Clarifications and Exam Updates for 2026-27

The AP Precalculus Course and Exam Description has been updated to include minor clarifications for the 2026-27 school year. These clarifications reflect feedback from AP Precalculus teachers and are designed to improve mathematical clarity and the exam administration. Course content has not changed. 

The number of multiple-choice questions, free-response questions 1 and 2, and the timing for each section on the AP Precalculus Exam have been updated. The updates will be effective starting with the May 2027 exam.

Exam Overview

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.

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

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

Exam Date

Tue, May 12, 2026

8 AM Local

AP Precalculus Exam

Exam Format

The AP Precalculus Exam has two sections. The first section contains 42 multiple-choice questions. The second section contains four free-response questions.  

Section I: Multiple Choice
42 Questions | 1 Hour and 45 Minutes | 62.5% of Exam Score

  • Part A: 29 questions; 65 minutes; 43.75% of exam score (calculator not permitted)
     
  • Part B: 13 questions; 40 minutes; 18.75% of exam score (graphing calculator required)

Section II: Free Response
4 Questions | 1 Hour and 10 Minutes | 37.5% of Exam Score

  • Part A: 2 questions; 35 minutes; 18.75% of exam score (graphing calculator required)
    • Free-Response Question 1: Function Concepts
    • Free-Response Question 2: Modeling a Non-Periodic Context
       
  • Part B: 2 questions; 35 minutes; 18.75% of exam score (calculator not permitted)
    • Free-Response Question 3: Modeling a Periodic Context
    • Free-Response Question 4: Symbolic Manipulations 

Test Previews for Digital AP Exams

Sample Free-Response Booklet

A sample free-response booklet is available for this hybrid digital exam. Prior to exam day, share it with students to build familiarity with how they will answer the free-response questions on the exam.

Article

Hybrid Digital AP Exams

Review information about hybrid digital AP Exams and find sample free-response booklets for specific subjects.

AP Calculator Policy

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

Article

AP Exams Calculator Policy

Review calculator policy information and the list of calculators that are permitted on exam day.

Article

Graphing Calculators for AP Precalculus

Learn more about graphing calculators, technology, and accessibility for the AP Precalculus course and exam.

Exam Questions and Scoring Information

Article

AP Precalculus Free-Response Questions and Scoring Information

Review free-response questions, sample student responses, and scoring guidelines from past exams.

Score Reporting