AP Psychology Exam information
What it is, what's tested, and how it's scored.
AP Psychology exam details
The Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology exam assesses a student's understanding of key psychology concepts, theories, and research methods. It serves as the final examination for the AP Psychology class, which is administered by the College Board and offered at certain high schools.
Students who take AP Psych engage in intensive, college-level coursework and have the opportunity to earn college credit, depending on their performance on the exam.
The AP Psychology exam is hosted by College Board and costs $99 to register. Participants have 2 hours and 40 minutes to answer 75 multiple-choice questions, 2 free-response questions. The passing score is 3.
Time
2 hours and 40 minutes
Format
75 multiple-choice questions
2 free-response questions
Exam fee
$99
Passing score
3
Details
The AP Psych exam is taken in school or at designated testing centers. It is typically distributed in a fully digital format through the Bluebook testing app. The exam is divided into two sections, each taking 1 hour and 30 minutes and 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete. A 10-minute scheduled break is included between the two sections.
The AP Psych course covers the following topics, which are reflected in the AP exam:
Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behavior
Unit 2: Cognition
Unit 3: Development and Learning
Unit 4: Social Psychology and Personality
Unit 5: Mental and Physical Health
Throughout the AP Psychology course, students develop and apply four distinct Science Practices, which are central to the study and practice of psychology:
Concept Application: Applying psychological perspectives, theories, concepts, and research findings in practice.
Research Methods and Design: Evaluating both qualitative and quantitative research methods and study designs in different settings.
Data Interpretation: Comprehending representations and visualizations of psychological concepts that employ quantitative data (tables, graphs, charts, and diagrams) and qualitative information.
Argumentation: Developing and justifying psychological arguments using available evidence.
The College Board creates a standardized curriculum guide for all AP exams. The order units are taught, as well as the depth and focus of each, which will be determined by your teacher.
College Board's AP Psychology exam summary
Multiple Choice Section
66.7% of exam
75 questions
Questions ask students to define and explain content from course topics. Tests skills in content application, data analysis, and scientific investigation.
Free Response Section
33.3% of exam
2 questions
- Article Analysis Question (AAQ) - 1 question:Students will be provided with a summarized, peer-reviewed source and asked to identify research methods and variables, interpret statistics, evaluate ethical guidelines, generalize the study, and discuss augments and applications.
- Evidence-based Question (EBQ) - 1 question:Students are provided 3 summarized peer-reviewed sources on a common topic and asked to defend a claim using 2 pieces of evidence from the sources and relevant reasoning.
Achievable AP Psychology content outline
1
Biology of Behavior
Explore how heredity, environment, neurons, and brain structures shape behavior, sleep, and sensations, forming the biological foundation for understanding thoughts, feelings, and actions.
2
Cognition
Learn how we perceive, think, solve problems, make decisions, form and retrieve memories, and assess intelligence, revealing the mental processes that underlie human knowledge and abilities.
3
Development & Learning
Examine how humans grow cognitively, socially, and emotionally, plus how communication, learning styles, and conditioning shape behavior across the lifespan.
4
Social Psychology & Personality
Understand how social situations, attitudes, motivation, emotion, and personality theories explain behavior in groups and relationships, influencing identity and interactions.
5
Mental & Physical Health
Study health psychology, psychological disorders, and treatments, from depression and anxiety to trauma, personality disorders, and positive psychology approaches for well-being.
6
Science Practices
Discover how psychologists design ethical research, analyze and interpret data, and build strong evidence-based arguments to explain behavior and mental processes.