AP Statistics Revisions
We’re revising AP Statistics to align with current introductory college statistics courses. The revisions will be effective beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
Course Overview
AP Statistics is an introductory college-level statistics course that introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students cultivate their understanding of statistics using technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they explore concepts like variation and distribution; patterns and uncertainty; and data-based predictions, decisions, and conclusions.
Course and Exam Description
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AP Statistics Course and Exam Description
This is the core document for this course. Unit guides clearly lay out the course content and skills and recommend sequencing and pacing for them throughout the year.
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AP Statistics Course and Exam Description Clarifications and Corrections
This document provides teachers with clarifications and/or corrections for the AP Statistics Course and Exam Description.
Course Resources
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AP Statistics Course and Exam Description Walk-Through
Learn more about the CED in this interactive walk-through.
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AP Statistics Course at a Glance
Excerpted from the AP Statistics Course and Exam Description, the Course at a Glance document outlines the topics and skills covered in the AP Statistics course, along with suggestions for sequencing.
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AP Statistics Course at a Glance Poster
Print the Course at a Glance poster to use for reference in the classroom.
Course Content
Based on the Understanding by Design® (Wiggins and McTighe) model, this course framework provides a clear and detailed description of the course requirements necessary for student success. The framework specifies what students must know, be able to do, and understand, with a focus on three big ideas that encompass the principles and processes in the discipline of statistics. The framework also encourages instruction that prepares students for advanced coursework in statistics or other fields using statistical reasoning and for active, informed engagement with a world of data to be interpreted appropriately and applied wisely to make informed decisions.
The AP Statistics framework is organized into nine commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. As always, you have the flexibility to organize the course content as you like.
|
Unit |
Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section) |
|---|---|
|
Unit 1: Exploring One-Variable Data |
15%–23% |
|
Unit 2: Exploring Two-Variable Data |
5%–7% |
|
Unit 3: Collecting Data |
12%–15% |
|
Unit 4: Probability, Random Variables, and Probability Distributions |
10%–20% |
|
Unit 5: Sampling Distributions |
7%–12% |
|
Unit 6: Inference for Categorical Data: Proportions |
12%–15% |
|
Unit 7: Inference for Quantitative Data: Means |
10%–18% |
|
Unit 8: Inference for Categorical Data: Chi-Square |
2%–5% |
|
Unit 9: Inference for Quantitative Data: Slopes |
2%–5% |
Course Skills
The AP Statistics framework included in the course and exam description outlines distinct skills that students should practice throughout the year—skills that will help them learn to think and act like statisticians.
|
Skill |
Description |
Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section) |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Selecting Statistical Methods |
Select methods for collecting and/or analyzing data for statistical inference. |
15%–23% |
|
2. Data Analysis |
Describe patterns, trends, associations, and relationships in data. |
15%–23% |
|
3. Using Probability and Simulation |
Explore random phenomena. |
30%–40% |
|
4. Statistical Argumentation |
Develop an explanation or justify a conclusion using evidence from data, definitions, or statistical inference. |
25%–35% |
AP and Higher Education
Higher education professionals play a key role in developing AP courses and exams, setting credit and placement policies, and scoring student work. The AP Higher Education section features information on recruitment and admission, advising and placement, and more.
This chart shows recommended scores for granting credit, and how much credit should be awarded, for each AP course. Your students can look up credit and placement policies for colleges and universities on the AP Credit Policy Search.
AP Course and Exam Development
The AP Program is unique in its reliance on development committees for their initial and ongoing voice in course and exam development. These committees, made up of an equal number of college faculty and experienced secondary AP teachers from across the country, are essential to the preparation of AP course curricula and exams.
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How AP Develops Courses and Exams
Learn what the development committees do and the methodology they use to develop AP courses and exams.
Article