Headsets for AP World Language 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, including Bluetooth, are prohibited for use in AP testing.
A headset with a microphone is required only where students record spoken responses. Where only listening is required, a headset without a microphone, including headphones, is permitted.
Requirements vary by exam and section:
- AP world language and culture exams: Wired headsets are required during sections that include audio prompts or spoken responses. Students may not wear headsets during sections that do not require listening or speaking.
- AP Spanish Literature and Culture: A wired headset is required, but the exam has no spoken-response tasks, so a microphone is not.
- AP Music Theory, Section I and Section II, Part A: A wired headset or wired headphones is required, with or without a microphone.
- AP Music Theory, Section II, Part B (sight singing): Headsets are not used. Students record spoken responses using a microphone while audio plays through a speaker.
Review the following tables for complete details about headset requirements. For AP Music Theory, consult both tables: the first applies to Section I and Section II, Part A, and the second to Section II, Part B.
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.
Purchasing New Headsets for Your School
When purchasing new headsets, schools should look for the following:
- Wired connection: Select a headset that connects via USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm audio jack, or Lightning. Verify compatibility with the port type on testing devices.
- Microphone: A boom microphone (attached to the headset and positioned near the mouth) is recommended for consistent recording quality. Inline microphones (located on the headset cable) are permitted.
- Ear coverage: Headsets that cover both ears (over-ear or on-ear) are recommended. Single-ear headsets and earbuds are permitted.
- Controls: Headsets without built-in volume or mute controls are recommended. Built-in controls may be inadvertently adjusted during testing.
- Features not permitted: Headsets with AI-enabled functions (such as live translation, voice assistants, or transcription) or onboard storage capable of recording or storing audio are not permitted.
Why Wireless Headsets Are Prohibited
Wireless and Bluetooth headsets are prohibited for three reasons: test security, connection reliability, and recording consistency. Wireless audio signals introduce security risks that wired connections do not. Bluetooth connections are also susceptible to pairing failures and signal drops that could disrupt timed spoken responses in Bluebook. Wired headsets eliminate these risks and ensure consistent recording quality across all testing environments.
Adapters
An adapter may be needed when a headset's connector does not match the port on the testing device, such as a USB-C headset used with a USB-A-only device, or a 3.5mm headset used with an iPad that has a USB-C or Lightning port.
When selecting an adapter, schools should confirm:
- Audio and microphone support: The adapter must support both audio output and microphone input.
- Connector compatibility: Select an adapter that matches both the headset connector and the device port (e.g., USB-A to USB-C, Lightning to 3.5mm).
Headset Problems on Exam Day
Schools should have spare school-owned wired headsets available. If a student arrives with a Bluetooth or wireless headset, the student must use a school-owned wired headset. Before the exam begins, students complete an audio and microphone check in Bluebook, which is designed to catch headset problems and should resolve the vast majority of issues. Spares should replace any headset that fails this check.
If a headset fails after the exam has begun, replacing it mid-exam is likely impractical. Coordinators should consult the incident table for guidance on next steps, including whether the student should be rescheduled for a retest and whether an incident report is required.