AP Art History
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About the Exam
Important Update
2021 AP Art History Exams will be offered on paper in early May and as a digital exam in late May and early June.
The paper and the digital versions of the AP Art History Exam will be full length, containing the typical multiple-choice and free-response sections and covering the full scope of course content, giving you the opportunity to qualify for college credit and placement.
There are differences between the paper and digital versions of some 2021 AP Exams, and those variations differ by course. The information below applies to AP Art History only. View a summary of all 2021 AP Exam formats.
Learn more about 2021 testing.
2021 AP Art History Exams will be offered on paper in early May and as a digital exam in late May and early June.
The paper and the digital versions of the AP Art History Exam will be full length, containing the typical multiple-choice and free-response sections and covering the full scope of course content, giving you the opportunity to qualify for college credit and placement.
There are differences between the paper and digital versions of some 2021 AP Exams, and those variations differ by course. The information below applies to AP Art History only. View a summary of all 2021 AP Exam formats.
Learn more about 2021 testing.
The AP Art History Exam will test your understanding of the art historical concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to analyze and compare works of art and place them in historical context.
Exam Duration
3hrs
3hrs
Exam Dates
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Thu, May 6, 2021,
12 PM LocalPaper, In SchoolAP Art History Exam
This is the Administration 1 date for the AP Art History Exam.
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Wed, May 19, 2021,
4 PM EDTDigital, In School and At HomeAP Art History Exam
This is the Administration 2 date for the AP Art History Exam.
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Wed, Jun 2, 2021,
4 PM EDTDigital, In School and At HomeAP Art History Exam
This is the Administration 3 date for the AP Art History Exam.
Exam Components
Note on 2021 Exams
Both the paper and digital versions of the AP Art History Exam will be full length, containing the typical multiple-choice and free-response sections and covering the full range of skills and knowledge specified in the course and exam description.
There are differences between the paper and digital versions of some 2021 AP Exams, and those variations differ by course. The information below applies to AP Art History only. View a summary of all 2021 AP Exam formats.
Section 1: Multiple Choice
80 questions 1hr 50% of Score
There are two types of multiple-choice questions on the exam:
- Approximately 40 questions in sets of 3–6, each based on color images of works of art.
- Approximately 40 individual questions, some of which are based on color images of works of art.
- The multiple-choice section includes images of works of art both in and beyond the image set.
You’ll be asked to:
- Analyze visual and contextual elements of works of art and link them to a larger artistic tradition
- Compare 2 or more works
- Attribute works of art beyond the image set
- Analyze art historical interpretations
Section 2: Free Response
6 questions 2hrs 50% of Score
On the digital exam, due to requirements for exam security, works of art will not be identified. Also, you won’t be asked to provide identifying information for works of art that are provided as stimuli in free-response questions.
There are six free-response questions on the exam:
- Question 1: Long Essay–Comparison will ask you to compare a required work of art and another of your choosing and explain the significance of those similarities and differences.
- Question 2: Long Essay–Visual/Contextual Analysis will ask you to select and identify a work of art and make assertions about it based on evidence.
- Question 3: Short Essay–Visual Analysis will ask you to describe a work of art beyond the image set and connect it to an artistic tradition, style, or practice.
- Question 4: Short Essay–Contextual Analysis will ask you to describe contextual influences of a work of art in the image set and explain how context can influence artistic decisions.
- Question 5: Short Essay–Attribution will ask you to attribute a work of art beyond the image set to a particular artist, culture, or style, and justify your assertions with evidence.
- Question 6: Short Essay–Continuity and Change will ask you to analyze the relationship between a provided work of art and a related artistic tradition, style, or practice.
- Questions 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 will include images of works of art.
Exam Essentials
Exam Preparation
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AP Classroom Resources
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2019 AP Art History Free-Response Questions and Scoring Guidelines
Review the released free-response questions and the scoring guidelines.
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AP Art History Exam Free-Response Question and Scoring Information Archive
Review free-response questions, sample student responses, and scoring guidelines from 2018 and earlier.
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