About the Exams
Putting students' subject knowledge to the test
For most students, taking the AP Exam in May serves as the natural culmination of their AP course experience. Schools wishing to provide this experience to their students should be aware of the different AP Exams available, the responsibilities associated with administering exams, and the exam development processes that ensure college-level learning is being assessed.
Fast facts about AP Exams
- In 2008, 2.7 million exams were taken by nearly 1.6 million students at over 17,000 high schools.
- The AP Program offers 37 courses and exams.
- The majority of U.S. high schools currently participate in the AP Program.
- Except for the three Studio Art exams, which are portfolio assessments, AP Exams contain multiple-choice questions and a free-response section.
- Because the College Board is committed to providing access to AP Exams to all students—including homeschooled students and students whose schools do not offer AP—students do not have to take an AP course before taking an AP Exam.
- The AP Exam fee is $86. The College Board provides a $22 fee reduction for qualifying low-income students. Most states use federal and/or state funds to cover part or all of the remaining exam fee for low-income students.
- More than 90 percent of four-year U.S. colleges and universities grant credit or placement for qualifying AP Exam grades.
Follow the links below to learn more about AP Exams: