AP Statistics Revisions
AP Statistics has been revised to align with expectations of current introductory college statistics courses. The practices and skills for the course focus on student understanding of the statistical problem-solving process and align with American Statistical Association recommendations.
The revisions are effective for the 2026-27 school year.
What’s Changed?
Course Revisions
- The second-year algebra prerequisite was removed. The AP Statistics course is an excellent option for any secondary school student who has successfully completed a first-year algebra course.
- Topics on investigative questions were added.
- The following topics were removed: analyzing departures from linearity (2.9), combining random variables (4.9), the geometric distribution (4.12), chi-square goodness of fit test (8.2 and 8.3), and Unit 9: Inference for Quantitative Data: Slopes. These changes align the course with introductory college statistics courses and allow AP teachers to cover other topics in more detail.
- Units 1–8 were consolidated into 5 units.
Exam Revisions
Fully Digital Testing
- The AP Statistics Exam in May 2027 will transition from hybrid digital to fully digital, with all student responses submitted through the Bluebook testing app. The exam will no longer include paper free-response booklets.
- Students will complete both the multiple-choice and free-response sections in Bluebook.
Multiple-Choice Section
- The number of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) increased from 40 to 42.
- Answer choices per question decreased from 5 to 4.
- 2 multiple-choice sets with 3 questions in each set were included. One set focuses on probability, random variables, and probability distributions, and the other set focuses on regression analysis.
Free-Response Section
- The number of free-response questions (FRQs) decreased from 6 to 4.
- The number of points in each FRQ increased from 4 points to 10 points.
- 1 FRQ assesses Practice 1: Formulate Questions and Practice 2: Collect Data.
- 1 FRQ assesses Practice 3: Analyze Data and Practice 4: Interpret Results.
- 1 FRQ assesses the inference skills associated with Practices 2, 3, and 4.
- 1 FRQ assesses Practices 2, 3, and 4 and multiple content areas from the course.
FAQ
Why did you revise AP Statistics?
AP courses and exams are updated periodically to reflect new developments in their disciplines, to respond to feedback from the AP teacher community, and to more clearly communicate required content and skills.
AP Statistics was revised to align with expectations of current introductory college statistics courses. The practices and skills for the course focus on student understanding of the statistical problem-solving process and align with American Statistical Association recommendations.
The second-year algebra prerequisite for AP Statistics was removed. The AP Statistics course is an excellent option for any secondary school student who has successfully completed a first-year algebra course.
When did the AP Statistics revisions take effect?
The revisions are effective for the 2026-27 school year.
Do AP Statistics teachers need to resubmit in the AP Course Audit?
Yes. All new and returning AP Statistics teachers need to complete the 2026-27 AP Course Audit to maintain access to AP Classroom. The 2026-27 Course Audit is open through January 31, 2027.
What should I know about the fully digital AP Statistics Exam?
Beginning in May 2027, the AP Statistics Exam will transition from hybrid digital to fully digital, with all student responses submitted through the Bluebook testing application. Paper free-response booklets will no longer be used. Students will complete all parts of the exam, including the free-response section, in Bluebook.
Students will still be allowed to use an approved handheld graphing calculator in addition to the built-in Desmos graphing calculator in Bluebook.
Students will continue to be provided with scratch paper for planning and calculations, as well as a printed reference information booklet (reference information will also be available through Bluebook).
To ease the transition to digital entry, the Bluebook symbols menu will be updated to include commonly used statistical symbols and free-response questions will minimize the need for symbolic entry. Teachers and students can review the AP Statistics Digital Response Guidelines for information about using a conventional (QWERTY) keyboard to enter statistical notation.
Are there new practice exams and AP Classroom resources for the revised AP Statistics course and exam?
Yes. One new practice exam is now available in AP Classroom. We’ll update other AP Classroom resources throughout the 2026-27 school year.
What professional learning opportunities are available to help AP Statistics teachers prepare for the revised course?
Teachers preparing to teach the revised course can attend an AP Summer Institute in summer 2026 as well as professional learning opportunities throughout the 2026-27 school year.
Will the textbooks teachers currently use for AP Statistics work with the revised course?
Yes. Textbooks published in the last 10 years will adequately address the revised course material.
Who was involved in the AP Statistics revisions?
Multiple committees consisting of high school teachers and higher education faculty were responsible for the revisions. We also gathered feedback on the revised framework from AP Statistics teachers and higher education faculty.
Did you consult colleges and universities about the AP Statistics revisions, and will they still have the same credit policies?
We consulted universities during the revision process and included many faculty members on the advisory board. We expect these revisions will preserve current credit and placement policies and create opportunities to broaden them.
Resources
Download
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.