In a sudden shift to enhance exam security, accessibility, and the overall testing experience, the College Board will transition 28 Advanced Placement (AP) exams from paper-based to digital format starting May 2025. This marks a pivotal change in how high school students will demonstrate their proficiency in college-level courses, preparing them for future academic challenges. As the world increasingly shifts toward digital solutions in education, this evolution in AP testing is a natural progression, aligned with the College Board’s ongoing initiatives to modernize standardized testing.
This blog will provide a comprehensive guide on the upcoming changes, examining the benefits of digital testing, key details of the 2025 AP exam schedule, fee structure updates, and important deadlines for students and educators. Whether you’re a student preparing for AP exams or an educator ensuring your school is ready for the transition, this detailed overview will help you navigate the future of AP exams with ease.
Why the Transition to Digital AP Exams?
The decision to move to digital testing stems from a few core reasons:
- Enhanced Security: Digital exams offer improved security measures, reducing the risk of cheating and ensuring the integrity of the exam. With paper tests, there have always been concerns about leaks or tampering. The Bluebook platform, already used for the SAT, includes advanced encryption and security features that will protect exam content.
- Improved Accessibility: The College Board’s transition to digital testing ensures broader access to exams, as students in remote or underserved areas can more easily participate. Additionally, the digital format allows for built-in accommodations, making the testing process more inclusive for students with disabilities.
- Efficient Administration: Digital exams simplify logistics for schools and coordinators. From exam distribution to scoring, the process becomes faster and more streamlined. This efficiency benefits both students, who receive their scores more quickly, and educators, who manage less paperwork.
- Alignment with Modern Learning: As education increasingly incorporates digital tools, it’s only fitting that exams follow suit. Many students already use laptops and tablets in the classroom, so taking digital exams mirrors the modern learning environment, helping students feel more comfortable during the testing process.
AP Exams Going Digital in 2025: A Complete Breakdown
Starting in May 2025, the College Board is making a major shift in how AP exams are administered. Of the 28 Advanced Placement exams that will be offered in digital format, 16 will be fully digital, while 12 will follow a hybrid digital model. This transition aims to enhance exam security, improve accessibility for students, and streamline exam administration for schools.
Below, we will explore the differences between fully digital and hybrid digital AP exams, as well as what students and educators can expect from this transformation. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the exams by category, providing clarity on how each subject will be tested.
Fully Digital AP Exams
In these exams, students will complete both multiple-choice and free-response questions directly within the Bluebook platform. Their responses will be submitted automatically at the end of the exam.
| Category | AP Exam Subject |
| Fully Digital | AP African American Studies (U.S. schools only) |
| AP Art History | |
| AP Comparative Government and Politics | |
| AP Computer Science A | |
| AP Computer Science Principles | |
| AP English Language and Composition | |
| AP English Literature and Composition | |
| AP Environmental Science | |
| AP European History | |
| AP Human Geography | |
| AP Latin | |
| AP Psychology | |
| AP Seminar | |
| AP United States Government and Politics | |
| AP United States History | |
| AP World History: Modern |
These subjects cover a wide range of topics, from government and politics to computer science and psychology. With the move to digital, students will need to familiarize themselves with the Bluebook testing platform, ensuring they are comfortable with its interface before exam day.
Hybrid Digital AP Exams
For hybrid digital exams, students will complete the multiple-choice questions and view free-response questions on Bluebook. However, they will handwrite their free-response answers in paper booklets, which will be submitted separately for grading.
| Category | AP Exam Subject |
| Hybrid Digital | AP Biology |
| AP Calculus AB | |
| AP Calculus BC | |
| AP Chemistry | |
| AP Macroeconomics | |
| AP Microeconomics | |
| AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based | |
| AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based | |
| AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | |
| AP Physics C: Mechanics | |
| AP Precalculus | |
| AP Statistics |
Hybrid exams primarily cover science and math-related subjects, where complex problem-solving is required. The decision to handwrite free-response sections ensures that students can still provide in-depth, handwritten calculations, diagrams, and explanations.
Unchanged AP Exam Subjects
Not all AP exams are transitioning to digital formats in 2025. Certain exams, particularly those involving portfolios or audio components, will retain their current testing methods.
| Category | AP Exam Subject |
| Unchanged | AP 2-D Art and Design |
| AP 3-D Art and Design | |
| AP Drawing | |
| AP Chinese Language and Culture | |
| AP French Language and Culture | |
| AP German Language and Culture | |
| AP Italian Language and Culture | |
| AP Japanese Language and Culture | |
| AP Music Theory | |
| AP Research | |
| AP Spanish Language and Culture | |
| AP Spanish Literature and Culture |
These subjects typically involve unique testing formats, such as performance-based or portfolio submissions, which are difficult to digitize effectively. As such, these exams will remain unchanged in May 2025.
2025 AP Exam Schedule
The AP exam schedule for 2025 has been set to take place over the first two weeks of May:
- Week 1: May 5-9, 2025
- Week 2: May 12-16, 2025
For students who are unable to take the exams during this time due to scheduling conflicts or emergencies, a late-testing window is available from May 19-23, 2025. It’s essential that students and schools plan ahead to ensure they can meet these dates, especially as exams are now delivered digitally and require appropriate technological setups.
The exam schedule, divided by subject, remains largely consistent with previous years. Schools should ensure their technological infrastructure is prepared to handle the shift to digital formats, which will require access to devices and stable internet connections for the duration of the testing period.
Fee Structure for 2025 AP Exams
The College Board has introduced slight adjustments to the AP exam fees for 2025, reflecting the growing costs of administering standardized tests, especially in the digital realm. However, they have maintained affordability by keeping increases minimal.
- Base exam fee (U.S. schools, U.S. territories, Canada, DoDEA schools): $99 per exam
- Base exam fee (international schools): $129 per exam (with exceptions for DoDEA schools)
- AP Capstone™ exams (AP Seminar or AP Research): $147 per exam
For students who qualify for fee reductions, the College Board has increased the reduction amount to $37 per exam, making AP testing more accessible for low-income students. This initiative supports the broader goal of providing equitable access to higher education opportunities, regardless of socioeconomic status.
It’s worth noting that the fee for unused or canceled exams remains at $40, and late-order fees are set at $40 per exam. Schools and students are encouraged to finalize their exam plans well ahead of deadlines to avoid additional fees.
Key Deadlines for 2025 AP Exams
The 2025 AP Exams will be administered in schools over two weeks: May 5–9 and May 12–16. AP coordinators must inform students about when and where their exams will take place. Keep in mind that early testing or testing outside the official dates is not allowed, but late-testing dates are available for students with unavoidable conflicts.
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Week 1: 2025 AP Exam Schedule
| Date | Morning 8 a.m. Local Time | Afternoon 12 p.m. Local Time |
| Monday, May 5 | Biology, Latin | European History, Microeconomics |
| Tuesday, May 6 | Chemistry, Human Geography | United States Government and Politics |
| Wednesday, May 7 | English Literature and Composition | Comparative Government and Politics, Computer Science A |
| Thursday, May 8 | African American Studies | Statistics, Japanese Language and Culture, World History: Modern |
| Friday, May 9 | Italian Language and Culture | United States History, Chinese Language and Culture, Macroeconomics |
Important Note:
For Art and Design students, the deadline to submit portfolios is Friday, May 9, 2025, by 8 p.m. ET in the AP Digital Portfolio.
Week 2: 2025 AP Exam Schedule
| Date | Morning 8 a.m. Local Time | Afternoon 12 p.m. Local Time |
| Monday, May 12 | Calculus AB, Calculus BC | Music Theory, Seminar |
| Tuesday, May 13 | French Language and Culture | Precalculus, Environmental Science, Physics 2: Algebra-Based |
| Wednesday, May 14 | English Language and Composition | German Language and Culture, Physics C: Mechanics |
| Thursday, May 15 | Art History | Spanish Language and Culture, Computer Science Principles, Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism |
| Friday, May 16 | Physics 1: Algebra-Based | Spanish Literature and Culture, Psychology |
Late Testing
If circumstances require students to test after the scheduled dates, alternate versions of the exams are provided for late testing. All students must take these alternate exams at the scheduled late-testing dates and times.
For students or coordinators managing multiple exams, it’s essential to schedule wisely. Schools must adhere to local time zones for both morning (8–9 a.m.) and afternoon (12–1 p.m.) exam administrations. This includes Alaska, which now follows the same scheduling guidelines as other U.S. states.
Key Deadlines for AP Coordinators and Students
- April 30, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. ET:
- Deadline for AP Seminar and AP Research students to submit performance tasks.
- AP Computer Science Principles students must submit their Create performance task by this deadline.
- May 9, 2025, by 8 p.m. ET:
- Deadline for AP Art and Design students to submit portfolios in the AP Digital Portfolio.
Additional Information:
By adhering to this schedule and meeting the deadlines, students and schools can ensure a smooth and efficient exam process for the 2025 AP digital and paper exams.
Preparing for Digital AP Exams
Transitioning to digital exams requires careful preparation, both on the part of students and schools. The College Board has outlined several steps to ensure a smooth experience:
- Technology Requirements: Schools must ensure that all students have access to compatible devices for testing. The Bluebook digital platform is designed to run on both Mac and Windows operating systems, and students will need laptops or tablets that meet these specifications. Reliable internet access is also crucial during the exam period.
- Familiarization with the Bluebook Platform: It’s recommended that students and teachers become familiar with the Bluebook platform ahead of time. Practice tests will be made available, allowing students to get used to the digital interface, navigation, and submission process. Schools should encourage students to take these practice exams to reduce anxiety and build confidence.
- Training for AP Coordinators: The College Board will offer training sessions for AP coordinators to help them navigate the digital transition. These sessions will cover everything from setting up the testing environment to troubleshooting common issues on exam day. Coordinators should take full advantage of these resources to ensure they are fully prepared.
- Student Preparation: Beyond technological readiness, students should focus on their AP course content and exam strategy. Resources like AP Classroom and AP Daily, which provide targeted practice and review materials, are excellent tools for reinforcing key concepts and improving exam performance.
The Future of Standardized Testing
The shift to digital AP exams is part of a broader trend in standardized testing. The College Board has already introduced digital formats for the SAT, and the transition to digital AP exams is a natural extension of this evolution. This move aligns with the increasing use of technology in education and assessments, reflecting a world where digital literacy is critical for success.
By adopting digital testing, the College Board is also future-proofing its exams, ensuring they remain relevant in an era where traditional paper-based testing is becoming outdated. Digital exams provide an opportunity for greater flexibility in test administration, including options for remote testing in some cases, a potential benefit for students in rural or international locations
Conclusion
The College Board’s transition to digital AP exams in May 2025 is a forward-thinking step that will improve the exam experience for students and educators alike. With enhanced security, increased accessibility, and streamlined administration, digital exams are poised to become the new standard in AP testing.
As students and schools prepare for this transition, it’s essential to stay informed about the upcoming changes, key deadlines, and technological requirements. By planning ahead, taking advantage of available resources, and familiarizing themselves with the Bluebook platform, students can approach the 2025 AP exams with confidence and success.
Whether you’re a student aiming to score high on your AP exams or an educator facilitating the testing process, understanding these updates will help ensure a smooth transition to the digital future of standardized testing. The future of AP exams is here—are you ready for it?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main differences between fully digital and hybrid digital AP exams?
Fully digital AP exams are taken entirely on the Bluebook platform, where students complete both multiple-choice and free-response questions digitally. Once the exam is finished, all responses are automatically submitted for grading through the platform.
On the other hand, hybrid digital exams involve students answering multiple-choice questions on the Bluebook platform but require them to handwrite their free-response answers in paper booklets. These handwritten booklets are then submitted separately for manual scoring.
This combination of digital and paper formats in hybrid exams allows for a smoother transition to digital testing while retaining the traditional method for detailed, free-response questions in some subjects.
How can students prepare for the digital AP exams?
Students can prepare by practicing with the Bluebook platform, which the College Board will provide access to. It’s important to familiarize themselves with the interface, review technology requirements, and take advantage of practice exams and other digital resources available.
Will any AP exams remain unchanged in 2025?
Yes, certain exams that involve portfolios or audio components will remain unchanged. These include:
- AP 2-D Art and Design
- AP 3-D Art and Design
- AP Drawing
- AP Music Theory
AP language exams (e.g., AP Spanish, AP French, AP Japanese, etc.)
What happens if a student encounters technical difficulties during the digital exam?
The College Board will have support systems in place to address technical difficulties. Schools will likely have guidelines for dealing with technical issues during the exam, such as device malfunctions or internet problems. It’s essential for students to ensure that their devices meet the necessary requirements ahead of time.
Will the format of the exam questions change with the digital format?
The content of the exam questions will remain the same, but the way students interact with the exam will change. Multiple-choice questions will be answered directly on Bluebook for both fully digital and hybrid exams. For hybrid exams, students will view the free-response questions on their devices but will hand write their answers.
Can students still take paper-based AP exams?
Starting in May 2025, the fully digital and hybrid formats will become the standard for the 28 specified exams. However, exams that remain unchanged will continue using their current formats, such as portfolio-based and audio-based AP exams.
Is there a benefit to taking digital exams over traditional paper exams?
The digital format increases exam security, reduces logistical issues related to paper exams, and provides students with instant submission of their responses. It also modernizes the exam-taking process, making it more aligned with today’s technology-driven learning environment.
How will the scoring process change for digital exams?
The scoring process itself won’t change drastically. Multiple-choice answers will be automatically scored by the Bluebook system, while free-response sections (both digital and handwritten) will still be graded by AP exam graders.
Will there be any changes to the exam duration in the digital format?
The duration of the exams will remain the same, regardless of the format. The shift to digital or hybrid digital does not affect the time allocated for each section of the exam.