AP Environmental Science

This is a fully digital exam. Students complete multiple-choice and free-response questions in the Bluebook testing app, with all responses automatically submitted at the end of the exam. 

Exam questions assess the course concepts and skills outlined in the course framework. For more information, download the AP Environmental Science Course and Exam Description (.pdf) (CED).

Encourage your students to visit the AP Environmental Science student page for exam information.

The AP Environmental Science Exam has question types and point values that will remain stable and consistent from year to year, so you and your students know what to expect on exam day.

Section I: Multiple Choice

80 Questions | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | 60% of Exam Score

• Individual questions
• Set-based questions
  • 3–5 sets include quantitative data, such as data tables, charts, or graphs. These questions primarily assess Practice 5, but can also assess Practices 1, 4, 6, or 7.
  • 3–5 sets include qualitative data or information, such as models, representations, or maps. These questions primarily assess Practice 2, but can also assess Practices 1, 4, or 7.
  • 2 sets include text-based sources. These questions primarily assess Practice 3, but can also assess Practices 1, 6, or 7.

Section II: Free Response

3 Questions | 1 Hour 10 Minutes | 40% of Exam Score

• There are 3 free-response questions:
  • Question 1—Design an investigation: Students are presented with an authentic environmental science scenario accompanied by a model/visual representation (Practice 2). Students apply their understanding of the scientific method to analyze the scenario, identify environmental problems, and propose solutions to environmental problems.
  • Question 2—Analyze and interpret quantitative data: Students are presented with an authentic environmental science scenario accompanied by quantitative data in the form of a table, chart, and/or graph (Practice 5). Students apply their understanding of environmental science to interpret the data presented and propose solutions to environmental problems.
  • Question 3—Analyze an environmental problem doing calculations: Students are presented with an authentic environmental science scenario accompanied by quantitative data. Students use calculations to analyze the scenario (Practice 6) and propose solutions to environmental problems.

Calculators are permitted for this course’s exam. Review the calculator policy information for exam day.

AP Environmental Science reference information will be available only in Bluebook. Students will continue to have access to the reference information in Bluebook test preview and on exam day.