AP CAREER KICKSTART

Adopt AP Networking

This new AP career course helps students develop the technical and professional career skills needed to build, manage, and secure computer networks.

What Is AP Networking?

Developed with college faculty and industry leaders, AP Networking is a yearlong course that combines college-level learning with practical, career-connected skill building. Through hands-on activities and real-world scenarios, students learn how devices communicate, how networks are configured and maintained, how data is transmitted reliably and securely across systems, and how to troubleshoot problems with devices and networks. The course offers students the opportunity to earn college credit and an employer-endorsed credential. 

Two students review a networking board

Why Offer the Course?

Networking skills are essential across today’s technology-driven economy. Launching in 2027-28, AP Networking will prepare students for in-demand opportunities in information technology and related fields while expanding access to college-level coursework. Plus, the course can be easily tailored to fit into existing career and technical education (CTE) programs of study, helping schools support both college and career readiness.

AP Networking class at a table

AP Networking Exam

Students with qualifying exam scores will earn two benefits.

College Credit and Placement

Students with qualifying exam scores can earn credit at colleges and universities.

Employer-Endorsed Credential

Students with qualifying exam scores earn a credential they can apply toward further training or in the workforce.

Pilot and Course Framework

AP Networking will be in its third and final pilot in 2026-27. Find details about the pilot and explore the course framework.

AP Networking Pilot for 2026-27

Find information and resources for the pilot. 

Get Pilot Details

AP Networking Course Framework

Review course details in the course framework.

Download the Framework