AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

This is a hybrid digital exam. Students complete multiple-choice questions and view free-response questions in the Bluebook testing app. They handwrite their free-response answers in paper exam booklets that are returned for scoring. Download a sample free-response booklet for AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based (.pdf). Use this sample booklet for reference only to become familiar with the format.

Exam questions assess the course concepts and skills outlined in the course framework. For more information, download the AP Physics 1 Course and Exam Description (.pdf) (CED).

Encourage your students to visit the AP Physics 1 student page for exam information.

Section I: Multiple Choice 

40 Questions | 80 Minutes | 50% of Exam Score 

Questions are either discrete questions or question sets, in which students are provided with a stimulus or a set of data and a series of related questions. 

Section II: Free Response

4 Questions | 100 Minutes | 50% of Exam Score 

This section contains 4 free-response questions, one of each of the following types: 

• Mathematical routines
• Translation between representations 
• Experimental design and analysis
• Qualitative/quantitative translation

Exam Revisions

To learn more about recent changes to the exam format, visit AP Physics Revisions for 2024-25.

A four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is allowed on both sections of the exam. Schools can print the table of information sheet and provide it to students on exam day. It is also available in Bluebook.

Score Reporting