Qualifying for an AP Capstone™ Award
If your school offers the AP Capstone program, you can earn either the AP Capstone Diploma™ or the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™.
AP Capstone Awards are listed on AP score reports, and students who earn the diploma or certificate can view and print their award certificate from their online account. Awards are also included on any AP score report sent to colleges. Here are the requirements to earn an AP Capstone award:
- The AP Capstone Diploma is granted to students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on 4 additional AP Exams of their choosing.
- The AP Seminar and Research Certificate is granted to students who earn scores of 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research.
This diagram illustrates the requirements of each award.
FAQ
How can I get a copy of my AP award certificate?
You can view and print your certificate online: Sign in to the AP score reporting system.
How can I let colleges know that I won an AP award?
Send colleges your official AP score report. Awards are listed on any AP score report that is sent to colleges after the award has been granted.
When do I find out if I won an AP award?
If you’ve earned an AP Scholar award, AP Capstone award, or AP with WE Service Recognition this year, they will be listed on your score report starting in July. You will receive award notifications by email.
What is the AP Capstone™ Diploma program?
AP Capstone™ is a College Board program that equips students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges. AP Capstone comprises two AP courses—AP Seminar and AP Research—and is designed to complement and enhance the discipline-specific study in other AP courses.
How does the assessment work for AP Seminar and AP Research? Is there an AP Exam for both courses?
AP Seminar and AP Research are both yearlong courses that employ assessments throughout the course. For AP Seminar, you’ll complete a team project and presentation and an individual research-based essay and presentation with an oral defense, as well as taking a written end-of-course exam. These components contribute to the overall AP Seminar score.
For AP Research, you’ll complete a 4,000- to 5,000-word academic paper and a presentation with an oral defense. There is no end-of-course exam. For details on assessment, go to the AP Seminar course page and the AP Research course page.
When will an award be added to my score report if I am waiting for a score to be released in order to qualify for an award?
Some scores take longer to process due to later testing or other circumstances. If a score is not yet available when scores are released, you will be notified when it becomes available and is added to your score report. Any awards you qualify for based on the new score will be added to your score report at the same time, and you will also be notified.