT) is an entry level agility event designed to introduce and welcome beginning dogs and their handlers to the AKC sport of agility. It is a great way for owners to bond with their dogs and teach discipline. In addition to demonstrating their dog’s entry level skills, handlers will now learn some of the sport’s basics like how to fill out an AKC entry form, check-in at the ring, take their dog in and out of ring, handle their dog while being judged and other skills that will help them when they move on to AKC agility trials with their dog. There are two levels of ACT events – ACT1 and ACT2.
- ACT 1 is designed for the beginner level dog to show beginning sequencing and performance skills.
- ACT 2 requires an increased skill level shown by the additional obstacles to be performed.
How to Achieve an ACT Title
ACT 1
- Run a course at any jump height, 10-12 obstacles
- A-Frame(5’), Table, Jumps , Open tunnels
- Complete the course in 60 seconds, no missed contacts, no dropped bars, no obstacle attempted more than 3 times, no more than 3 wrong courses
- 2 qualifying scores
ACT 2
- Run a course at any height, 11-13 obstacles
- A-Frame(5’), Teeter, Dog Walk(allowed), Tire, Table, Jumps, Spread jumps (1), Weave Poles (6), Open tunnels
- Complete the course in 70 seconds, no missed contacts, no dropped bars, no obstacle attempted more than 3 times, no more than 3 wrong courses
- 2 qualifying scores
ACT FAQs
Q: If someone completes their 2 Qs in ACT1/ ACT1J thus acquiring the ACT1/ACT1J title, can
they then show in ACT2/ACT2J that same day?
A: Yes
Q: If your dog is entered in all 8 runs (2 runs in ACT1/ACT1J & 2 runs in ACT2/ACT2J) at an event, but only needs one ACT1/ACT1J leg, and qualifies, getting that leg from the first run, can you still compete with that dog in the second ACT 1 run on that day?
A: Yes, you may continue to enter and run in ACT1/ACT1J with that dog until such time as that dog has obtained one leg in ACT2/ACT2J, thus making your dog ineligible for ACT1/ACT1J any longer. Your dog may continue to compete in ACT2/ACT2J until it has obtained a title in any AKC class (T2B, Premier, Standard, Jumpers or FAST).
Q: Can someone skip ACT1/ACT1J and start right out in ACT2/ACT2J?
A: Yes
Q: Can someone choose to do one run in ACT1/ACT1J and one run in ACT2/ACT2J?
A: Yes, but legs cannot be combined from ACT1/ACT1J & ACT2/ACT2J to earn any titles.
Q. If my dog and I have earned an ACT1/ACT1J and/or an ACT2/ACT2J title are we eligible for Novice A if we meet the other requirements?
A: Yes, you can enter Novice A classes if you are otherwise eligible. ACT 1 or ACT 2 titles do not exclude you from entering Novice A.
Q: The Regulations for Novice A states, “dogs that have never acquired any AKC agility title” so if a dog has 2 legs in Novice JWW and 1 leg in Novice Standard they can still run in the ACT event?
A: Yes
Q: Can a dog wear a choke chain or martingale collar while taking the test?
A: No, the collar must be of the same type that is allowed in an AKC approved agility trial. If there’s a question, ask the evaluator if it’s legal or not. The allowable collars are noted in the Regulations for Agility in Chapter 4, Section 9.
Q: Can a dog wear a harness while taking the test?
A: No
Q: Can a dog that has an ACT2 or ACT2J title show in ACT1 or ACT1J?
A: If the dog has an ACT2 title, but no ACT1J they are eligible to enter ACT1J. The same goes for if they have an ACT2J but no ACT1 title. If they ACT2 or ACT2J they can show in ACT 2/ACT2J until they have obtained an AKC Novice Standard, Novice JWW, Novice FAST, Premier or Time 2 Beat title.
Q. If my dog and I have earned an ACT1/ACT1J and/or an ACT2/ACT2J title are we eligible for Novice A if we meet the other requirements?
A: Yes, you can enter Novice A classes if you are otherwise eligible. ACT 1 or ACT 2 titles do not exclude you from entering Novice A.