The AP U.S. History (APUSH) exam lasts 3 hours and 15 minutes in total

Exam Structure and Timing

• Section I: Multiple Choice and Short Answer (1 hour 35 minutes)
  • Multiple-choice: 55 questions in 55 minutes
  • Short answer: 3 questions in 40 minutes
• Section II: Free Response (1 hour 40 minutes)
  • Document-Based Question (DBQ): 1 question, 60 minutes (including 15-minute reading period)
  • Long Essay Question (LEQ): 1 question, 40 minutes

Summary Table

Section| Duration| Content
---|---|---
Multiple Choice| 55 minutes| 55 questions
Short Answer| 40 minutes| 3 questions
Document-Based Question| 60 minutes| 1 essay with 7 documents (15 min reading)
Long Essay Question| 40 minutes| 1 essay from 3 prompt choices

This format tests your ability to analyze historical sources, recall factual knowledge, and develop historical arguments

. For effective time management, allocate roughly 1 minute per multiple-choice question, use the 15-minute reading period wisely for the DBQ, and outline essays before writing