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    College Admissions 2026 AP Exam Schedule
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    2026 AP Exam Schedule

    Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman By Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman
    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.

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    Edited by Maria Geiger
    Maria Geiger

    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.

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    Updated: August 28th, 2025
    Student prepares her study schedule by reading the AP Exam schedule

    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.

    Related: What happens if you fail an AP Exam?

    2026 AP Schedule

    Week 1 – AP Exams 2026

    Day and TimeMorning, 8 AM Local TimeAfternoon, 12 Noon Local Time
    Monday, May 4, 2026Biology
    Latin    		European History
    Microeconomics
    Tuesday, May 5, 2026Chemistry
    Human Geography    		United States Government and Politics
    Wednesday, May 6, 2026English Literature and CompositionComparative Government and Politics
    Physics 1: Algebra-Based
    Thursday, May 7, 2026Physics 2: Algebra-Based
    World History: Modern    		African American Studies
    Statistics
    Friday, May 8, 2026Italian Language and Culture
    United States History    		Chinese Language and Culture
    Macroeconomics

    Week 2 – AP Exams 2026

    Day and TimeMorning, 8 AM Local TimeAfternoon, 12 Noon Local Time
    Monday, May 11, 2026Calculus AB
    Calculus BC    		Music Theory
    Seminar
    Tuesday, May 12, 2026French Language and Culture
    Precalculus    		Japanese Language and Culture
    Psychology
    Wednesday, May 13, 2026English Language and Composition
    German Language and Culture    		Physics C: Mechanics
    Spanish Literature and Culture
    Thursday, May 14, 2026Art History
    Spanish Language and Culture    		Computer Science Principles
    Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
    Friday, May 15, 2026Environmental ScienceComputer 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


    • Related: How does AP credit work?

    More resources for students

    Not sure about taking the AP test after all?  Read our guide on whether you have to take the AP Exam if you take an AP Course.  If you are preparing for AP tests and you can afford it, a test prep tutor can go a long way. And as long as we’re thinking about standardized tests, why not use the time to work on your SAT and ACT? Check out our guide to help you decide which one to take, and convert your PSAT to an SAT score. Finally, try out our guide to how to improve your SAT score. Happy studying!

    Related: When do AP scores come out?

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    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.

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