The Complete Guide to AP Computer Science Principles Exam [Updated for AP 2024]

Are you struggling with understanding the concepts of computer science? Do you find programming, data analysis, and algorithms challenging?

The difficulty rating out of the course by past students is 4.4 out of 10. The pass rate for the year 2022, for the AP CSP Exam was 63.5%. And the mean score obtained by students out of 5 was 2.92 in 2022.

This blog lists the advantages of taking and passing the AP Computer Science Principles exam, including a brief description of the test, lists some beneficial tips to assist students to prepare for the exams.

Need help learning AP Computer Science Principles? Find an expert 1-on-1 online AP Computer Science Principles tutor from Wiingy and give your grades a boost!

AP Computer Science Principles exam format

The College Board’s standardized test, the AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) exam, gauges students’ knowledge of the fundamental concepts in computer science.

The purpose of the test is to evaluate students’ capacity for a critical study of the impact of computing and technology as well as problem-solving using computational thinking.

Exam Section	No. of question	Type of question	Time allocated
Multiple-choice questions	70 questions	Single-select (57 questions) – Single-select with a reading passage about a computing innovation (5 questions) – Multiple-select (8 questions)	2 hrs
Performance Task	2 tasks	Explore and create a task	12 hrs total outside the test time

The performance task section requires students to complete two tasks:

• Explore task
• Create task

The Explore task asks students to analyze and evaluate a computing innovation, while the create task requires students to design, implement, and test a computer program to solve a real-world problem. In the Create task, students are required to submit their code and a written response to prompts provided in the performance task section.

Overall, the AP CSP exam is designed to assess students’ understanding of the fundamental concepts of computer science and their ability to apply those concepts to solve real-world problems.

Source: College Board

When is the AP Computer Science Principles exam in 2024?

The AP Computer Science Principles exam 2024 will be held on Monday, May 15 at 12:00 pm (local time).

Every year, in May, the AP Computer Science Principles test is routinely given. It’s crucial to remember that exam dates and times might change based on where and how the exam is administered.

For the most recent information on exam dates and registration deadlines, students can check with their institution or the College Board website.

Is AP Computer Science Principles Hard? 

Is AP Computer Science Principles Hard? Yes, AP CSP has consistently been ranked as one of the hardest AP classes.

AP Computer Science Principles is one of the more difficult AP classes, with a rating of 7.3/10 for overall difficulty. However, it is still a popular choice for students, with over 124,000 students taking the exam in 2022.

The multiple-choice section of the exam is often the most challenging for students, due to the broad range of topics covered and the various question formats used. However, with proper preparation and study, students can build a solid understanding of the key concepts and skills needed to succeed in this section.

Students who are new to computer science can also take the course and succeed on the exam with dedicated study and preparation.

AP Computer Science Principles vs. AP Computer Science A 

The AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) and AP Computer Science A (CSA) are two advanced placement courses offered by the College Board in computer science. While both courses focus on programming and computer science concepts, there are some key differences between the two:

Aspects	AP CSP	AP CSA
Course Content	A broad introduction to computer science which involves problem-solving and object-oriented programming	A more-in depth course focused on programming and software including algorithms
Topics Covered	Computing innovations, programming, data analysis, and the impact of computing	Data structures, algorithms, and software design principles, Java programming language
Coding	Emphasizes coding, but not as heavily as AP CSA	Emphasizes coding, requires students to write significant amounts of code
Computational Thinking	Emphasizes computational thinking skills	Emphasizes computer thinking but to a lesser extent than AP CSP
Exam Format	Multiple choice questions and performance tasks	Multiple-choice questions and free-response
Programming Language	No specific programming language	Emphasizes Java programming
Goal	Broadening participation in computer science and other STEM fields by exposure to multiple aspects of computing	Develop skills for future study or a career in computer science or other STEM fields

How to prepare for the AP Computer Science Principles exam?

Preparing for the AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) exam requires students to have a solid understanding of the foundational concepts and computational thinking practices in computer science. Here are some tips to help students prepare for the AP CSP exam:

In summary, AP CSP is a more general introduction to computer science, with a broader range of topics covered, and a focus on computational thinking skills.

AP CSA, on the other hand, is a more technical course focused on programming and software development, with a heavier emphasis on coding, the Java programming language, and preparing students for careers in computer science or software development

1. Understand the course content: As mentioned earlier, it is crucial to understand the course content to prepare for the exam. Ensure that you have a strong grasp of programming principles, computer systems and networks, data analysis, and the impact of computing on society.
2. Begin evaluating your abilities: Assess your coding and computational thinking skills early on to identify areas that need improvement. This will help you tailor your study plan accordingly.
3. Learn the principles: The exam includes multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of computing concepts and theory. Review the course material and practice with sample questions to improve your understanding of these concepts.
4. Work on multiple-choice exercises: Practice answering multiple-choice questions regularly to become comfortable with the exam format and types of questions. Use online resources and practice exams to get a sense of the questions you might encounter.
5. Polish your performance task: The performance tasks on the exam are graded based on specific rubrics, which you can find on the College Board website. Review these rubrics and practice coding and refining your projects accordingly.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice: Consistent practice is essential to prepare for the AP CSP exam. Practice coding regularly and solve practice problems to build your skills and confidence.
7. Optimize your time management: Create a study plan and manage your time effectively to cover all the necessary course material before the exam. Additionally, ensure that you use your time efficiently during the exam by reading instructions carefully, managing your time on each section, and not getting stuck on challenging questions.
8. Stay motivated: Lastly, maintain a positive attitude and stay motivated throughout your preparation. Set achievable goals, take regular breaks, and stay focused on your long-term objectives.

Overall, preparing for the AP Computer Science Principles exam requires a combination of understanding the course content and developing strong test-taking strategies. With proper preparation and study, students can succeed on the exam and earn college credit or advanced placement in a computer science course in college.

How can Wiingy help with AP Computer Science Principles exam prep?

In 2022, only 11.4% of the 134,651 students who took the AP Computer Science Principles exam scored a 5. While 3 is considered the unofficial passing rate, most elite universities, such as Harvard or Princeton, offer AP credit only if you score 5 or higher. 

Getting a 5 is possible if you have the right support in your high school, but that’s rarely the case.

Here at Wiingy, we work with vetted AP Computer Science Principles tutors with demonstrated expertise and experience in helping students score a 5 on AP exams. 

Unlike tutor marketplaces, every Wiingy tutor is screened individually and undergoes a comprehensive assessment. Less than 3% of applicants are selected to become tutors on Wiingy’s platform, ensuring tutors are highly qualified and experienced in teaching AP courses.

Our tutors will work with you 1-on-1 to master the content and skills you need to succeed. Experienced tutors can provide you with curriculum-specific guides and practice questions and familiarize you with the exam format to help you ace the test.

We know that sometimes you don’t want to pay for private tutoring because it is too expensive. It’s common to see tutoring costs between $100 to $150 per hour. Wiingy’s rates are very affordable, starting from just $28 per hour, much lower than the average AP tutoring offered by other platforms.

One more advantage of studying with us is that we don’t require you to sign up for any packages or yearly subscriptions. You can sign up for as little as a single lesson and add more lessons as per your requirements.

While we try to match you with the perfect tutor as per your needs, we know that sometimes even the best tutors might not be the right fit for you. That’s why we offer you the Perfect Match Guarantee, which means that if you are not satisfied with your tutor for any reason, you can request a free replacement at any time. 

Sign up with Wiingy AP Computer Science Principles Tutoring today and achieve your goal of scoring a 5 on your AP Test!

Conclusion

Compared to other AP courses like AP Calculus, AP Physics, and AP Chemistry, AP CSP is typically considered to be a relatively easy AP course. With rigorous practice sessions and focused learning, anyone can achieve great scores in this subject and get good college credits.

The course covers a wide range of topics, including problem-solving, data analysis, algorithms, programming, and the societal impacts of computing. By engaging in hands-on projects and collaborative activities, students gain valuable insights into the power of computing and its relevance in today’s world. The AP Computer Science Principles exam consists of two main components: the Create Performance Task and the Explore Performance Task.

In 2022, the passing rate for AP CSP was 63.5%, higher than the average for other AP exams. The mean score for AP CSP in 2022 was 2.9, indicating that students tend to perform well on this exam compared to the average AP exam.

By utilizing the information and resources in this blog, you can develop a solid study plan and confidently approach the exam.

Need help learning AP Computer Science Principles? Find an expert 1-on-1 online AP Computer Science Principles tutor from Wiingy and give your grades a boost!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

References

1. https://blog.collegevine.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-new-computer-science-principles-ap-exam-performance-tasks/
2. https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/ap-computer-science-principles-exam
3. https://www.codewizardshq.com/ap-computer-science-exam-review/
4. https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/about-ap-scores/score-distributions