AP Computer Science A
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Exam Overview
The Computer Science A Exam will test your understanding of the programming concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to read and write code for computer programs.
Starting April 8, you can try out the test-day experience, by answering example questions in the digital testing application. See the Digital Practice page for general information about practice options.
AP Computer Science A students will have two options to answer example questions in the digital testing application. Both provide approximately the same time limit per question as the full exam.
We highly recommend you take the Digital Practice, and strongly advise that if you can’t take the Digital Practice, at least take the App Demo. Both can be taken multiple times, and can be accessed directly in the digital testing application. You can access your answers and solution materials (MCQ answer key, FRQ scoring guidelines) for the Digital Practice. Note: Taking the App Demo after completing Digital Practice may override your answers from Digital Practice.
You should be aware of some aspects of testing digitally that they’ll encounter–in the Digital Practice and on exam day:
Thu, May 6, 2021,
12 PM Local
This is the Administration 1 date for the AP Computer Science A Exam.
Tue, May 18, 2021,
4 PM EDT
This is the Administration 2 date for the AP Computer Science A Exam.
Tue, Jun 1, 2021,
4 PM EDT
This is the Administration 3 date for the AP Computer Science A Exam.
Note on 2021 Exams
Both the paper and digital versions of the AP Computer Science A 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 Computer Science A only. View a summary of all 2021 AP Exam formats.
40 questions 1hr 30mins 50% of Score
The multiple-choice section includes individual, single questions as well as occasional sets of 2 questions. You’ll be asked to:
4 questions 1hr 30mins 50% of Score
In the free-response section, you’ll respond to four questions with written answers. The section includes:
ArrayList
—You’ll be asked to write program code to satisfy method specifications and create, traverse, and manipulate elements in 1D array or ArrayList
objects.AP Classroom Resources
Once you join your AP class section online, you’ll be able to access AP Daily videos, any assignments from your teacher, and your personal progress dashboard in AP Classroom. Sign in to access them.
2019 AP Computer Science A Free-Response Questions and Scoring Guidelines
Review the released free-response questions and the scoring guidelines.
AP Computer Science A Exam Free-Response Question and Scoring Information Archive
Review free-response questions, sample student responses, and scoring guidelines from 2018 and earlier.
AP Computer Science A Java Quick Reference—2020 Exam
The Java Quick Reference lists the accessible methods from the Java library that may be included on the exam, starting with the 2019-20 school year. The Java Quick Reference is included in the exam booklet.
AP Computer Science A Java Quick Reference—2004-2019 Exams
The Java Quick Reference lists the accessible methods from the Java library that may have been included on the exam. This should be used in conjunction with the 2019 released free-response questions.
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