AP Psychology FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about the AP Psychology exam.
How hard is AP Psychology?
The AP Psychology course and exam mirror the content taught in introductory psychology classes at the undergraduate level. While students may find the concepts approachable, the exam's difficulty lies in the vast amount of information and terminology students must memorize and understand to score highly. In 2025, 72% of students scored above a 3 on the exam, which is considered a "passing" score on AP tests.
What are some examples of concepts covered in AP Psychology?
AP Psych teaches students the foundational elements of behavioral health, cognition, and social conditioning, as well as the fundamentals of social science research. Key topics include research methods (such as surveys, controlled experiments, and observational studies), ethical guidelines regarding human subjects, and theoretical concepts like priming, confirmation bias, and imagination inflation.
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 course before attempting the test is highly recommended. Students who wish to take the AP Psychology exam independently must register and find a participating school willing to administer the test on their own.
If your school does not offer an AP Psychology course, you have the option to take the class online through an accredited program.
Where do I take the AP Psychology exam?
For students taking AP classes in school, AP exams are usually distributed in class at the end of the academic year. Your score on the AP test is distinct from your final grade in the class and will not count toward your GPA. For homeschooled students or students taking AP courses online, the final test will be taken at a nearby school or designated test center. AP exams are not offered remotely for security purposes.
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 individually.
When do AP Psychology scores come out?
AP scores are typically released by July and can be viewed on your College Board account.