Student-centric advice and objective recommendations
Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Scholarships360 helps students and families make informed decisions about scholarships, financial aid, college, and student loans by providing research-based information, tools, and guidance. Our editorial content is created by our team and reviewed for accuracy, clarity, and usefulness. When appropriate, articles may be reviewed by editors or subject-matter experts. We work to keep our content current, but information such as scholarship deadlines, eligibility requirements, interest rates, fees, and partner offers may change after publication.
Some of the products, services, or lenders featured on Scholarships360 are from advertising or affiliate partners. We may receive compensation when users click links, submit information, apply, or are approved. This compensation may affect which partners appear on our site and where they appear. However, our editorial content is not reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our marketing partners. Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. You can find a complete list of our partners here.
2026 AP Exam Schedule
By
Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman
Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is the Director of Content at Scholarships360.
He has written over 300 articles on college admissions, financial aid, and scholarships, in addition to spearheading research projects for Scholarships360's Top Colleges resource.
Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.
Cait Williams is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cait recently graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications. During her time at OU, was active in the outdoor recreation community.
Maria Geiger is Director of Scholarship Services at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement.
Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
Unlike tests like the SAT or ACT, which are offered throughout the year, AP Exams are only offered once per year. All AP Exams take place during a 2-week stretch in May. Read on for the complete 2026 AP Exam schedule, as well as some notes about late tests. After this scheduling information, we’ll include some useful tips for anyone considering taking AP Exams.
Comparative Government and Politics Physics 1: Algebra-Based
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Physics 2: Algebra-Based World History: Modern
African American Studies Statistics
Friday, May 8, 2026
Italian Language and Culture United States History
Chinese Language and Culture Macroeconomics
Week 2 – AP Exams 2026
Day and Time
Morning, 8 AM Local Time
Afternoon, 12 Noon Local Time
Monday, May 11, 2026
Calculus AB Calculus BC
Music Theory Seminar
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
French Language and Culture Precalculus
Japanese Language and Culture Psychology
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
English Language and Composition German Language and Culture
Physics C: Mechanics Spanish Literature and Culture
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Art History Spanish Language and Culture
Computer Science Principles Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
Friday, May 15, 2026
Environmental Science
Computer Science A
April 30, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET) is the deadline for:
AP Seminar and AP Research students to submit performance tasks as final and their presentations to be scored by their AP Seminar or AP Research teachers
AP Computer Science Principles students to submit their Create performance task as final
Frequently asked questions about the AP Exam Schedule
Do you have to take the AP Exam if you take an AP Course?
No, students do not have to take AP tests if they choose not to. It is a good idea to educate yourself about whether or not to take a particular AP test and not base your decision solely on thinking you won’t do well.
What if I plan to take two tests scheduled at the same time?
If you want to take two tests that are scheduled at the same time, don’t worry. The College Board has a contingency plan for these scheduling conflicts. You will choose one of the tests to take as “Late testing.” You have to request late testing in advance and request it through the College Board. Although some late tests incur an additional fee of $40, you will be exempt from this charge because of the scheduling conflict.
What if I am unable to make my time slot?
If you are unable to make your time slot, you can request late testing. Unless your reason for being unable to attend is on this list, you’ll have to pay an additional $40. However, the good news is that the College Board will accommodate you and you’ll still be able to take the exam. But make sure to submit your request for late testing before the deadline.
What if I miss my AP Exam?
If you miss your AP Exam, you should get in touch with your school’s AP Coordinator as soon as possible. You may be able to take the test through late testing, though you will most likely have to pay an extra $40. However, the worst that can happen is you lose your chance to take the test. You won’t receive any score and it will neither hurt nor help your college applications.
How do I sign up for an AP Exam?
To sign up for an AP Exam, you should get in touch with your school’s AP Coordinator. They typically request students to express their interest and pay their fee before mid-November. Most students in AP Classes will receive forms with information to sign up. But if you are planning on taking an AP Exam without having taken the test, you may have to seek out your school’s AP Coordinator.
How long do AP Exams last?
AP Exam lengths vary by subject, but last between 2-3 hours. However, if you finish early, you shouldn’t plan on leaving. All students must remain in the classroom until the session is entirely over.
Can I take an AP Exam if I didn’t take the AP Class?
Yes! This is called self-studying, and it’s a good idea for certain students. You can sign up for AP Exams without having taken the class and teach yourself the material. This is a great option for students whose schedules didn’t permit them to take an AP class, or whose schools don’t offer them. Students who already have extensive knowledge of a subject have a better chance of scoring well on a self-studied AP Exam.
How much do AP Exams cost?
AP Exams cost $99 per test, or $139 if the student requests the test after the deadline. This can seem like a considerable cost, but if you are able to get college credit for the AP Exam and maybe even graduate college early, it could save you a lot of money in the long-run!
Can I pay less for taking AP test exams if I have financial need?
Students who meet specific economic requirements may qualify for a reduced AP Test fee. They will only have to pay $62. as opposed to the typical $99 (there might also be additional funding available to supplement the College Board fee reduction depending on your state). If you think that you qualify for a fee reduction, make sure to start the process early to ensure you can submit any necessary documents in time.
3 reasons to join scholarships360
Automatic entry to our $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
Personalized matching to thousands of vetted scholarships
Quick apply for scholarships exclusive to our platform
