AP Calculus BC FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about the AP Calculus BC exam.
How hard is AP Calculus BC?
AP Calculus BC is designed to be a moderately challenging course for advanced mathematics students. BC introduces complex topics that extend beyond what's normally taught in high school classes. The course content covers material from Calculus I and II, as taught in introductory, college-level courses. The percentage of students who scored 3 or above on the AP Calculus BC test was 79% in 2025. The higher pass rate for BC is likely reflective of students' skill and aptitude rather than the actual difficulty of the exam, as BC is taken by a relatively small group of students each year.
What is the difference between AP Calculus AB and BC?
The AP Calculus AB and BC are similar but distinct courses and exams offered through the College Board's Advanced Placement suite. AB is the first course in the sequence and covers calculus concepts taught in introductory college mathematics classes. BC builds upon the knowledge taught in AB by adding more content and exploring complex mathematical concepts in greater depth.
The AP Calculus AB course content consists of eight units, though teachers have flexibility in the concepts taught and emphasized:
- Unit 1: Limits and Continuity
- Unit 2: Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties
- Unit 3: Differentiation: Composite, Implicit, and Inverse Functions
- Unit 4: Contextual Applications of Differentiation
- Unit 5: Analytical Applications of Differentiation
- Unit 6: Integration and Accumulation of Change
- Unit 7: Differential Equations
- Unit 8: Applications of Integration
The AP Calculus BC course adds the following units, which are reflected in the exam content:
- Unit 9: Parametric Equations, Polar Coordinates, and Vector-Valued Functions
- Unit 10: Infinite Sequences and Series
Can I take AP Calculus AB and BC at the same time?
The College Board does not recommend taking AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC simultaneously. Although students may enroll in both courses at the same time, they cannot take both AP exams in the same year and must choose which exam to sit for at the end of their courses.
More commonly, students select either AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC during high school. While a small percentage of schools require students to complete AP Calculus AB before enrolling in AP Calculus BC, most schools allow qualified students to choose either course based on their math background and academic goals.
Do I need to be enrolled in an AP class to take the exam?
While students do not have to be enrolled in an AP class to take the exam, completing the courses before attempting either test is highly recommended. Students who wish to take the AP Calculus AB or BC exam independently must register and find a participating school willing to administer the test on their own.
What AP score do I need to get college credit?
All AP exams are scored on a scale between 1 and 5. Many colleges accept AP courses for college credit, provided students score a 3 or above on the exam. However, each college has its own policy regarding AP exams and scores, so it's important to check specific university requirements.
Can I use a calculator on the AP Calculus AB/BC exams?
Graphing calculators are allowed on certain portions of the exam, though the majority of test questions must be answered without one. Students have the option of bringing their own approved device or using the built-in Desmos calculator for the digital portion of the exam.