How to Take the Digital AP Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide
The digital AP exam is a streamlined process designed to make testing accessible and secure from your home or school. Here’s how the digital AP exam is taken:
- Prepare Your Device
Before exam day, ensure that your device meets the technical requirements. You’ll need a laptop or desktop computer running Windows or macOS or a school-managed Chromebook. Personal Chromebooks, tablets, and smartphones are not allowed. Make sure your device is fully charged or plugged in and has a stable internet connection.
- Install the Testing Application
Download and install the AP Exam application from the College Board’s official website. This application is where you will take the exam. Installing this well in advance is crucial to troubleshoot any potential issues.
- Complete Exam Setup
You’ll be required to complete the setup process a few days before the exam. This crucial step involves logging into the testing application, verifying your personal information, and ensuring everything is ready for test day. This step also confirms that your device is compatible and the application functions correctly.
- On Exam Day: Logging In
On the exam day, log into the testing application 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. This allows you to go through the check-in process, where your identity is verified. The check-in process is a series of steps that ensure the security and integrity of the exam. You'll be asked to show your ID, take a photo of yourself, and possibly show your testing environment. Any last-minute technical issues can also be addressed during this time.
- Taking the Exam
The exam begins automatically at the scheduled time. You’ll work through the multiple-choice and free-response sections within the platform. Each question appears on the screen individually, and you can navigate through the questions within each section, flagging any that you may want to review later. Be aware that you cannot return to a section once you submit it.
- Submitting Your Answers
At the end of the exam, your answers are automatically saved and submitted through the testing application. You’ll receive a confirmation screen showing that your responses were successfully submitted. Rest assured, you'll be guided through this process. Make sure you stay online until this confirmation appears.
- After the Exam
Once the exam is over, the platform will close, and your device will unlock. The College Board will then score your exam like traditional paper exams, with results typically available in July.

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