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 2021 AP Computer Science Principles End-of-Course exam will be a full-length exam that students can take in school and/or at home, either traditionally (i.e., paper and pencil) or digitally, depending on the testing date. Students will submit the Create Performance Task digitally on another date.
Here are the key changes you need to know to do well in the upcoming AP Computer Science Principles exam.
Will I get college credit for the 2021 AP Computer Science Principles exam?
Students who take the 2021 AP Computer Science Principles 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 Computer Science Principles exam?
The 2021 AP Computer Science Principles End-of-Course exam will be 2 hours long. Students can take it in school or at home depending on the testing date (details below).
Regardless of the version of the exam you take, there is a separate due date for digital submission of the AP Computer Science Principles Create Performance Task.
Note: Starting this year, the Explore Performance Task will no longer be a part of the AP Computer Science Principles exam.
What’s the 2021 AP Computer Science Principles exam date?
The College Board is offering 3 exam dates for the AP Computer Science Principles End-of-Course exam this year. The times and locations vary by date.
| Date | Time | Location | Method |
| Monday, May 17, 2021 | 8 AM Local Time | In School | Paper & Pencil |
| Wednesday, May 26, 2021 | 4 PM EDT | In School & At Home | Digital |
| Monday, June 7, 2021 | 4 PM EDT | In School & At Home | Digital |
It is up to individual schools, though, to choose the exam options that work best for them.
The Create Performance Task is due as a digital submission on Thursday, May 20 at 11:59 PM EDT.
What will be tested on the 2021 AP Computer Science Principles exam?
The AP Computer Science Principles End-of-Course exam will test students on the whole course content regardless of the version of the exam they take — traditional or digital — so you should be prepared to answer questions on these topics:
- Big Idea 1: Creative Development
- Big Idea 2: Data
- Big Idea 3: Algorithms and Programming
- Big Idea 4: Computer Systems and Networks
- Big Idea 5: Impact of Computing
For the Create Performance Task, you must develop a computer program of your choice. To complete this, you will need at least 12 hours of in-class time, according to the College Board.
What is the AP Computer Science Principles exam format for 2021?
The 2021 AP Computer Science Principles End-of-Course exam is worth 70 percent of the exam score. You will have 2 hours to answer 70 multiple-choice questions.
The Create Performance Task is worth 30 percent of the exam score. You must submit your portfolio digitally by the May 20 deadline. Unlike prior years when students were able to use a template, you must enter your responses to the written response prompts directly into the digital portfolio. For details on the submission process, watch this webinar.
For sample responses from past exams and scoring guidelines, check here.
You can also practice multiple-choice questions within the digital exam app starting early April.
Is there a difference between the traditional and the digital AP Computer Science Principles exam for 2021?
There is no difference between the 2021 AP Computer Science Principles End-of-Course paper exam and the digital exam. They are both 2 hours long, and they test the same course content.
However, if you’re taking the digital AP Computer Science Principles End-of-Course exam, you should know that you may not submit handwritten or photographed responses (unlike last year, when the College Board made an accommodation for the 2020 AP Computer Science Principles exam).
What device should I use to take the 2021 AP Computer Science Principles exam digitally?
What you will need to take the exam digitally will depend on whether you’re taking the digital exam in school or at home. In either case, you should make the determination of which device works best for you beforehand.
If you’re taking the digital exam in school, you will need a laptop (Mac, Windows, or school-managed Chromebook) that has a built-in camera. This can be a personal or school-provided computer. If it’s a school-provided computer, it must not be shared between students once the exam setup is completed.
To take the digital exam at home, you will need a laptop or desktop computer (Mac, Windows, or school-managed Chromebook) that has a built-in or attached camera. This can be a personal or school-provided computer. If it’s a school-provided computer, it must not be shared between students once the exam setup is completed.
No matter the type of device or who owns it, make sure that your computer is fully charged on exam day so it will last for the whole exam. If you’re taking the digital exam at home, be sure that your setup includes charging during the exam if necessary.
You should also install the digital testing app no later than the day before the exam.
You will, of course, also need reliable access to the internet if you’re taking the digital exam.
Is the College Board offering any free AP Computer Science Principles 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 also 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 Computer Science Principles exam?
If you don’t have an AP Computer Science Principles review book already, check out TUN’s Textbook Save Engine to compare prices and get the best deals.
There are also online resources that you can use to help you prepare for the 2021 AP Computer Science Principles exam.
Khan Academy
In partnership with the College Board, Khan Academy provides an official AP Computer Science Principles course that comes with free instructional videos, articles, and practice exercises created by current and former AP teachers. In addition, Khan Academy offers free exam skills and strategies.
Princeton Review
If you would like to get one-on-one instruction to help you prepare for the AP Computer Science Principles 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, they will match you with another tutor and your next lesson will be free.
If you’re taking more than one AP exam in 2021, check TUN’s AP Exam Review for details on other AP exams.
