28 AP Exams will be changed to the Digital Format starting May 2025.
The College Board has announced this year that AP Exams are being transitioned from the AP Exams to a Digital Format starting in May 2025. For now, Out of 38 AP Exams, 28 AP exams will go digital from May 2025. Students can attend the test using the Bluebook application in their respective testing centers. The transition of the AP test to a digital format will help improve the testing experience.
1. Overview of AP Digital Exams
The Advanced Placement (AP) Exam is a standardized test administered by the College Board to assess the high school student’s college readiness. It helps the student stand out in college applications and reflects their academic knowledge. Students can earn college credit or advanced placement at many universities across the United States.
| Feature | Details |
| Administered By | College Board |
| Purpose | Assess High School Students’ College Readiness to Earn College Credit |
| Subjects | 38 Subjects as on 2024 |
| Test Dates | May (Annually) |
| Format | Multiple Choice and Free Response Sections |
| Duration |
2-3 hours depending on Subjects |
| Score |
1 to 5 : 5 Score is “Extremely Well Qualified” 1 Score is “No Recommendation” |
| Good Score |
Typically Score above 3 |
| Eligibility | High School Students |
| Announcement of Result |
Typically in July |
| Cost | $99 per exam at schools in the U.S., Canada, and all DoDEA schools ($129 per exam at schools everywhere else) |
2. Digital AP Exam Subjects
28 AP exams are transitioning to digital format. Out of the 28 AP exams, 16 will be fully digital, and 12 will be hybrid digital.
> Fully AP Digital Exam Subjects
The fully digital AP exam consists of multiple-choice and free-response sections in the Bluebook app. The answers will be automatically submitted at the end.
The fully digital AP exams include:
- AP African American Studies (U.S. schools only)
- AP Art History
- AP Comparative Government and Politics
- AP Computer Science A
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP Environmental Science
- AP European History
- AP Human Geography
- AP Latin
- AP Psychology
- AP Seminar
- AP United States Government and Politics
- AP United States History
- AP World History: Modern
> Hybrid AP Digital Exam Subjects
The hybrid digital AP exams consist of multiple-choice questions, and the free-response questions can only be viewed digitally in the Bluebook app. The students must write their free-response answers in traditional paper exam booklets.
The hybrid digital AP exams include:
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Chemistry
- AP Macroeconomics
- AP Microeconomics
- AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
- AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
- AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
- AP Physics C: Mechanics
- AP Precalculus
- AP Statistics
3. Key Differences from Traditional vs Digital AP Exams
While the number of sections, types of questions, calculator policies, and timing of the exams remain unchanged, there are some differences between traditional paper-based exams and the new digital format.
Exam submission process: The Bluebook app will automatically submit student’s responses at the end. It eliminates the need for bubbling answer sheets or submitting booklets. Due to an internet outage, if the test is not submitted automatically, students can submit it within 4 days.
Test-taking method: Exams can be taken on various devices, including Mac, Windows, iPads, and school-issued Chromebooks. Schools will provide loaner devices and Wi-Fi support if required. Reference materials like the periodic table and equation sheet will be available in the app.
Exam Navigation: Students can move back and forth within sections but cannot revisit the parts completed within the section. The Bluebook app includes features like highlighting, annotating, and eliminating answer choices.
|
Feature |
Traditional AP Exam |
Digital AP Exam |
|
Format |
Paper-based, including multiple-choice and free-response sections |
similar sections but taken on a computer |
|
Testing Location |
Conducted in a physical classroom or testing center |
Administered in a secure, proctored school environment only |
|
Device Requirements |
No devices allowed |
Requires a school-approved computer or Chromebook; no tablets or phones |
|
Score Reporting |
Both digital and traditional exams are scored on the 1-5 AP scale, with scores released simultaneously in July. |
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4. Benefits of Digital Testing for Students
There are several benefits of digital testing for students. Some are listed below:
Improve Security: Digital testing reduces the risk of shipping paper exams in boxes to various locations in advance. It increases convenience and security, therefore improving the testing experience.
Streamlined Process: Physical materials like bubbling answer sheets or handling paper booklets are no longer needed. Digital exams will become more efficient.
Increased Focus: Digital testing helps students highlight key information in reading passages. They will benefit from faster typing and editing compared to handwriting.
Fewer Disruptions: Students need not worry about losing progress due to internet issues. Responses are automatically saved, and students can submit them within 4 days of the exam.
Accessibility: Students can use their own or school-issued devices to attend tests. The Bluebook app supports testing on devices such as Mac and Windows devices, iPads, and school-managed Chromebooks.
5. Summing Up
The transition to digital AP exams in May 2025 is a significant change in the testing process. At the same time, it offers security, accessibility, and student-friendly benefits. The Bluebook app helps students experience the actual test environment through its full-length practice tests. It will boost the student’s confidence and preparedness to tackle any questions in the AP test.
Seeking Digital AP Test Prep help will create a drastic change in their academics and career. At eTutorworld, we offer personalized tutoring, customized AP-based expert-designed practice materials, class recordings, and flexible scheduling at affordable prices. Follow us on instagram to get more updates!
FAQs
1. Can I choose between a digital and paper-based exam?
Yes, some AP exams offer both digital and paper options. Check with your school or AP exam coordinator to see which formats are available for your chosen subjects.
2. What devices can I use to take the AP Digital Exam?
You can attend the AP test on Mac and Windows devices, iPads, and school-managed Chromebooks. The College Board will provide schools with loaner devices and Wi-Fi support as needed.
3. Can I take the Digital AP Exams at home?
No, the AP Digital Exams must be taken at school or at your respective testing center. Home testing is not permitted.
4. Do I need internet access during the entire exam?
Yes, a stable internet connection is required throughout the digital AP exam to access the test and submit your answers securely.
5. What happens if I lose my internet connection during the exam?
If you lose internet connection, the exam software will automatically pause. It will allow you to reconnect and resume after you receive the internet connectivity.
6. How is the AP Digital Exam different from the paper exam?
The AP digital exam is taken online using the Bluebook app in a testing center. The test taking method, benefits of exam navigation and submission process in the digital test is different from the paper pen test.
7. How do I register for the AP Digital Exam?
Click the link and register with your College board account. Ensure that you have joined your class section online. Contact your school’s AP coordinator regarding the payment of exam fees.
8. What if I have technical issues on exam day?
If you encounter any technical issues on exam day, inform your proctor or AP coordinator immediately. Depending on the issue, they will assist you properly. The College Board will provide schools with wifi support if required.