AP Career Kickstart

Explore new AP career courses that build professional career skills.

What Is AP Career Kickstart?

AP Career Kickstart™ courses and exams are designed to prepare you for a career in high-demand fields, such as business, cybersecurity, and networking. With a qualifying AP Exam score, you’ll have the opportunity to earn college credit and advanced placement, plus an employer-endorsed credential. 

New Courses

  • AP Business with Personal Finance (available 2026-27)
  • AP Cybersecurity (available 2026-27)
  • AP Networking (available 2027-28) 
AP Career Kickstart students at computers

Earn an Employer-Endorsed Credential

When you take an AP Career Kickstart Exam, you can earn credit by showing colleges what you know and a credential that shows employers what you can do. Developed with industry leaders, AP Career Kickstart credentials help set you up for success in apprenticeships, two- or four-year degree programs, or employment. 

Your Path to Career Skills

No matter where you are in your journey, AP Career Kickstart is designed for every student who wants to learn in-demand professional career skills. 

Consider AP Career Kickstart if you are:

  • New to career and technical education (CTE) courses, but eager to get an early start with careers
  • New to AP, but enjoy hands-on, real-world learning
  • Already taking other AP courses and are interested in these subjects
  • Working toward careers in specific industries
Two students and a teacher outside school

Meet the Courses

These AP Career Kickstart courses will be available in the 2026-27 school year. 

AP Business with Personal Finance

In this course, you’ll bring a business idea to life, advise on personal finances, and get everyday entrepreneurial experiences with case studies.

Learn More About the Course
AP Cybersecurity course icon

AP Cybersecurity

In this course, you’ll develop the technical and professional skills needed to protect the digital world through real-world career scenarios.

Learn More About the Course

Raise Your Hand for AP

If Your School Offers AP Career Kickstart

Talk to your teachers, school counselor, or principal about signing up for the available AP Career Kickstart courses.

If Your School Doesn’t Offer AP Career Kickstart

Let your school counselor or principal know that you’re interested in taking AP Career Kickstart courses and share the page linked below with them.

AP Career Kickstart for Educators