Advanced Placement (AP) exams are standardized exams designed to measure how well students have mastered the content and skills of a specific AP course. AP courses are college-level courses and exams that students can take in high school, and they offer an edge in college by demonstrating a students commitment to tackle and complete college-level work. AP exams are offered by the College Board and are taken each May by students. The exams are the culmination of year-long AP courses, which are typically offered at the high school level.

AP exams are college-level exams on specific subjects and are administered in May upon the completion of an AP course taken at a students high school. There are currently over 38 AP test options, though few high schools offer classes in every subject. AP tests are administered by The College Board, which also administers the SAT. AP exams are scored on a 5-point scale that indicates how qualified students are to receive college credit and placement. AP Exam scores of 5 are equivalent to grades of A+ and A in the corresponding college course.

Students cannot order AP exams directly, but they can arrange to take exams at a nearby high school that administers AP exams. The exam ordering deadline for schools is November 15. When students find an AP coordinator able to administer their AP Exam(s), they are responsible for ordering exam materials, telling students when and where to report for the exams, and collecting the exam fees. Accommodations can be made for students with disabilities, home-schooled students, and students whose schools do not offer AP courses.

AP exams are important because they can earn students college credit and placement. Research consistently shows that AP students are better prepared for college than students who don’t take AP, regardless of their exam score. They’re more likely to enroll and stay in college, do well in their classes, and graduate in four years.