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.

Explore Resources to Help You Choose Your First or Next AP Course

Map Out Your Journey

Instructions

  1. Explore AP courses.

    Start at the AP Courses and Exams page to get an overview of each course and exam. You can also see what courses pair well together and view the most popular courses by grade.

  2. See if your school offers the course.

    Not all AP courses are available at every school.

  3. 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.

    Download

    AP Conversation Starter (English)

    This four-page worksheet helps you get ready to talk to your teacher or counselor about taking AP courses.

    • PDF
    • 775.29 KB

    Article

    AP Conversation Starter in Other Languages

    Download the AP Conversation Starter in languages other than English.

  4. Explore free AP resources.

    Once you’re signed up for an AP course, there are free AP resources to help you prepare for exam day. 

    Link

    AP Action Plan for the School Year

    Follow this annual action plan to get the most out of your AP experience.

    • Go to AP Students Blog

    Link

    Free Resources to Prepare for AP Exams

    Explore free resources in AP Classroom to prepare for AP Exams.

    • Go to AP Students Blog

    Link

    5 Tips for AP Course Success

    Gear up for your next AP course with these helpful tips.

    • Go to AP Students Blog

    Link

    What to Expect When Taking Your First AP Exam

    Follow these steps to prepare for exam day.

    • Go to AP Students Blog

FAQ

I’m homeschooled. How can I take an AP course?

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. See also this FAQ: I’m homeschooled/my school doesn't administer AP Exams. How can I take an AP Exam?

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

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The AP course I want to take isn’t offered at my school. What should I do?

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. See also this FAQ: The AP Exam I want to take isn’t offered at my school. What should I do?

*Exceptions include AP Research, AP Seminar, and AP Computer Science Principles, which do have a course prerequisite. You must take the AP course to receive a corresponding exam score. 

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Do AP courses have requirements or prerequisites?

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.

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Will an AP course be too hard for me?

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.

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Can anyone take AP?

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.

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