Exam Policies and Guidelines

All AP students deserve a fair and uniform testing experience, whether they are taking the exam in Connecticut, California, or China. To make sure this happens, we require exam takers to follow these policies and procedures.

Keep in Mind

You must acknowledge that you have read and agree to follow our policies.

On exam day (or, when you submit your portfolio), you’ll acknowledge that you’ve read and agree to follow all the test security and administration policies and procedures listed in the 2024 AP Exam Terms and Conditions. We will send you reminders about reading the terms ahead of the exam administration.

You also must affirm security statements.

You will also need to sign the covers of your multiple-choice and free-response booklets, affirming statements related to the security of the exam.

If the policies aren’t followed, your exam score could be canceled.

If your testing does not adhere to the test security and test administration policies and procedures—even if it’s not your fault—College Board reserves the right to cancel your AP Exam score.

The penalty for cheating is serious.

If College Board finds that you have deliberately gained or attempted to gain or share an unfair advantage on any College Board test, or otherwise threatened the integrity of the test, we will prohibit you from taking other College Board assessments, including the SAT and AP Exams.

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FAQ

What is the AP Exam fee?

The AP Program charges a fee for each AP Exam. Your school will help you submit any AP Exam fees you owe—you can’t pay on this website. Talk to your AP coordinator to find out what to do and learn more about costs here

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What should I bring if I’m taking a digital AP Exam?

If you’ll be using a personal device or a device assigned to you by your school, bring it and the charger to the exam room. You should also bring a pen or pencil so you can take notes on the scratch paper provided by the proctor.

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Are digital exams available for late testing?

Late testing is only available with paper exams. The only exception is AP African American Studies, for the schools participating in the pilot in 2023-24.

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How many times can I retake an AP Exam?

You can take an AP Exam each time it’s offered. Exams are administered once a year in May. Your score report will include your scores for all the AP Exams you have taken unless you request that one or more scores be withheld or canceled.

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Who do I contact to report suspected cheating?

Although AP Exams are administered under strict supervision and secure conditions, misconduct or testing irregularities may occur. Please contact the Office of Testing Integrity as soon as possible if you observe behavior that is in violation of College Board’s test security and test administration policies or procedures. 

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What if two exams I want to sign up for are scheduled for the same date and time?

If two of the exams you want to take are scheduled for the same time, ask your AP coordinator for information about taking one of the exams during the late-testing period. You may still register for both.

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May I bring something to eat or drink on exam day?

You are not permitted to bring food or drink, including bottled water, into the exam room (unless approved as an accommodation by College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities office). During the 10-minute break between Sections 1 and 2 of the exam, with the proctor’s permission, you can leave the exam room to get a drink of water or a snack.

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