Important Updates
AP Digital Portfolio Updates
The digital submission process for the AP Digital Portfolio has been updated. Students are now required to enter their responses to the written response prompts directly into the digital portfolio, rather than using a template.
Create Performance Task Deep Dive
The Create performance task has been updated for the 2020 school year. To help you administer this task, this webinar will walk you through the task directions, guidelines for administration, and scoring.
2021 Exam Information
AP Exams will cover the full content in each course, giving students the opportunity to receive college credit and placement.
Given the uncertainties of the 2020-21 school year, some students may feel unsure about taking AP Exams in May. So that students feel comfortable registering by the fall deadline, this year there will be no fees whatsoever if a student decides not to test or to cancel their exams. Every AP student should keep their options open by registering for the exam on time because there will still be a $40 fee for late orders.
View the latest information on testing.
AP Computer Science Principles Updates for 2020-21
For the 2020-21 academic year we’ve made updates to the AP CSP course and exam to improve the course experience and better align AP CSP to introductory college courses in the subject. You can use the new Course and Exam Description starting fall 2020 to guide your instruction. Order a Course and Exam Description binder today.
Watch the recorded webinar for information on course and exam changes.
Support 2020-21 Instruction with AP Classroom
Designed with AP educators, AP Classroom helps you provide students daily practice and personalized feedback throughout the year. Sign in to access your question bank and topic questions. Students can also access the AP Digital Portfolio through AP Classroom.
Watch the recorded webinar for information on AP Classroom and resources.
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 AP Exam. For more information on exam weighting, download the AP Computer Science Principles Course and Exam Description.
Encourage your students to visit the AP Computer Science Principles student page for exam information and practice.
Exam Day Events
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- THU, MAY 20, 2021, 11:59 p.m. ET
Deadline to Submit AP Computer Science Principles Performance Task
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- THU, MAY 13, 2021, 8:00 A.M. LOCAL
AP Computer Science Principles Exam Day 2021
Exam Format
The AP Computer Science Principles Exam will continue to have consistent question types, weighting, and scoring guidelines every year, so you and your students know what to expect on exam day. The overall format of the exam—including the weighting, timing, types of questions, and types of stimulus materials—won’t change.
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
30% of Score
Students will develop a computer program of their choice. Students need at least 12 hours of in-class time to complete.
Scoring Information from the 2020 Exam
| Scoring Information |
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| Chief Reader Report Score Distributions |
2021: Pilot Sample Student Responses and Scoring Guidelines
For scoring guidelines and pilot sample student responses with accompanying scoring commentary to prepare for the 2021 exam, check out the table below.