What is AP? AP exams refer to standardized exams which are designed to measure how well you have mastered the content and skills of a specific AP course. Most AP courses have an end of year exam, but a few courses have different ways to assess what you have learned.
AP Objective? AP tests are college-level exams on specific subjects and are administered in the month of May upon completion of AP Course taken at a student’s high school. At many colleges and universities, a high score will earn the student college credit and, in some cases, earning college credit can mean lower college tuition bill.
Why take AP? Completion of AP courses and exams helps to prepare for college with improved performance and also academic excellence, boosting chances of college admission and scholarships.
AP Structure at Glance
The format of AP exams varies slightly based on the subject, but most exam structures consist of two main components:
| Feature | Description |
| Exam Duration | Most AP exams are 2–3 hours long. |
| Multiple-Choice Section | The first part of the exam consists of multiple-choice questions. You will choose 1 of 4–5 answer choices for each question. |
| Scoring for Multiple-Choice | Your score is based only on the number of questions answered correctly. No points are lost for incorrect answers or unanswered questions. |
| Free-Response Section | The second part typically consists of free-response questions, which may include essays, problem solutions, or spoken responses, depending on the exam. |
AP Exam Dates
Here is a table highlighting the 2025 dates for AP exams:
Week 1:
| Morning 8 a.m.
(Local Time) |
Afternoon 12 p.m.
(Local Time) |
|
| Monday,
May 5, 2025 |
Biology
Latin |
European History
Microeconomics |
| Tuesday,
May 6, 2025 |
Chemistry
Human Geography |
United States Government and Politics
|
| Wednesday,
May 7, 2025 |
English Literature and Composition
|
Comparative Government and Politics
Computer Science A |
| Thursday,
May 8, 2025 |
African American Studies
Statistics |
Japanese Language and Culture
World History: Modern |
| Friday,
May 9, 2025 |
Italian Language and Culture
United States History |
Chinese Language and Culture
Macroeconomics |
| Art and Design: Friday, May 9, 2025 (8 p.m. ET). Students will need to submit their three portfolio components as final in the AP Digital Portfolio. | ||
Week 2:
| Morning 8 a.m.
Local Time |
Afternoon 12 p.m.
Local Time |
|
| Monday,
May 12, 2025 |
Calculus AB
Calculus BC |
Music Theory
Seminar |
| Tuesday,
May 13, 2025 |
French Language and Culture
Precalculus |
Environmental Science
Physics 2: Algebra-Based |
| Wednesday,
May 14, 2025 |
English Language and Composition
German Language and Culture |
Physics C: Mechanics
|
| Thursday,
May 15, 2025 |
Art History
Spanish Language and Culture |
Computer Science Principles
Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism |
| Friday,
May 16, 2025 |
Physics 1: Algebra-Based
Spanish Literature and Culture |
Note that:
- AP coordinators need to order late-testing exams for candidates with scheduling problems.
- Morning AP exams should start between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. local time.
- Afternoon AP exams should begin between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. local time.
- Schools in Alaska have to follow the same timing as other states from 2025.
- AP African American Studies exams will only be held in schools within the U.S.
Late testing dates
| Date | Morning (8 a.m. Local Time) | Afternoon (12 p.m. Local Time) |
| Monday, May 19 | Comparative Government and Politics, European History, World History: Modern | English Literature, Human Geography, Latin |
| Tuesday, May 20 | Japanese Language and Culture, U.S. Government and Politics, African American Studies | U.S. History |
| Wednesday, May 21 | Computer Science A, Microeconomics, Statistics | Biology, Chemistry, French Language, Macroeconomics |
| Thursday, May 22 | Chinese Language, English Language, Music Theory, Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | Precalculus, Art History, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Spanish Literature, Physics C: Mechanics |
| Friday, May 23 | Environmental Science, Italian Language | Physics 1: Algebra-Based, Seminar, Spanish Language, Computer Science Principles, German Language, Physics 2: Algebra-Based, Psychology |
How to book AP Slot?
AP slot can be booked in the following manner:
| Step | Action | Description |
| Step 1 | Join Your Class Section Online | Sign in to My AP with your College Board account and ensure you’ve joined your class section. If not, follow the steps to join your section online. |
| Step 2 | Register or Confirm Registration | After joining your class section, click the Register button in My AP if required by your school. This notifies your coordinator that you plan to take the exam, and they will order it for you. If you don’t see the button, you’re already automatically registered. |
| Step 3 | Late Registration | If registering after November, your exam order may be subject to a late fee. Contact your AP coordinator to update your registration. If your class starts in the spring or you transferred schools, your coordinator can order your exam without late fees. |
| Step 4 | Pay Exam Fees | AP exam fees are not paid through this website. Your AP coordinator will handle fee collection. |
| Step 5 | Review Registration Details | After registering, check your course card in My AP for the exam date and time. Review the schedule and discuss any questions with your AP coordinator. |
| Step 6 | Notification from AP Coordinator | Your AP coordinator will inform you of the location and time to report for your exams. |
Planning Test Dates
| Factor | Consideration for AP Exam Selection |
| Deadlines of University Applications | Choose your AP exam date early enough to ensure scores are reported before university application deadlines. |
| Availability of AP Test Centers | Ensure the test center is near you and that slots are available in your preferred location. Book in advance to secure your slot. |
| Preferred AP Subject Format | Select the appropriate AP subjects for your academic goals and check the available test dates for each subject. |
| Preparation Time | Assess the time needed to prepare for your AP exams and ensure you select a date that allows enough time to study effectively for each subject. |
| Check AP Portal Regularly | Regularly check the College Board AP Portal for updates on exam dates, availability, and registration deadlines to ensure you don’t miss out. |
AP Exam Fee
Details about AP Exam fee are as follows:
| Fee Type | Details | Amount |
| On-Time Exam Orders | By November 15, 2024 for full-year and first-semester courses, and exam-only sections. By March 14, 2025 for courses that start after November 15. |
$99 per exam (U.S., U.S. territories, Canada, and DoDEA schools) |
| $129 per exam (Schools outside U.S. – Fees may vary) | ||
| $147 per exam (AP Capstone™ Exams: AP Seminar and Research) | ||
| School Rebate | School rebate for each exam ordered on time. | $9 per exam |
| College Board Fee Reduction | Available for eligible students. | $37 per exam |
| Late Order Fee | Additional fee applied to exams ordered after the November 15 final ordering deadline (for full-year or first-semester courses). | $40 per exam |
| Unused/Cancelled Exam Fee | For exams canceled after November 15 and by March 14 (or for unused exams before invoice generation). | $40 per exam (Cancellation or non-attendance fee) |
| Late-Testing Fee | Additional fee for exams taken during the late-testing period, applicable for late-test exams. | $40 per exam (In addition to the base exam fee) |
Additional Notes:
- Late order fee applies to exams ordered between November 16, 2024, and March 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
- Late-testing fee is applicable only if late testing occurs; most reasons for late testing do not incur an additional fee.
- Unused/canceled exam fee applies to exams that are canceled or not taken (e.g., students who are absent or drop the course).
AP Exam Centres
The AP Exam is conducted in numerous test centers across India, providing students with easy access to locations for their exams. It’s advisable for students to choose a test center that is nearby to ensure a hassle-free test day experience. The AP exam is held at various centers throughout the country, with some of the major locations including New Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Mumbai.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the AP Exam stand for?
AP exams, which stand for Advanced Placement exams, are offered by the College Board. They are standardized exams that enable high school students to earn college credit for college-level courses taken during high school.
What is the AP Exam in India?
AP exams in India allow Indian students to take college-level courses and earn college credit. Many Indian schools offer AP courses from authorized test centers, and students can register to sit for the AP exams.
What is the AP board exam?
The AP board exam is just another common term for AP exams held by the College Board.
What is the rank of AP?
AP exam scores are highly regarded and recognized by colleges and universities worldwide. They are often viewed as equal to A-levels or IB qualifications, but this depends on the institution.
Which was the toughest AP class in 2024?
It all depends on the student experience, but AP Calculus BC and AP Physics C: Mechanics are often regarded as the toughest.
