How to Sign Up for an AP Course

You sign up for AP courses through your school, not through the AP website. Start by checking out these instructions.

Are you already signed up for an AP course? Your next step is to join your class section online. You should do this at the beginning of the school year.

Instructions

Explore the 38 AP courses.

Go to the Course Index to get an overview of each course and exam.

See if your school offers the course.

There are 38 AP courses, but all are not available at every school.

Talk to your counselor or your teacher about signing up.

Your teacher or counselor will be able to tell you how to sign up and what to do to prepare for the AP course you’re interested in. Before you meet with your teacher or counselor, download and fill out the AP Conversation Starter.

FAQs

AP classes can be challenging, but that doesn’t mean you’re not up to the task. If you’re willing to work hard and if you’re prepared academically, you should be able to succeed in an AP course. 

And remember, students benefit from taking AP courses and exams, no matter their score.

Some AP classes have recommended courses you should take first—check the specific course page for that information. Your high school may also have requirements for specific AP courses. Talk to your school counselor or a teacher to find out more.

Talk to your counselor about taking the course through an authorized online provider.

You should also know that you can self-study for most AP Exams—you don’t have to take the course beforehand, although we recommend you do. Learn more at The AP Exam I want to take isn’t offered at my school. What should I do?

First, you should know that you can self-study for most AP Exams—you don’t have to take the course beforehand, although we recommend you do. To arrange to take an AP Exam, you’ll have to contact a local high school that administers them. Learn more at I’m homeschooled. How can I take an AP Exam?

If you do want to take an authorized AP course, look into online providers authorized by the AP Program.

The AP Program believes that all motivated and academically prepared students should be able to enroll in AP courses. We strongly encourage all high schools to follow this principle.

Some high schools let any student enroll in an AP course as long as the student has taken the recommended prerequisite courses. Other high schools have additional rules—for example, you might have to pass a placement test to enroll in an AP course. Ask your counselor what the process is at your school.