In 2020, as a response to the disruption caused by COVID-19, the College Board modified the AP exams so they were shorter, administered online, covered less material, and had a different format than previous tests. But thousands of students faced technical problems and had to retake their exams.
This year, the College Board is providing 3 testing dates starting in early May for each AP exam with options for in-school and at-home, as well as traditional and digital, testing.
“While this year’s exam options look different from years past, this schedule will maximize opportunities for AP students in a variety of different situations to test and earn college credit and placement,” according to the College Board.
The AP Chinese Language and Culture exam for 2021 will be a full-length, computer-based exam that students can take only in school (unlike exams for other AP subjects).
Here are the key changes you need to know to do well in the upcoming AP Chinese exam.
Will I get college credit for the 2021 AP Chinese exam?
Students who take the 2021 AP Chinese exam will be eligible for college credit.
As in previous years, a student must obtain a score of 3, 4, or 5 to be eligible for college credit.
How long is the 2021 AP Chinese exam?
The 2021 AP Chinese exam will be 2 hours long. Students can take it in school or school-proctored locations.
What’s the 2021 AP Chinese exam date?
The College Board is offering 3 exam dates for the AP Chinese exam this year.
| Date | Time | Location | Method |
| Friday, May 14, 2021 | 12 PM Local Time | In School | Computer-based |
| Friday, May 21, 2021 | 12 PM Local Time | In School | Computer-based |
| Friday, June 4, 2021 | 12 PM Local Time | In School | Computer-sased |
It is up to individual schools, though, to choose the exam options that work best for them.
What will be tested on the 2021 AP Chinese exam?
The 2021 AP Chinese exam will test students on the whole course content, so be prepared to answer questions on these topics:
- Unit 1: Families in Different Societies
- Unit 2: The Influence of Language and Culture on Identity
- Unit 3: Influences of Beauty and Art
- Unit 4: How Science and Technology Affect Our Lives
- Unit 5: Factors That Impact the Quality of Life
- Unit 6: Environmental, Political, and Societal Challenges
What is the AP Chinese exam format for 2021?
As in previous years, the 2021 AP Chinese exam is a computer-based exam. However, since the exam will use a new online platform, CDs will no longer be used for these exams. You will need a PC, Mac or Chromebook with an internet connection to take the exam.
The exam will be split equally between 2 sections: multiple-choice and free-response questions. Each section is worth 50 percent of the exam score.
The multiple-choice section has a listening component, and the free-response section has a spoken component.
The chart below shows the breakdown of the exam components.
| Section | # Questions | Time Allocation | Exam Weight |
| IA: Multiple Choice Listening | 25-35 | 20 minutes | 25% |
| IB: Multiple Choice Reading | 30-40 | 60 minutes | 25% |
| IIA: Free Response Written | 2 | 30 minutes | 25% |
| IIB: Free Response Spoken | 2 | 10 minutes | 25% |
For free examples of free-response questions, check here for the actual questions posed in the 2019 AP Chinese exam and here for those posed in the 2018 AP Chinese exam.
You can also practice multiple-choice and free-response questions within the digital exam app starting early April.
Is the College Board offering any free AP Chinese exam review courses?
The College Board is offering free AP resources to students.
The College Board’s AP YouTube channel gives students access to APLive classes and recordings delivered by AP teachers from across the country. Additionally, to help students review course content and skills before their exam, the College Board will give students access to AP Daily: Live Review sessions from April 19 to 29. You can sign up for the live review sessions here.
What are my other options for preparing for the 2021 AP Chinese exam?
If you don’t have an AP Chinese review book already, check out TUN’s Textbook Save Engine to compare prices and get the best deals.
If you would like to get one-on-one instruction to help you prepare for the AP Chinese exam, the Princeton Review offers private tutoring, available both in-person or online, for a fee starting at $167 an hour. If you decide to go with this personalized option, expert tutors will work with you to “make a plan, set goals, and exceed them.” The Princeton Review guarantees that if you’re not 100% satisfied, you will be matched with another tutor and get your next lesson for free.
If you’re taking more than one AP exam in 2021, check TUN’s AP Exam Review for details on other revised AP exams.
