How Long Are AP Exams?
AP exams are undoubtedly a big deal. They can potentially earn you college credit, boost your GPA, and impress colleges. But with all that pressure, it’s natural to worry about the exams themselves. One common question that pops up is how long AP exams actually last. This blog will break down everything you need to know about AP exam length, including the typical timeframe, differences between exams, and how to best manage your time during the test.
Overview of the AP Exam Timing
While the specific requirements for each AP exam may vary, there is a general format that most exams follow. However, most AP exams are designed to take between 2 and 3 hours to complete.
The first part of the exam will typically consist of multiple-choice questions. You’ll usually have 4–5 answer choices to select from for each question. There’s no penalty for guessing or leaving questions unanswered, so focus on getting the ones you know right. Your score on this section will be based solely on the number of correct answers.
The second part of the exam usually involves free-response questions where you’ll need to generate your responses. These answers can take different formats depending on the subject. For humanities subjects like AP English Literature or Language, the free-response section often involves essays and can be longer than the multiple-choice section. For instance, these exams might have one hour of multiple choice, followed by two hours of essay writing.
On the other hand, subjects like Biology or Chemistry might have a longer multiple-choice section compared to the free response. Both Biology and Chemistry have 90 minutes of multiple-choice questions, but Biology’s free response is 90 minutes (including reading time), while Chemistry’s free response goes for 105 minutes.
Math exams tend to have a more balanced approach, with roughly equal time dedicated to both multiple-choice and free-response sections. Statistics allocates 90 minutes to each section, while Calculus BC gives slightly more emphasis to multiple choice with a 1 hour and 45-minute section compared to 1 hour and 30 minutes for free response.
How Long is Each AP Exam?
The College Board offers a variety of AP exams that allow high school students to test their knowledge in college-level subjects. Each AP exam has a specific duration, which refers to the total amount of time allotted for students to complete the exam.
Here is a comprehensive table that lists each AP exam and its corresponding duration. This table will help you understand how much time you’ll have for each section of the exam you plan to take.
| AP Exam | Test Length |
|---|---|
| African American Studies | Pilot Program |
| Art History | 3 Hours |
| Biology | 3 Hours |
| Calculus AB | 3 Hours, 15 Minutes |
| Calculus BC | 3 Hours, 15 Minutes |
| Chemistry | 3 Hours, 15 Minutes |
| Chinese Language and Culture | 2 Hours, 15 Minutes |
| Comparative Government and Politics | 2 Hours, 25 Minutes |
| Computer Science A | 3 Hours |
| Computer Science Principles | 2 Hours |
| English Language and Composition | 3 Hours, 15 Minutes |
| English Literature and Composition | 3 Hours |
| Environmental Science | 3 Hours |
| European History | 3 Hours, 15 Minutes |
| French Language and Culture | 3 Hours |
| German Language and Culture | 3 Hours |
| Human Geography | 2 Hours, 15 Minutes |
| Italian Language and Culture | 3 Hours |
| Japanese Language and Culture | 2 Hours, 15 Minutes |
| Latin | 3 Hours |
| Macroeconomics | 2 Hours, 10 Minutes |
| Microeconomics | 2 Hours, 10 Minutes |
| Music Theory | 2 Hours, 40 Minutes |
| Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | 1 Hour, 30 Minutes |
| Physics C: Mechanics | 1 Hour, 30 Minutes |
| Physics 1: Algebra-Based | 3 Hours |
| Physics 2: Algebra-Based | 3 Hours |
| Precalculus | 2 Hours |
| Psychology | 2 Hours |
| Spanish Language and Culture | 3 Hours |
| Spanish Literature and Culture | 3 Hours |
| Statistics | 3 Hours |
| United States Government and Politics | 2 Hours, 25 Minutes |
| United States History | 3 Hours, 15 Minutes |
| World History: Modern | 3 Hours, 15 Minutes |
AP Exam Timing: A Breakdown by Subject
AP exams are challenging, and a big part of that pressure comes from the tight time constraints for each section. While both multiple-choice and free-response sections pose challenges, they test your skills in very different ways. Let’s break down some of the most popular AP subjects to see exactly how intense the timing can be.
AP English exams
Length: 3 hours, 15 minutes (1 hour multiple choice, 2 hours free response)
Multiple choice: You’ll have just one hour to answer roughly 55 multiple-choice questions in English Literature and Language. That translates to about a minute per question. This requires you to quickly read and analyze complex passages to find the right answer.
Free response: The real challenge comes next: writing three high-quality essays in just two hours. You have to analyze the prompt, brainstorm an outline, write a compelling essay, and then proofread it—all under the pressure of the clock. The fatigue of writing for two hours straight adds another layer of difficulty.
Pro tip: Don’t underestimate the importance of physical comfort! Make sure you hold your writing tools correctly to avoid hand cramps during those long essay marathons.
AP Social Studies exams
Length: Varies by exam
Multiple choice: The time limits for multiple choice vary slightly across different social studies exams. The US Government has 60 questions in just 45 minutes, while AP Psychology expects you to answer 100 questions in 70 minutes. World History and US History offer slightly more time with 55 questions in 55 minutes. The key here is to strike a balance between speed and accuracy. You need to answer quickly to cover everything, but not so fast that you become careless with mistakes.
Free response: The pressure doesn’t let up in the free response section either. The US Government gives you 100 minutes to solve four separate responses, allowing 25 minutes per answer. World History and US History require three short-response answers within 40 minutes, followed by a demanding Document-Based Question (DBQ) that gets 60 minutes and a separate essay with another 40 minutes. Even though response times vary, the longest you get is an hour for the complex DBQ, which requires you to analyze multiple documents before writing them into a cohesive essay. Effective time management is crucial here; you need to move swiftly through the planning stage to ensure enough time for writing and editing your responses.
AP Math exams
Length: Varies by exam (typically around 3 hours)
Multiple choice: While the time allotment for math exams might seem more relaxed compared to humanities subjects, don’t be too relaxed. Take the AP Calculus AB, the most popular math exam, for instance. You get 60 minutes to answer 30 multiple-choice questions without a calculator, followed by 45 minutes for 15 questions with a calculator. Though it may appear less rushed, most Calculus AB questions are challenging and require more time per question to solve effectively.
Free response: Both Calculus AB and AP Statistics give you 90 minutes to answer six free-response questions, translating to roughly 15 minutes per question. The challenge in Statistics, however, is that your answers involve written explanations alongside calculations, making it difficult to finish within the allotted time.
AP Science exams
Length: Varies by exam
Multiple choice: You may expect a similar pace for multiple-choice sections in science exams. Both AP Chemistry and Biology have 60+ questions in 90 minutes.
Free response: The pressure intensifies in the free-response section. Chemistry allows 105 minutes for seven questions, while Biology gives you 90 minutes for eight responses. This translates to roughly 15 minutes per response in Chemistry and just over 10 minutes per response in Biology. Not only is the time per question tight, but these free-response sections can last close to two hours. By the end of the exam, fatigue can significantly impact your focus and performance.
How to Beat Fatigue During AP Exams?
While simply glancing at popular AP tests reveals intense time pressure, the key to success lies not just in preparation but also in managing fatigue, especially during the crucial two-hour free-response sections. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to overcome fatigue and perform at your best during the AP exams.
1. Pre-test stamina building
Immerse yourself in practice with multiple-choice and free-response questions. This not only familiarizes you with AP question formats but also builds stamina for the fast-paced multiple-choice sections.
Additionally, start solving full-length practice exams by March or April, ideally after covering most of the material. This hones your test-taking skills under timed conditions.
2. Mastering the multiple-choice section
Dedicating time to practice multiple-choice sections throughout your preparation is important. AP exams are known for challenging multiple-choice questions that won’t catch you off guard. Before the actual test, wake up your brain with some warm-up multiple-choice questions at home. Avoid starting the exam feeling groggy.
3. Developing a free-response strategy
The ideal strategy depends on both the test subject and your learning style. Explore different approaches using past exam questions. For instance, an AP Literature student might prefer outlining all responses first, while another might write an outline simultaneously. Experiment to find what works best for you.
4. Test day readiness
Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, especially for exams like English, Biology, Chemistry, History, and Calculus (often given in the morning). You’ll need peak energy and focus for this long exam, even at an early hour.
5. Staying alert during the test
Pack nutritious snacks and water for the break. Even if you don’t feel hungry, grab a bite to maintain energy for the free-response section. Additionally, avoid getting sidetracked by friends during breaks. Don’t discuss specific questions or second-guess yourself. Get up, move around, and do some light stretches to keep your mind sharp and focused.
From the Desk of Yocket
The current range of 2–3 hours is a reasonable compromise. It allows for in-depth testing of knowledge while keeping student fatigue in mind. A shorter exam might not comprehensively assess understanding, while a longer one could lead to burnout.
The variation in length between subjects is also understandable. Some subjects, like literature or calculus, require more time for complexly constructed responses. Others, like psychology, might be effectively tested with a shorter exam focused on multiple-choice questions. The current format of the AP exam achieves a balance between comprehensiveness and manageability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are the AP exams?
Most AP exams are between 2 and 3 hours long, though some can be as short as 1 hour and 30 minutes or as long as 3 hours and 15 minutes. The exact length of the exam will vary depending on the specific subject.
Is there a break during AP exams?
There is no scheduled break during AP exams. However, you may be allowed to use the restroom briefly during the testing period. Be sure to check with your test center coordinator for their specific policy.
What should I bring to an AP exam?
You will need to bring your admission ticket, a valid photo ID, and a few sharpened No. 2 pencils. A calculator may or may not be permitted, depending on the subject, so be sure to check the College Board website for specific guidelines.