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About the Exam
The AP Precalculus Exam will measure your understanding of the mathematical content included in units 1–3 and your ability to apply different skills in problem solving. These skills include algebraically manipulating functions, equations, and expressions; translating mathematical information between representations; and communicating with precise language and providing rationales for conclusions. A graphing calculator is required for parts of the exam.
This is a hybrid digital exam. You’ll complete multiple-choice questions and view free-response questions in the Bluebook testing app. You’ll handwrite your free-response answers in paper exam booklets.
Accessible technology that has the capabilities expected for AP Precalculus is available for students who are blind or visually impaired. This technology should be used during the course, and an accommodation request to use this technology on the AP Exam must be made through the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).
Calculators are permitted for this exam. See AP Exams Calculator Policy for the list of calculators approved for this course.
3hrs
Exam Date
AP Precalculus Exam
This is the regularly scheduled date for the AP Precalculus Exam.
Exam Components
Section I: Multiple Choice
40 Questions | 2hrs | Approximately 63% of Score
- Part A: 28 questions | 1 hr 20 mins | Calculator not permitted (approximately 44% of score).
- Part B: 12 questions | 40 mins | Graphing calculator required for some questions (radian mode) (approximately 19% of score).
- Questions relate to function types from units 1–3, including general functions (non-analytical), polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric and polar functions.
- Questions include graphical, numerical, analytical, and verbal representations; items in a real-world context; and items involving modeling.
Section II: Free Response
4 Questions | 1hr | Approximately 37% of Score
- Part A: 2 questions | 30 mins | Graphing calculator required (radian mode) (approximately 19% of score).
- Part B: 2 questions | 30 mins | Calculator not permitted (approximately 19% of score).
- The 4 questions are each worth 6 points. 2 questions incorporate a real-world function modeling context.
- Question 1: Function Concepts (graphing calculator)
- Question 2: Modeling a Non-Periodic Context (graphing calculator)
- Question 3: Modeling a Periodic Context (no calculator)
- Question 4: Symbolic Manipulations (no calculator)
Exam Essentials
Exam Preparation
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Graphing Calculators for AP Precalculus
Learn more about graphing calculators, technology, and accessibility for the AP Precalculus course and exam.
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AP Classroom Resources
Once you join your AP class section online, you’ll be able to access videos, any assignments from your teacher, and your assignment results in AP Classroom. Sign in to access them.
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Practice on Bluebook
Download the Bluebook app and log in with your College Board account information to access test previews for the digital AP Exams.
Download
AP Precalculus Course and Exam Description
This is the core document for the course. It clearly lays out the course content and describes the exam and AP Program in general.
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Free-Response Questions and Scoring Information
Go to AP Central to review free-response questions and scoring information from past AP Precalculus exams.
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Services for Students with Disabilities
Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for accommodations for the through-course assessment and the end-of-course exam. If you’re using assistive technology and need help accessing the PDFs in this section in another format, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 212-713-8333 or by email at [email protected]. For information about taking AP Exams—or other College Board assessments—with accommodations, visit our Services for Students with Disabilities website.
Credit and Placement
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