Important Updates
2021 Exam Information
AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) end-of-course exams will be offered on paper in early May and as a digital exam in late May and early June.
All versions of the end-of-course exam will cover the full scope of course content, giving students the opportunity to qualify for college credit and placement. Both the paper and digital versions of the end-of-course exam will consist of the typical multiple-choice section.
There are differences between the paper and digital versions of some 2021 AP Exams, and those variations differ by course. The information below applies to AP Computer Science Principles only. View a summary of all 2021 AP Exam formats.
Learn more about 2021 testing.
Information and resources for previously announced 2020-21 AP CSP course and exam changes:
- Course and Exam Description (order CED binder)
- Watch the recorded webinar for information on course and exam changes.
- Watch the recorded webinar for a deep dive on the updated Create Performance Task.
Exams Previously Scheduled for May 13
To avoid conflicts for students observing Eid al Fitr, no exams are scheduled for Thursday, May 13. Exams previously scheduled for May 13, including the AP CSP end-of-course exam, will instead be administered on Monday, May 17.
AP Digital Portfolio Updates
We’ve extended the deadline for final digital submission of the AP CSP Create Performance Task to Thursday, May 20, 2021, 11:59 p.m. EDT, to support students and teachers impacted by delayed school start dates.
Students are now required to enter their responses to the written response prompts directly into the digital portfolio, rather than using a template. Watch the recorded webinar on the updated digital portfolio submission process.
Get students to watch a recording of the Create Performance Task Walk-Through webinar, which guides students on task directions, task guidelines, and the submission process.
AP Classroom and AP Daily
A new AP CSP practice exam is now available in the AP Classroom question bank, along with a scoring worksheet. As the exam approaches, assign the AP practice exam in the AP Classroom question bank to prepare your students, whether they are taking the exam digitally or on site.
Teachers and students can access short, searchable AP Daily videos in AP Classroom. Videos can be assigned as homework to encourage students to watch on their own, so you can use class time to focus discussions where students need more help, whether teaching online, in person, or both. 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, topic questions, and AP Daily videos. 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, 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.
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Create Performance Task Walk-Through
Watch the recording of the Create Performance Task Walk-Through webinar, for guidance on task directions, task guidelines, and the submission process.
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AP Computer Science Principles Exam Reference Sheet
This reference sheet is distributed to students for use during the end-of-course exam. It contains both block-based and text-based programming constructs and establishes a common way to communicate programming concepts.
Assessment Dates
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- THU, MAY 20, 2021, 11:59 PM EDT
Deadline to Submit AP Computer Science Principles Performance Task
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- MON, MAY 17, 2021, 8 AM LOCAL
AP Computer Science Principles End-of-Course Exam—Administration 1
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- WED, MAY 26, 2021, 4 PM EDT
AP Computer Science Principles End-of-Course Exam—Administration 2
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- MON, JUN 7, 2021, 4 PM EDT
AP Computer Science Principles End-of-Course Exam—Administration 3
Exam Format
The AP Computer Science Principles end-of-course 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.
Note on 2021 exams: There are differences between the paper and digital versions of some 2021 AP Exams, and those variations differ by course. The information below applies to AP Computer Science Principles only. View a summary of all 2021 AP Exam formats.
The 2021 AP Computer Science Principles end-of-course multiple-choice exam can be taken as either paper (early May) or digital (late May, early June). Regardless of which end-of-course exam students take, their Create performance task is due by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Thursday, May 20, 2021.
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.