Important updates on AP courses and exams for 2025

There will be big changes to the AP exam experience starting in 2025, and students need to be informed. The College Board announced that AP exams will be changing from paper-based exams to digital formats. This change is to improve the testing process and exam security. But that’s not all – updates are also being made to the content and structure of certain AP courses and exams.

Let’s break down what’s new and how it impacts you as an AP student who may take the AP exam so you are fully prepared.

AP exams are going digital

Beginning in May 2025, 28 AP exams will transition from paper-based exams to a fully digital format. The College Board is changing in response to rising security concerns, including incidents of exam materials being leaked or stolen. The organization hopes to reduce cheating and create a more efficient testing process by shifting to a digital format. These digital AP exams will be taken through the Bluebook app, an application from the College Board. AP coordinators and proctors will oversee the administration of these exams using the Test Day Toolkit web application to ensure everything runs smoothly.

The following is a summary of how exams will be delivered.

Fully digital format exams

Here is a list of the 16 exams that will be taken entirely digitally in Bluebook:

• 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

Hybrid exams

There will be 12 exams taken in both traditional paper-based exams and digital format. These exams will consist of digital multiple-choice and free-response questions in Bluebook, and handwritten free-response questions on paper. The following is a list of these hybrid exams.

• 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

Unchanged AP exams

Although there are many changes regarding the AP exams, the exam format, free-response section, and portfolio submission for the following AP subjects will remain the same and won’t be taken in Bluebook:

• 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

Note: The College Board plans to transition these AP exams to Bluebook in the future.

AP course updates in 2025

In addition, the College Board is also making updates to several AP courses, including AP Psychology, AP Physics, and AP Chemistry. These changes aim to improve course clarity, relevance, and alignment with college standards.

Be prepared for digital testing

The new digital exam format introduces several features. Here are some things you should know:

• Device options: Exams can be taken on Mac, Windows, iPads, or Chromebooks provided by your school.
• Limited internet use: You only need to connect to the internet at the start and end of the exam.
• Bluebook platform: This tool will manage the timing and submission of your answers. It also supports accommodations like extra time for eligible students.
• Preparation resources: Practice exams and tutorial videos are available to help students become familiar with the platform.

Students can approach the digital format with confidence by exploring these resources and practicing on the Bluebook system. Staying prepared and checking your school’s technical set-up will ensure a smooth experience.

However, the set-up and rules of the exams will remain the same.

• There will be the same number and type of questions as paper exams. In addition, there will be no change in time.
• Students will be able to review or finish questions within the same section, but won’t be able to go back to previous sections once completed.
• Scratch paper will be provided to students by the proctor for planning and outlining.
• The digital AP exams will have features that allow students to highlight and annotate, flag questions, and cross out answer choices for multiple-choice questions.
• There will be no limit to the number of characters or words for students’ responses.
• The Desmos graphing calculator will be built into Bluebook, except for AP Statistics.
• Helpful tools like the periodic table, equation sheets, and Java Quick Reference will also be included in Bluebook.
• The same number of proctors are required for digital exams as paper exams.
• Digital exams can be held in standard testing spaces like classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, computer labs, gymnasiums, and auditoriums.

Preparing for success

The transition to digital exams marks an exciting new chapter for AP students. With thoughtful planning and resources, you can confidently navigate these changes. Don’t hesitate to seek additional support, whether from your school or external advisors. These updates are designed to make learning more accessible, organized, and effective, providing you with the tools you need to excel in your AP courses and beyond. For more information, visit the AP Students College Board page.

Tyler York

04 Feb 2025, 4 min read