When Are AP Exams?
- AP exams take place in May. In 2022, students take AP exams from May 2-13.
- The AP exam schedule lays out when each test will take place.
- Students typically receive their AP exam scores in July.
If you’re planning to take AP exams this spring, it’s important to know the AP exam schedule.
For 2022, the College Board scheduled AP exams for the first two weeks of May. Students scheduled for two exams that take place at the same time also need to know the retake exam schedule. This year, retakes are in the third week of May.
Knowing the date for your AP exams can help you create a study schedule and hit your target score on your tests.
What Is the AP Exam Schedule?
AP exams take place every May. In 2022, AP exams begin Monday, May 2, and end Friday, May 13. The following AP exam schedule shows the date and time for every AP exam.
| Date | Morning: 8 a.m. Local Time | Afternoon: 12 p.m. Local Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, May 2, 2022 | Japanese Language and Culture United States Government and Politics | Chemistry Spanish Literature and Culture |
| Tuesday, May 3, 2022 | Environmental Science | Psychology |
| Wednesday, May 4, 2022 | English Literature and Composition | Comparative Government and Politics Computer Science A |
| Thursday, May 5, 2022 | Human Geography Macroeconomics | Seminar Statistics |
| Friday, May 6, 2022 | European History United States History 2-D Art and Design, 3-D Art and Design, and Drawing (last day for coordinators to collect and submit portfolios) | Art History Microeconomics 2-D Art and Design, 3-D Art and Design, and Drawing (last day for coordinators to collect and submit portfolios) |
Source: College Board
| Date | Morning: 8 a.m. Local Time | Afternoon: 12 p.m. Local Time | Afternoon: 2 p.m. Local Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, May 9, 2022 | Calculus AB Calculus BC | Computer Science Principles Italian Language and Culture | N/A |
| Tuesday, May 10, 2022 | English Language and Composition | Physics C: Mechanics | Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism |
| Wednesday, May 11, 2022 | Chinese Language and Culture Spanish Language and Culture | Biology | N/A |
| Thursday, May 12, 2022 | French Language and Culture World History: Modern | Physics 1: Algebra-Based | N/A |
| Friday, May 13, 2022 | German Language and Culture Music Theory | Latin Physics 2: Algebra-Based | N/A |
Source: College Board
What Is the AP Exam Retake Schedule?
The College Board has also created an AP exam retake schedule. Students can retake exams from Tuesday, May 17, through Friday, May 20. The following table lists the retake dates and times for each AP exam.
| Date | Morning: 8 a.m. Local Time | Afternoon: 12 p.m. Local Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, May 17, 2022 | Environmental Science | Psychology |
| Wednesday, May 18, 2022 | Chemistry Computer Science A Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Statistics United States History | Comparative Government and Politics Computer Science Principles English Literature and Composition Macroeconomics Spanish Literature and Culture |
| Thursday, May 19, 2022 | Chinese Language and Culture English Language and Composition German Language and Culture Human Geography Physics 1: Algebra-Based | Art History Biology French Language and Culture Japanese Language and Culture Latin Physics C: Mechanics |
| Friday, May 20, 2022 | Calculus AB Calculus BC Microeconomics Physics 2: Algebra-Based Spanish Language and Culture | European History Italian Language and Culture Music Theory Seminar United States Government and Politics World History: Modern |
Source: College Board
How to Study for AP Exams
The 2022 AP exams all take place within two weeks. So if you’re taking more than one exam, you’ll need to plan ahead.
Create a study schedule based on the dates of every test. You can aim for a target score based on what you’ll need to receive college credit on that exam.
Most AP tests must be taken in person. AP Art and Design requires that you submit a portfolio exam. If possible, complete and submit your portfolio before your other AP exams so you can focus on upcoming tests.
If you struggle with test anxiety, take practice tests and focus on stress-management techniques.
What Should I Bring to My AP Exams?
On test day, make sure to bring a No. 2 pencil for the multiple-choice section. You’ll also need a pen with black or dark blue ink for free-response questions. Some exams allow the use of a calculator as well.
If you’re not taking AP exams at your current school, you’ll need to bring ID. Finally, the College Board allows approved types of watches, and students can bring a ruler for the AP Physics exam.
Leave electronics at home, including phones and smartwatches. You can’t bring scratch paper, notes, or mechanical pencils. You also aren’t allowed to bring ear plugs or any food or drinks into the exam. Check out the College Board guide for more information.
AP Exams Requiring Special Preparation
Most AP exams use multiple-choice, short-answer, and essay questions. Some require different preparation strategies.
Art and Design, for example, requires a final portfolio rather than an exam. AP world language tests include speaking and reading components. Students create a program as part of the AP Computer Science course. And the AP Music Theory exam includes a sight-singing component.
Make sure you understand the format of your AP exam(s) so you can feel prepared for test day.
Frequently Asked Questions About AP Exams
The College Board tries to avoid these issues by only scheduling exams with a low number of overlaps at the same time. Still, students sometimes find themselves scheduled for two tests in the same time slot.
For that reason, the College Board offers retake exams the week after the first round of tests ends.
Many colleges give applicants credit for taking AP classes and sitting for AP exams. These students demonstrate a willingness to take on challenging courses and complete college-level assignments in high school.
While AP exams do not guarantee admission, they can help students demonstrate their academic skills to potential schools.
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