AP Exam Policies and Guidelines

All AP students deserve a fair and uniform testing experience, whether they are taking the exam in Connecticut, California, or China. To make sure this happens, we require exam takers to follow these policies and procedures.

Keep in Mind

You must acknowledge that you have read and agree to follow our policies.

On exam day (and when you submit work in the AP Digital Portfolio), you’ll acknowledge that you’ve read and agree to follow all the test security and administration policies and procedures listed in the AP Exam Terms and Conditions. We will send you reminders about reading the terms ahead of the exam administration.

If the policies aren’t followed, your exam score could be canceled.

If your testing does not adhere to the test security and test administration policies and procedures—even if it’s not your fault—College Board reserves the right to cancel your AP Exam score.

The penalty for cheating is serious.

If College Board finds that you have deliberately gained or attempted to gain or share an unfair advantage on any College Board test, or otherwise threatened the integrity of the test, we will prohibit you from taking other College Board assessments, including the SAT and AP Exams.

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FAQ

May I bring something to eat or drink on exam day?

For a complete list of what is and isn’t permitted in the exam room, go to What to Bring on AP Exam Day. Food and drink shouldn’t be brought to the exam room (unless approved as an accommodation by College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities office). During the 10-minute break between Sections 1 and 2 of the exam, with the proctor’s permission, you can leave the exam room to get a drink of water or a snack. Your AP coordinator will provide guidance on all exam day policies.

How many times can I retake an AP Exam?

You can take an AP Exam each time it’s offered. Exams are administered once a year in May—you should talk with your AP coordinator or counselor about your plans. Your score report will include your scores for all the AP Exams you have taken unless you request that one or more scores be withheld or canceled.

What is the AP Exam fee?

The AP Program charges a fee for each AP Exam. The school where you’re taking the exam will collect any AP Exam fees you owe—you can’t pay on this website. Talk to your AP coordinator to find out what to do and learn more about costs here.

What if two exams I want to sign up for are scheduled for the same date and time?

If two of the exams you want to take are scheduled for the same time, ask your AP coordinator for information about taking one of the exams during the late-testing period. You may still register for both.

Who do I contact to report suspected cheating?

Although AP Exams are administered under strict supervision and secure conditions, misconduct or testing irregularities may occur. Please contact College Board Test Security as soon as possible if you observe behavior that is in violation of College Board’s test security and test administration policies or procedures.

Test Security Web Hotline: collegeboard.org/reportcheating

You must acknowledge that you have read and agree to follow our policies.

If the policies aren’t followed, your exam score could be canceled.

If your testing does not adhere to the test security and test administration policies and procedures—even if it’s not your fault—College Board reserves the right to cancel your AP Exam score.