Selecting and Preparing AP Exam Rooms

The success of any exam administration depends greatly on the suitability of the testing site. Most of the same considerations are needed for all AP Exams when planning and selecting testing locations. Failure to comply with any of the following requirements may result in score cancellation: 

• Only 1 exam subject at a time may be administered in each exam room, except for Calculus AB and Calculus BC, which may be administered in the same room. (See How to Administer AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC in One Room.)
• The rooms chosen to administer AP Exams should provide the best possible conditions for student performance and exam security.
• All testing rooms must adhere to the AP Program’s seating policy.
• Provide a large, smooth writing surface, preferably desks or tables.
• Avoid disturbances: disruptive events, such as fire drills, should be scheduled for another time. Intercoms should be turned off.
• Make sure there’s a wall clock clearly visible to students during the exam.
• Remove maps, periodic or other tables, posters, or any subject-specific materials from the walls.
• When planning testing rooms, account for students who will be taking exams with accommodations that require them to be in a separate room for testing.
• Seating should be able to be set up properly and quickly.
• Any special equipment needed for administering the exam should be set up and tested in the room before the start of the exam. (Important: For AP Exam administrations that require the use of CDs, don’t use the CDs to test equipment.)
• Make sure the room has adequate lighting and ventilation.

Preparing Exam Rooms for Digital AP Exams 

• Work with your school or district IT staff to check your choice of testing rooms and the number of expected test takers in each.
• Testing rooms should have outlets or power strips for students who may need to plug in their computer during the exam. Consider the position of power outlets and power strips when planning seating configurations and mitigate any tripping hazards. 

Off-Site Testing 

Community facilities may be used for off-site testing if all security procedures can be followed, the rooms are appropriate in size and configuration, and for digital AP Exams, the rooms have appropriate network bandwidth and power sources. Some schools test in community centers, church halls, hotels, public libraries, or local colleges and universities.  

Additional tips: 

• For locations that are not owned by your school district, make sure there is somebody available to address any problems that arise on exam day. Also ensure that you are able to disable bells, alarms, and intercoms for the duration of the exam.
• Plan for any necessary changes to attendance-taking procedures for off-site testing and ensure your school administration is appropriately informed of all students’ whereabouts on exam day.
• Make a plan early and clearly communicate it to staff, students, and parents to limit exam day confusion.
• Work with your SSD coordinator to plan for students testing with approved accommodations.