AP® exams for homeschool students: how to find a school and register
Homeschooled students can take AP® exams: you arrange to test at a local school that's authorized to give them. Here's how to find one, what it costs and how to study without an AP class. Your college decides what credit it gives.
- Mid-NovSchools must submit AP exam orders by mid-November
- $99Per exam in the U.S., U.S. territories and Canada
- May2027 exams: May 3–7 and May 10–14
How to find a school to test at
- Search the AP Course Ledger. It's the first step.
- Contact schools early. As early in the school year as you can; schools must submit exam orders by mid-November.
- Let the school order. It orders your exam, tells you when and where to report, and collects the fee.
- Join the exam-only section. The school's AP coordinator enrolls you in an "exam only" section in My AP.
No AP school nearby? There are a few authorized AP test centers.
What AP® exams cost
The fee
$99 per exam in the U.S., U.S. territories or Canada. The school may charge more to cover proctoring.
Fee reductions
With significant financial need, a $37 College Board reduction per exam.
Ordered late
Exams for full-year or first-semester courses ordered between November 14 and March 12 carry a $40 late fee. Another reason to call early.
Studying without an AP® class
The course isn't required
College Board recommends the AP course but doesn't require it, and wants homeschooled students to be able to take AP exams.
Follow the course description
Study the skills and content in the course and exam description.
Past questions
College Board releases free-response questions every year for exams that have them.
Check special requirements
Some exams, especially ones that use the AP Digital Portfolio, have extra requirements.
Online AP courses
Online providers authorized by the AP Program are listed in the AP Course Ledger.
How AP® scores become college credit
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.
A second route: CLEP®
Any test center
Anyone can take a CLEP exam at any CLEP test center, and homeschooled students without a government ID can use the Student ID Form.
All year, or at home
CLEP has no fixed test dates. All 34 exams can be taken at home from age 13 (18 in Illinois).
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 homeschoolers: quick answers
Can homeschoolers take AP exams?
Yes. You arrange to test at a local school that is authorized to give AP exams.
How do homeschoolers find a school for AP exams?
Search the AP Course Ledger, then contact schools as early in the school year as you can.
When do I need to arrange it?
Before mid-November: that's when schools must submit their AP exam orders.
Do I need to take an AP course first?
No. College Board recommends it but doesn't require it.
What if no school near me gives AP exams?
There are a few authorized AP test centers. CLEP is another route: it runs all year at test centers and at home.
Study at home, test in May
Our printable AP® guides give you key terms and practice questions for each exam, no class needed.
We source all of this information from College Board.