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Headsets for AP World Language and AP Music Theory Exams
Learn about the headset and audio policies for AP Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish Language and Culture, AP Spanish Literature and Culture, and AP Music Theory Exams.
Headset Policies for AP Exams
Starting with the 2027 AP Exam administration, the AP world language and AP Music Theory Exams will transition to digital testing in Bluebook, and students will be required to use wired headsets for testing. Wireless audio peripherals of any type are prohibited for use in AP testing. Review the following tables for complete details about headset requirements.
Note:
- For AP Music Theory, consult both tables below—the first applies to Section I and Section II, Part A, the second to Section II, Part B.
- For AP Spanish Literature and Culture, a microphone isn't required for any part of the exam. A wired headset (with or without a microphone) that meets the requirements in the following table may be used.
AP World Languages and AP Music Theory
Section I and Section II Part A Headset Requirements
| Requirement | Recommended | Permitted/allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headset type1 | Wired headset with microphone | Wired earbuds with microphone Noise-canceling headsets or earbuds | Wireless headsets or earbuds (any technology) |
| Device connection | USB (USB-C or USB-A) 3.5 mm audio jack (combined audio/microphone or split) | Lightning | Wireless connection (any technology) |
| Ear coverage/audio output | Both ears covered | Over-ear or on-ear | Testing device built-in speaker Single-ear headsets or earbuds |
| Microphone2 | Boom microphone (attached to headset, positioned near mouth) | Inline microphone (on the headset cable) External microphone with wired connection Testing device built-in microphone | Wireless connection (any technology) |
| Headset controls (volume/mute) | Testing device volume/mute controls | Headset volume/mute controls | |
| Additional Features | AI-enabled functions (live translation, voice assistant, transcription) Onboard storage capable of recording or storing audio files. | ||
| Ownership | School-owned wired headsets | Student-owned/personal wired headsets (not allowed at international test centers) | Personal Bluetooth headsets |
| Adapters3 | None | USB-C, Lightning, or USB-A adapters | |
| iPad additional requirements | Wired keyboard — requires a wired hub to connect both the keyboard and wired headset to the iPad's single built-in port | Bluetooth keyboard — wired headset connects directly to the iPad's single built-in port (no hub) | Wireless headsets |
AP Music Theory
Section II Part B: Sight Singing Audio/Microphone Requirements
| Requirement | Recommended | Permitted/allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio output4 | Testing device built-in speaker | External speaker with wired connection | Wireless connection (any technology) Headset or earbuds |
| Microphone4 | Testing device built-in microphone | External microphone with wired connection | Wireless connection (any technology) Headset or earbuds |
Notes:
- Pilot testing confirms that inexpensive, widely available wired headsets meet the recommended specifications for sufficient audio playback and recording quality.
- A microphone is not required for the AP Spanish Literature and Culture Exam or for Section I and Section II, Part A of the AP Music Theory Exam. See the AP Music Theory table above for microphone requirements for Section II, Part B.
- Schools should verify that the iPad testing setup — keyboard, headset, and hub (if used) — functions correctly during the Bluebook audio and microphone check before exam day. Any hub used must support audio output and microphone input. To confirm your iPad model's port type and keyboard requirements, see Bluebook iPad Requirements.
- For students carrying their original testing device into the sight-singing room, it’s recommended to use the device’s built-in speaker and microphone to reduce set-up time. Alternatively, if schools want to use an external speaker or microphone, a dedicated testing device can be set up in the sight-singing room. Students will need to log out of Bluebook on their original testing device and log into Bluebook in the sight-singing room to test this way.