AP CSP Exam Format 2026

Everything you need to know about the AP Computer Science Principles exam format, scoring, and test dates for 2026.

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2026 AP CSP Exam Date

May 14, 2026

12:00 PM Local Time

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Exam Overview

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Duration

2 hours

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Question Types

Multiple Choice & Free Response

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Total Score

100 points

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Passing Score

3+ out of 5

Exam Structure

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Section I: Multiple Choice

  • Questions: 70 questions
  • Time: 2 hours
  • Weight: 70% of total score
  • Format: Single-select questions
  • Topics: All Big Ideas covered
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Section II: Free Response

  • Questions: 4 questions
  • Time: 2 hours (shared with MC)
  • Weight: 30% of total score
  • Format: Written responses
  • Topics: Based on Create Task

Big Ideas Coverage

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Big Idea 1: Creative Development

Collaboration, program functions and purpose, program design and development

15% of exam
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Big Idea 2: Data

Binary numbers, data compression, extracting information from data

20% of exam
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Big Idea 3: Algorithms and Programming

Variables and assignment, data abstraction, mathematical expressions, strings, Boolean expressions, conditionals, iteration, list operations, binary search, calling procedures, developing procedures, libraries, random values, simulation, algorithmic efficiency, undecidable problems

35% of exam
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Big Idea 4: Computer Systems and Networks

Computer systems, parallel and distributed computing

10% of exam
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Big Idea 5: Impact of Computing

Digital divide, computing bias, crowdsourcing, legal and ethical concerns, safe computing

20% of exam

Scoring Information

Multiple Choice (70 points)

  • 70 questions × 1 point each
  • No penalty for wrong answers
  • Single correct answer per question
  • All Big Ideas covered

Free Response (30 points)

  • 4 questions × 7.5 points each
  • Based on Create Task
  • Written explanations required
  • Code analysis and explanation

AP Score Scale

5 Extremely Well Qualified
4 Well Qualified
3 Qualified
2 Possibly Qualified
1 No Recommendation

Performance Tasks (30% of Total Score)

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Create Task

Weight: 20% of total score

Components:

  • Program code (PDF)
  • Video demonstration (1 minute max)
  • Written responses (3a-3g)

Deadline: April 30, 2026

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Explore Task

Weight: 10% of total score

Components:

  • Computational artifact
  • Written responses (2a-2d)

Deadline: April 30, 2026

Test Day Information

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Arrival Time

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam start time (1:30 PM)

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Required Items

Government-issued photo ID, AP Student Pack, #2 pencils, approved calculator

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Prohibited Items

Cell phones, smartwatches, food, drinks, backpacks, electronic devices

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Accommodations

Contact your AP Coordinator if you need testing accommodations

Preparation Tips

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Study Resources

Use official College Board materials, practice exams, and review Big Ideas thoroughly

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Time Management

Practice with timed sections to build stamina and pacing for the 2-hour exam

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Programming Practice

Complete your Create Task early and practice explaining your code clearly

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Practice Tests

Take multiple full-length practice exams to identify weak areas

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Rest Well

Get adequate sleep the night before and eat a healthy meal before the exam

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Stay Calm

Use relaxation techniques and remember that thorough preparation builds confidence

Additional Resources

school Official AP CSP Exam Guide checklist Create Task Checklist quiz Practice with Flashcards assignment Exam Prep Resources