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AP Exam Lengths
Retaking Tests
Longest & Shortest Tests
Study Tips
Advanced Placement (AP) exams are just one way students applying to the Ivy League and other top universities show admissions officers that they can challenge themselves academically and excel in their academic performance. But as exam day approaches, many students and parents wonder, “How long is each AP exam, and what if I need to retake it?” Knowing the length and structure of these exams is essential for effective preparation, and understanding retake policies can help you strategize for future opportunities. This guide will walk you through the timing of each AP exam and provide insights into retake options to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Each AP exam has its own unique structure, combining multiple-choice questions, free-response sections, and sometimes additional components like essays or portfolios. Understanding the time commitment for each AP exam is key to managing your test day effectively. Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive table outlining the length of each AP exam, so you know exactly how much time to allocate for each subject on your AP journey.
Test | Length |
---|---|
AP Art History | 3 Hours |
AP Biology | 3 Hours |
AP Calculus AB | 3 Hours + 15 Minutes |
AP Calculus BC | 3 Hours + 15 Minutes |
AP Chemistry | 3 Hours + 15 Minutes |
AP Chinese Literature & Culture | 2 Hours + 1 Minute |
AP Comparative Government & Politics | 2 Hours + 30 Minutes |
AP Computer Science A | 3 Hours |
AP Computer Science Principles | ~2 Hours |
AP English Language & Composition | 3 Hours + 15 Minutes |
AP English Literature & Composition | 3 Hours |
AP Environmental Science | 2 Hours + 40 Minutes |
AP European History | 3 Hours + 15 Minutes |
AP French Language & Culture | 3 Hours + 3 Minutes |
AP German Language & Culture | 3 Hours + 3 Minutes |
AP Human Geography | 2 Hours + 15 Minutes |
AP Italian Language & Culture | 3 Hours + 3 Minutes |
AP Japanese Language & Culture | 2 Hours |
AP Latin | 3 Hours |
AP Macroeconomics | 2 Hours + 10 Minutes |
AP Microeconomics | 2 Hours + 10 Minutes |
AP Music Theory | 2 Hours + 40 Minutes |
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based | 3 Hours |
AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based | 3 Hours |
AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnestism | 1 Hour + 30 Minutes |
AP Physics C: Mechanics | 1 Hour + 30 Minutes |
AP Psychology | 2 Hours |
AP Spanish Language & Culture | 3 Hours + 3 Minutes |
AP Spanish Literature & Culture | 3 Hours |
AP Statistics | 3 Hours |
AP U.S. Government & Politics | 3 Hours |
AP U.S. History | 3 Hours + 15 Minutes |
AP World History | 3 Hours + 15 Minutes |
If you didn’t achieve the score you were hoping for on an AP exam, you’re not alone — and the good news is that retaking an AP exam is possible. However, there are specific rules and timelines to keep in mind when considering a retake. While all AP exams follow the same basic retake policy, individual class requirements and strategies for retaking can differ. In this section, we’ll explore the AP retake rules, discuss any notable differences among AP subjects, and offer guidance to help you make the most of your second chance if you decide to retake an AP exam.
According to the College Board:
If you’re concerned about a previous score, you have two options:
Withhold a Score: Prevents the score from being sent to colleges you select.
Cancel a Score: Permanently removes the score from your record.
Retaking an AP exam can be beneficial, but it's a decision that requires careful thought. Here are the situations in which a retake might be worth considering:
When deciding to retake, think about:
For paper-based AP exams, you can request a hand rescore of your multiple-choice answers. This option is not available for digital AP exams or computer-based exams, such as AP Chinese and AP Japanese.
If you’re considering a retake, weigh your options carefully and ensure the time commitment aligns with your academic goals. With thoughtful preparation, an AP retake can be a valuable step in strengthening your college application.
The majority of exams are around three hours in length with the longest exams being 3 Hours + 15 minutes and the shortest being 1 Hour + 30 Minutes. Here is a breakdown of the AP exams that fall into the longest and shortest groups:
Longest Exams (3 Hours + 15 Minutes) | Test Breakdown |
---|---|
AP Calculus AB | 45 Multiple Choice + 6 Free Response |
AP Calculus BC | 45 Multiple Choice + 6 Free Response |
AP Chemistry | 60 Multiple Choice + 7 Free Response |
AP English Language & Composition | 45 Multiple Choice + 3 Free Response |
AP European History | 55 Multiple Choice + 3 Short Answer + 2 Free Response |
AP World History | 55 Multiple Choice + 3 Short Answer + 2 Free Response |
AP US History | 55 Multiple Choice + 3 Short Answer + 2 Free Response |
Shortest AP Exams (1 Hour + 30 Minutes) | Exam Breakdown |
---|---|
AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism | 40 Multiple Choice + 4 Free Response |
AP Physics C: Mechanics | 40 Multiple Choice + 4 Free Response |
Whether you're taking an AP test for the first time, retaking a previous exam, or managing multiple exams at once, effective preparation is essential to performing your best. Each situation requires a slightly different approach, from those new to AP testing to experienced students juggling several subjects. With the right strategies, resources, and a solid study plan, you can maximize your prep time and boost your confidence before test day. Here are some key tips to help you organize your study sessions and make the most of your AP exam preparation.
Preparing for AP exams is a valuable step toward showcasing your academic strengths, which can set you apart in competitive admissions to Ivy League schools and other top universities. With Crimson's expert guidance, you’re set up for success — not only on AP exams but also in building a standout application. Crimson students consistently increase their odds of gaining admission to these prestigious institutions, thanks to a personalized, team-based approach that highlights each student’s unique strengths.
Whether you’re seeking help to study for your AP exams, perfect your personal statement, or secure impactful extracurricular opportunities, Crimson is here to support you at every step. Our comprehensive support includes:
Don’t miss your opportunity to excel on your AP exams and stand out to top university admissions officers. Book a free consultation to start building your application to get accepted to your dream university.
Additional Resources:
BLOG: The Ultimate College Application Timeline: A Step-by-Step Guide
COLLEGE BOARD: Official AP Exam Materials