Important Updates
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 (coming in July). Students can also access the AP Digital Portfolio through AP Classroom.
Attend the free webinar on Tuesday, July 21, 6 p.m. ET for information on AP Classroom and resources.
AP Score Reports
Subject score rosters and student score reports for the 2020 AP Exams will be available beginning July 15.
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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- FRI, APR 30, 2021, 11:59 p.m. ET
Deadline to Submit AP Computer Science Principles Performance Task
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- Thu, May 13, 2021
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.
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.