Can I take the AP Examination if I haven't taken an AP course?

YES. Because the College Board is committed to providing access to the AP Exams to home schooled students and students whose schools do not offer AP.  It is not required that you take an AP course prior to taking an AP Exam.

The College Board urges students to study the kinds of skills and subjects outlined in the Course Description for each subject, because they represent the basis for the AP Examination. The best way to do so is in a year-long AP course in which the students and teachers focus on AP-level work. Some students, however, have taken strong courses and/or have studied in depth on their own. Such students may be able to perform quite well on the AP Exam.

I want to take an AP Exam and I have a disability. Can I make any testing arrangements to accommodate my disability?

If you have a documented disability, you may be eligible for accommodations on AP Exams. To find out more, visit services for students with disabilities or contact your school's AP Coordinator.

If I don't get a good score on an AP Exam, will it hurt my chances for college admission?

If you take an examination as a senior, colleges will not receive your score before July–probably well after you have been admitted. If you choose to report AP scores obtained before your senior year, you will primarily be telling the colleges that you undertook a difficult course and that you are serious about your studies. Overall, approximately two-thirds of all AP test takers receive AP scores of at least 3. This grade is regarded as an indicator of an ability to do successful work at most colleges.

How many times can I repeat an AP Exam?

You can take an AP Exam each time it is offered (AP Exams are offered once a year in May). Your score report will include your scores for all the AP Exams you have taken, including yearly "repeats" of the same subject exam.

When are the exams given? How much time does it take to finish one?

Most of the exams take two to three hours to complete. For subjects that correspond to half-year college courses, the exam is closer to two hours in length. Your AP Coordinator should notify you of the exact exam starting time. You can also take a look at the current exam schedules for days and dates.

Will I lose points if I answer a multiple-choice question wrong?

Total scores on the multiple-choice section are based on the number of questions answered correctly. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers and no points are awarded for unanswered questions.

When will I find out if I'm eligible for an AP Scholar Award?

If you are an AP Scholar Award recipient, you and your school will be notified in the fall after the May administration. After that time, score transcripts that you request to be sent to colleges will include the scholar designation.