AP Computer Science A Revisions for 2025-26
We revised AP Computer Science A for 2025-26 to align with current introductory college programming courses.
Course Overview
AP Computer Science A is an introductory college-level computer science course. Students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures.
Course and Exam Description
Course Content
Based on the Understanding by Design® (Wiggins and McTighe) model, this course framework provides a description of the course requirements necessary for student success, with a focus on core principles, theories, and processes of the discipline. The framework also encourages instruction that prepares students for advanced computer science coursework and its integration into a wide array of STEM-related fields.
The AP Computer Science A framework is organized into four 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: Using Objects and Methods | 15%–25% |
| Unit 2: Selection and Iteration | 25%–35% |
| Unit 3: Class Creation | 10%–18% |
| Unit 4: Data Collections | 30%–40% |
Computational Thinking Practices
The AP Computer Science A framework included in the course and exam description outlines distinct skills, called computational thinking practices, that students should practice throughout the year—skills that will help them learn to think and act like computer scientists.
| Practice | Description | Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Design Code | Determine an appropriate program design and develop algorithms. | 2%–10% |
| 2. Develop Code | Write and implement program code. | 22%–38% |
| 3. Analyze Code | Determine the output or result of a given program code or explain why code may not work as intended. | 37%–53% |
| 4. Document Code and Computing Systems | Describe the behavior and conditions that produce specified results in a program. | 10%–15% |
| 5. Use Computers Responsibly | Understand the ethical and social implications of computer use. | 2%–10% |
Course Resources
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 Course and Exam Development
The AP Program is unique in its reliance on development committees for their initial and ongoing voice in course and exam development. 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.