AP Chemistry Updates for 2024-25
We updated AP Chemistry for the 2024-25 school year.
Course Overview
AP Chemistry is an introductory college-level chemistry course. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics like atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamics.
Course and Exam Description
Course Resources
Course Content
This course framework provides a clear and detailed description of the course requirements necessary for student success. The framework specifies what students must know, be able to do, and understand, with a focus on core principles and theories of the discipline. The framework also encourages instruction that prepares students for advanced chemistry coursework.
The AP Chemistry course framework is organized into nine commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. As always, you have the flexibility to organize the course content as you like.
| Unit | Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section) |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Atomic Structure and Properties | 7%–9% |
| Unit 2: Compound Structure and Properties | 7%–9% |
| Unit 3: Properties of Substances and Mixtures | 18%–22% |
| Unit 4: Chemical Reactions | 7%–9% |
| Unit 5: Kinetics | 7%–9% |
| Unit 6: Thermochemistry | 7%–9% |
| Unit 7: Equilibrium | 7%–9% |
| Unit 8: Acids and Bases | 11%–15% |
| Unit 9: Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry | 7%–9% |
Science Practices
The AP Chemistry framework outlines distinct skills, called science practices, that students should practice throughout the year—skills that will help them learn to think and act like chemists.
| Skill | Description | Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section) | Exam Weighting (Free-Response Section) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Models and Representations | Describe models and representations, including across scales. | 8%–12% | 2%–4% |
| 2. Question and Method | Determine scientific questions and methods. | 8%–12% | 10%–16% |
| 3. Representing Data and Phenomena | Create representations or models of chemical phenomena. | Not assessed in multiple-choice section. | 8%–16% |
| 4. Model Analysis | Analyze and interpret models and representations on a single scale or across multiple scales. | 23%–30% | 5%–9% |
| 5. Mathematical Routines | Solve problems using mathematical relationships. | 35%–42% | 43%–53% |
| 6. Argumentation | Develop an explanation or scientific argument. | 8%–12% | 15%–24% |
AP and Higher Education
Higher education professionals play a key role in developing AP courses and exams, setting credit and placement policies, and scoring student work. The AP Higher Education section features information on recruitment and admission, advising and placement, and more.
This chart shows recommended scores for granting credit, and how much credit should be awarded, for each AP course. Your students can look up credit and placement policies for colleges and universities on the AP Credit Policy Search.
AP Chemistry Course Development
Every AP course is designed in consultation with college faculty and experienced high school teachers. To stay aligned with best practices in college-level learning, AP courses and exams emphasize research-based curricula that meet higher education expectations. College faculty and experienced high school teachers guide the development of the AP course framework, which defines what students must know and be able to do to earn a qualifying score on the AP Exam and (by extension) college credit or placement.
Meet the AP Chemistry Development Committee
The AP Program is unique in its reliance on Development Committees. These committees, made up of an equal number of college faculty and experienced secondary AP teachers from across the country, are essential to the preparation of AP course curricula and exams.