AP® exams for high school students: dates, fees and college credit
AP® exams are given once a year in May. Here's what they cost, how to sign up, how scores turn into college credit, and what to do if you miss one. Your college decides what counts.
- May2027 exams: May 3–7 and May 10–14
- $99Per exam in the U.S., U.S. territories, Canada and DoWEA schools
- 3+The score many U.S. colleges give credit for
What AP® exams cost and who pays
The fee
$99 per exam in the U.S., U.S. territories or Canada; $129 outside the U.S. Your school may charge more to cover proctoring.
Fee reductions
With significant financial need you may get a $37 College Board fee reduction per exam, and some states add more. Ask your AP coordinator.
How you pay
Through your school: you can't pay on College Board's site.
Late or cancelled
Exams for full-year or first-semester courses ordered between November 14 and March 12 carry a late fee of $40. Cancel after November 13 and you pay $40 instead of the full fee.
How to sign up for AP® exams
- Choose your exams. Any student who is ready for the challenge and willing to work should be able to take AP courses.
- Register by the fall deadline. Exams are given in May.
- No AP class? You can still take the exam. College Board recommends the course but doesn't require it.
- Pay through your school. Your school helps you submit the fees.
When AP® exams happen
2027 exam weeks
May 3–7 and May 10–14, in schools.
Scores
Released in early July.
Retakes
You can take an AP exam each time it's offered, once a year in May.
How AP® scores become college credit
A bachelor's degree usually takes 120 credits.
Scores 1 to 5
AP scores run from 1 to 5. Many U.S. colleges give credit or placement for 3 and above.
Your college decides
Each college makes its own decisions about what scores it will grant credit or placement for.
Send scores on time
One free score send every year you test; pick it by June 20 and the college should have your scores by early July. Other reports are $15 each.
Don't wait until fall
Some colleges won't accept AP scores once you've arrived on campus as a freshman.
Missed the exam or short of the score? Try CLEP®
Same subject, any month
College Board suggests CLEP for students who miss the AP exam, where the content matches. CLEP runs all year.
How CLEP differs
You prepare for CLEP on your own; AP exams come after an AP course. See CLEP® for high school students.
Study for your AP® exams with TransferCredit.org
Printable study guides for 36 AP exams. Every guide is in one plan: $29 a month, or $149 once.
AP exams for high school students: quick answers
When are the 2027 AP exams?
Over two weeks in May: May 3–7 and May 10–14.
How much does an AP exam cost?
$99 in the U.S., U.S. territories, Canada and DoWEA schools; $129 outside the U.S. Students with significant financial need may get a $37 reduction.
Can I take an AP exam without taking the AP class?
Yes. College Board recommends the course but doesn't require it.
What AP score do I need for college credit?
Many U.S. colleges give credit or placement for 3 and above, but each college decides.
Can I retake an AP exam?
Yes, each time it's offered: once a year in May.
Plan your May now
Pick your exams, register by the fall deadline, and study with our printable AP® guides.
We source all of this information from College Board.