Is AP World History Hard? A Complete Guide

More than 300,000 students took the AP World History exam in May 2020. And when the scores came back, World History ranked among the 10 hardest AP classes, based on the number of passing scores.

Is AP World History hard?

Based on test scores, many students find the test harder than other AP exams. However, the class strengthens key skills for college-bound high schoolers, making it a valuable addition to many students’ schedules.

AP World History covers economic, political, social, and cultural changes from 1200 to today. Learners evaluate primary sources, images, and other historical records to strengthen their understanding of history and historical inquiry.

In the past, AP World History covered a much larger time frame. In 2019, the College Board modified the exam and renamed it AP World History: Modern. In the future, students may be able to take AP World History: Ancient, in addition to the modern class.

The AP World History exam 2022 covers the following topics:

How hard is AP World History?

Students can decide whether to sign up for AP classes based on the course material and their skills. Researching the pass rate for the AP World History exam also provides valuable information for students considering the class.

In May 2020, around 60% of AP World History test-takers earned a passing score. That falls below the average 71% pass rate for AP classes. In addition, a below-average number of World History test-takers earn a perfect score of 5.

Data from previous years indicates that AP World History ranks among the more difficult AP exams. However, the College Board recently modified the scope of the course and test, in part because the exam challenged students. In the future, test scores may increase as a result of the modifications.

Source: College Board

Fewer than 10% of test-takers receive a perfect score on the AP World History Exam. Compared to other AP classes, only half as many test-takers score a 5. However, that does not necessarily make AP World History one of the hardest AP exams. Instead, the difficulty depends a great deal on your teacher and school.

Before 2019, AP World History covered ancient through modern history. Students often struggled to cover so much material in one year. However, the College Board modified the exam in 2019 to cover 1200 through the present.

The course still covers a large amount of material, particularly compared with other AP exams. Learners examine global patterns of exchange, empire building, political revolutions, industrialization, and global conflict. The recent modification to the scope of the class helps educators and students prepare for the exam.

AP World History appeals to learners with a certain skill set, including strong research, reading, and writing abilities. World history students must closely analyze documents, identify historical processes, and communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.

Specifically, the class pushes students to identify primary and secondary source claims, critically evaluate evidence, and develop arguments based on primary source documents. These skills prepare learners for other AP history courses and college-level history classes.

When do high schoolers typically take AP World History? The answer depends on the school. However, many schools offer world history in 10th grade. Students often study World History before taking AP U.S. History.

Since many students take AP World History as sophomores, it may represent one of their first AP classes. As a result, students may prefer to avoid taking multiple AP classes at the same time. However, high schoolers with more experience, including juniors and seniors who have taken AP classes, may take World History with other AP classes.

In May 2020, over 300,000 students took the AP World History exam. But fewer than 185,000 students earned passing scores on the test. The following table shows the score distribution for the exam.

Source: College Board

Students complete the AP World History exam over the course of 3 hours and 15 minutes. During that time, test-takers complete 55 multiple-choice questions, three short-answer questions, and two free-response questions.

The free-response section includes a document-based question, where students read multiple primary source documents to answer the prompt. The section also includes an essay question. The College Board provides sample questions and practice exams that provide examples of the exam format.

Test-takers receive a score on a 1-5 scale, with 5 representing the highest score and 3 a passing score. The College Board weighs each section of the World History exam differently.

The first section, which consists of multiple-choice and short-answer questions, makes up 60% of the final score. The second section, which includes a document-based question and an essay, makes up the remaining 40%.

Students often find the document-based question and essay more challenging. AP classes typically focus on these sections.

Source: College Board

The College Board considers a 3 on the AP World History exam a passing score. But that does not necessarily mean students will receive college credit for a 3.

Each college decides whether to grant credit for AP exams and what scores qualify. Most colleges that accept AP scores award credit for a 4 or 5 on the test. Some also grant credit for a 3.

Students considering AP exams can research the credit policy at their potential colleges.

High schoolers often wonder which AP classes to take. AP World History remains a popular option, and the course covers an exciting period in history with scientific advances, imperial clashes, and social revolutions.

Students with strong research, analytical, and communication skills often thrive in AP World History. The class may challenge high schoolers with weaker writing skills. A large portion of the exam score comes from short-answer and essay questions.

Before signing up for AP World History, speak with teachers and past students at your school to learn more about the class.