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
Create Performance Task in 2024-25
Given the implications of ChatGPT and other similar generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools on the Create performance task, changes were made to the Create performance task in 2023-24, which will continue to apply in the 2024-25 academic year. A recording of the 2023-24 Create Performance Task Updates webinar is available on the Overview page of the Course Guide section in AP Classroom, under Teacher Resources.
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:
|
| 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:
|
| 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:
|
| 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:
|