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What is a Digital AP Exams?
The Digital AP Exam is a computer-based version of the traditional pen and paper-based AP exam, which is administered by the College Board. Digital AP Exams are a relatively new way (2023) to take Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
The digital exam is proctored and administered in school on the same schedule as paper exams. It includes the same number of sections, number and type of questions, question choice (if applicable), and timing as the paper exams.
The digital testing experience for students and proctors is on the Bluebook app. In May 2023, more than 3,600 schools administered 320,000 digital AP Exams.
Which AP exams are available digitally?
As of AP 2024, the Digital AP exam will be available for the following subjects:
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP European History
- AP Seminar
- AP U.S. History
- AP World History: Modern
- AP African American Studies (2023-24 pilot schools only)
The College Board plans to expand the availability of Digital AP Exams to more subjects in the future.
How to take a Digital AP Exam?
To take the Digital AP exam, students must first register for the AP exam through their school. Once they have registered, they will need to download the Bluebook testing app to their device.
On exam day, students need to arrive at their testing center at least 30 minutes early. They will check in with a proctor and then start the exam on their device.
Students have the same amount of time to complete a Digital AP Exam as they would a paper-and-pencil exam and can go back and review their answers before submitting the exam.
How does the digital AP exam work?
- Digital exams are proctored and administered in school on the same schedule as paper exams. They may not be taken at home.
- Digital exams include the same number of sections, number and type of questions, question choice (if applicable), and timing as the paper exams.
- Students can go back within a section or part to review or complete previous questions. As on the paper exam, students may not return to parts within a section that has already been completed.
- Students can use the Bluebook testing app on a wide range of devices; Bluebook requirements are typical of other applications used in schools.
- Accommodations such as extended time are provided in Bluebook.
Summary
Digital AP Exams offer several advantages over traditional paper-and-pencil exams. They are convenient, flexible, accessible, and secure. However, it cannot be accessed on multiple devices, and all exam responses must be entered on the device being used.
Written by
Apoorvaa AgarwalReviewed by
Priyanshi Agrawal