AP Statistics Exam information
What it is, what's tested, and how it's scored.
AP Statistics exam details
The AP Statistics exam evaluates students' knowledge of data collection, analysis, and modeling techniques taught in AP Statistics courses. The course and exam are designed to cover content most commonly taught in introductory college stats classes. AP Stats helps students build the skills and knowledge that form the basis of research, computer science, and advanced mathematical study.
Students who take AP Stats engage in intensive, undergraduate-level coursework, and a high score on the exam can count toward academic credit at many universities.
The AP Statistics exam is hosted by College Board and costs $99 to register. Participants have 3 hours to answer 40 multiple-choice questions, 6 free-response questions. The passing score is 3.
Time
3 hours
Format
40 multiple-choice questions
6 free-response questions
Exam fee
$99
Passing score
3
Details
The exam has two sections, each taking 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. A 10-minute scheduled break is included between the two sections. The test is distributed in a hybrid digital format: multiple-choice questions are completed through the Bluebook testing app, and free-response questions are displayed on Bluebook but answered in paper exam booklets.
The test serves as the final examination for students enrolled in AP Statistics, and is taken either in school or at designated testing centers.
The AP Statistics course and exam cover the following topics:
Unit 1: Exploring One-Variable Data
Unit 2: Exploring Two-Variable Data
Unit 3: Collecting Data
Unit 4: Probability, Random Variables, and Probability Distributions
Unit 5: Sampling Distributions
Unit 6: Inference for Categorical Data: Proportions
Unit 7: Inference for Quantitative Data: Means
Unit 8: Inference for Categorical Data: Chi-Square
Unit 9: Inference for Quantitative Data: Slopes
The free-response section on the AP Statistics exam contains four distinct question types:
3 multipart questions with a primary focus on collecting data, exploring data, and probability and sampling distributions.
1 question covering inference.
1 question that combines multiple skill categories.
1 investigative task that assesses several skills and content areas. Students are asked to apply statistical knowledge using new or unconventional processes.
The AP Statistics course framework also includes four Science Practices, which are distinct skills that students develop throughout the year to enhance their scientific reasoning:
Selecting Statistical Methods: Develop the ability to choose the right methods for collecting and analyzing statistical data in different contexts.
Data Analysis: Build competency in describing patterns, trends, associations, and relationships in data.
Using Probability and Simulation: Enhance skills in using probability and predictive methodology to explain random phenomena.
Statistical Argumentation: Strengthen capacity to explain or justify conclusions using evidence from data or statistical inference
Standardized curricula for all AP classes and exams are created and maintained by The College Board. Teachers are given leeway in terms of the order and scope of each unit taught.
College Board's AP Statistics exam summary
Multiple Choice
50% of exam
40 questions
Assesses students' understanding of major statistical concepts and definitions, including understanding variation and distribution (mean, median, mode, and spread), identifying patterns and uncertainty, and making data-based predictions and conclusions. Both standalone and question sets based on a specific prompt are included.
Free Response
50% of exam
6 questions
- Part A - 5 questions:Contains 5 separate tasks: 1 multipart question on collecting data, 1 multipart question on exploring data, 1 multipart question on probability and sampling, 1 question on inference, and 1 question that combines 2 or more skill categories.
- Part B - 1 question:Includes an investigative task that focuses on applying multiple skills and context in new contexts or non-routine ways.
Achievable AP Statistics content outline
1
One-variable data
Covers analysis of categorical and quantitative variables. Introduces the normal distribution and its applications.
2
Two-variable data
Explores relationships between two variables, including categorical and quantitative types. Teaches concepts and tools like regression, correlation, outliers, and influential points.
3
Data collection
Focuses on methods of data collection, differences between observational studies and experiments, and rules for making valid generalizations.
4
Probability and random variables
Introduces probability concepts, including expected value, distributions (binomial, geometric), and cumulative probabilities.
5
Sampling distributions
Covers sampling methods and distributions of sample means and proportions. Includes simulations, the central limit theorem, and properties of estimators.
6
Categorical data
Explores confidence intervals and significance tests for proportions and differences in proportions.
7
Quantitative data
Focuses on inference for means, including t-distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, paired data, and common testing errors.
8
Chi-square
Covers chi-square tests for goodness of fit, independence, and homogeneity.
9
Linear regression
Analyzes inference on regression slopes, including confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using sampling distributions.