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AP Computer Science Principles Resource Center

By Wiingy on Jan 22, 2025

Updated Mar 27, 2025

AP Computer Science Principles Resource Center

AP Computer Science Principles is a college-level course offered by the College Board to high school students who are interested in studying Computer science at an advanced level. It was opted by 169,000 students in 2023 as it is one of the preferred AP courses.

The difficulty rating of the course by past students is 4.4 out of 10 and the pass rate for the year 2023 was 68%. AP CSP, students engage in hands-on projects, data analysis, and the creation and testing of digital artifacts, showcasing their understanding of core concepts while also honing their creative and collaborative skills.

Course Contents

Based on the Understanding by Design® (Wiggins and McTighe) model, the AP Computer Science Principles Course and Exam Description provides a clear and detailed description of the course requirements necessary for student success. The course is designed to be equivalent to a first-semester introductory college computing course for non-CS majors. The major areas of study in the course are organized around big ideas that encompass ideas foundational to studying computer science.

The AP Computer Science Principles course framework is organized into five big ideas. As always, you have the flexibility to organize the course content as you like.

Big IdeaDetailsExam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section)
Big Idea 1: Creative DevelopmentYou’ll learn how important collaboration is in developing programs and how to use an iterative process in your work.10%–13%
Big Idea 2: DataYou’ll explore how computers handle data and how data can be used to produce new information and solve problems.17%–22%
Big Idea 3: Algorithms and ProgrammingYou’ll learn how to use algorithms and abstractions to create programs that solve problems or to express your own creativity.30%–35%
Big Idea 4: Computer Systems and NetworksYou’ll explore how computer systems and networks work and how using multiple computers to divide tasks can speed up processes.11%–15%
Big Idea 5: Impact of ComputingYou’ll examine the effects computing has had on societies, economies, and cultures and consider the legal and ethical responsibilities of programmers.21%–26%
AP Computer Science Principles Course Contents

AP Computer Science Principles Resources

AP Computer Science Principles Exam Guide

AP CSP Credit Policy

AP CSP Practice Tests

Difficulty Level of AP CSP

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Reviewed by Wiingy

Mar 27, 2025

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