Exam Overview
The AP Computer Science Principles Exam assesses student understanding of the computational thinking practices and learning objectives outlined in the course framework. The AP Exam consists of the Create performance task and an end-of-course exam. The end-of-course exam is a fully digital exam in the Bluebook testing app, and it includes multiple-choice questions and two written-response questions that require students to demonstrate their understanding of the Create performance task. All responses in Bluebook will be automatically submitted at the end of the exam.
For more information, download the AP Computer Science Principles Course and Exam Description (.pdf) (CED).
Encourage your students to visit the AP Computer Science Principles student page for exam information.
Assessment Dates
Performance Task Submission Deadline
This is the deadline for students to complete all required components of the Create performance task and submit as final in the AP Digital Portfolio.
AP Computer Science Principles End-of-Course Exam
Exam Format
The AP Computer Science Principles end-of-course exam has consistent question types and weighting every year, so you and your students know what to expect on exam day.
Section I: End-of-Course Multiple-Choice Exam
70 multiple-choice questions | 120 minutes | 70% of score | 4 answer options
- 57 single-select multiple-choice
- 5 single-select with reading passage about a computing innovation
- 8 multiple-select multiple-choice: select 2 answers
Section II: Create Performance Task and Written Response
30% of score
- Create performance task program code, video, and Personalized Project Reference | 9 hours in-class
- 2 written response questions | 60-minute end-of-course exam
The second section of the AP Computer Science Principles Exam consists of a through-course Create performance task where students will develop a computer program of their choice and an end-of-course written response section where students demonstrate their understanding of their personal Create performance task by answering two questions. Students will be provided 9 hours of in-class time to complete their program, record a video of their program running, and develop a Personalized Project Reference.
On the end-of-course exam, students will respond to two questions related to the code in their Personalized Project Reference. The two questions include four distinct prompts: Written Response 1, Written Response 2(a), Written Response 2(b), and Written Response 2(c). Students will have access to their Personalized Project Reference while responding to these prompts. The four categories listed below align to the four prompts.
| Prompt Category | Required Learning Objectives |
|---|---|
| Written Response 1: Program Design, Function, and Purpose | Students should be prepared to respond to prompts about their program that assess any of the following learning objectives:
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| Written Response 2(a): Algorithm Development | Students should be prepared to respond to prompts about their program that assess any of the following learning objectives:
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| Written Response 2(b): Errors and Testing | Students should be prepared to respond to prompts about their program that assess any of the following learning objectives:
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| Written Response 2(c): Data and Procedural Abstraction | Students should be prepared to respond to prompts about their program that assess any of the following learning objectives:
|
AP Digital Portfolio
Review these resources for guidance on how to use the AP Digital Portfolio and sign in.
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Sign In to the AP Digital Portfolio
Sign in to the AP Digital Portfolio using your College Board account.
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About the AP Digital Portfolio
Get an overview of what the AP Digital Portfolio is and how it works.
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AP Digital Portfolio: Teacher User Guide
Review this guide to learn how to navigate the AP Digital Portfolio and complete tasks specific to your courses.
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AP Digital Portfolio: Student User Guide
Share this guide with students to help them navigate the AP Digital Portfolio.
Test Previews for Digital AP Exams
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Practice on Bluebook
Download the Bluebook app and log in with your College Board account information to access test previews for the digital AP Exams.
Reference Information
Reference materials are available for this course and will be printed and mailed to schools, in addition to being available in Bluebook in the test preview and on exam day.
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Resources
Download
AP Computer Science Principles Student Handouts
Get detailed directions for completing the Create performance task.
Download
AP Computer Science Principles Personalized Project Reference Tip Sheet
This tip sheet will help your students understand the guidelines for creating a readable Personalized Project Reference, which must be submitted as final by the deadline in the AP Digital Portfolio for access on exam day.
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AP Classroom Resources
Access formative topic questions—including those to help scaffold the Create performance task written responses—summative practice questions, and AP Videos on each course topic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the course, exam, digital portfolio, Create performance task, plagiarism and AI, AP Course Audit, and more.
Exam Questions and Scoring Information
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AP Computer Science Principles Exam Questions and Scoring Information
View exam materials and scoring information from past exams.
Score Reporting
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