When Are AP Tests? The Complete AP Exam Schedule

feature_colorful_calendar_months

As the school year starts to wind down, you might be asking yourself: when are AP exams? In this article, I'll break down everything you need to know about the AP exam schedule, including when they usually take place, the specific schedule for this year, what to do if you find yourself in an AP schedule mishap, and how you can leverage the schedule to best plan your studying.

 

When Are AP Tests Usually?

This is a question with a pretty simple answer. AP exams typically take place during the first two weeks of May. Each day of the two-week testing period is divided into two four-hour testing slots, which begin at 8 am and 12 pm, respectively (all times are local times).

There is also a 2 pm time slot in the first week of testing; this is reserved for the Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism test only.

Any make-up tests that need to be offered are normally held Tuesday/Wednesday through Friday the week after all regular testing is completed (so, the third week of May).

 

2012_Calendar

When Are AP Tests in 2023?

AP exams for 2023 will take place during the first two weeks of May, specifically from Monday, May 1, 2023, to Friday, May 12, 2023. Make-up testing will take place the following week from Wednesday, May 17, 2023, to Friday, May 19, 2023.

Below is the complete schedule of 2023 AP tests:

Week 1 AP Exam Schedule

Date 8:00 AM (Local Time) 12:00 PM (Local Time)
Monday, May 1 United States Government and Politics

Chemistry

Spanish Literature and Culture

Tuesday, May 2

Chinese Language and Culture

Environmental Science

Psychology
Wednesday, May 3 English Literature and Composition

Comparative Government and Politics

Computer Science A

Thursday, May 4

Human Geography

Macroeconomics

Seminar

Statistics

Friday, May 5

European History

United States History

Art History

Microeconomics

 

Art and Design: Friday, May 5th, 2023 is the last day for AP coordinators to submit digital AP 2-D Art and Design, 3-D Art and Design, and Drawing portfolios (by 8:00 PM ET) and to gather 2-D Art and Design and Drawing students for physical portfolio assembly. Teachers should forward completed digital Art and Design portfolios to coordinators before this date.

 

Week 2 AP Exam Schedule

Date Morning (8:00 AM local time) Afternoon (12:00 PM local time) Afternoon (2:00 PM local time)
Monday, May 8

Calculus AB

Calculus BC

Computer Science Principles

Italian Language and Culture

 
Tuesday, May 9

English Language and Composition

Japanese Language and Culture

Physics C: Mechanics Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
Wednesday, May 10 Spanish Language and Culture Biology  
Thursday, May 11

French Language and Culture

World History: Modern

Physics 1: Algebra-Based  
Friday, May 12

German Language and Culture

Music Theory

Latin

Physics 2: Algebra Based

 
 

Source: The College Board

 

Below is the 2023 AP schedule for make-up tests. Makeup tests run from the Wednesday through Friday following the second week of regular AP testing.

Late Testing Period Morning 8 am Afternoon 12 pm
Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Chemistry

Computer Science A

Psychology

Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

Statistics

United States History

Computer Science Principles

English Literature and Composition

Environmental Science

Macroeconomics

Spanish Literature and Culture

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Chinese Language and Culture

English Language and Composition

German Language and Culture

Human Geography

Physics 1: Algebra-Based

Art History

Biology

Comparative Government and Politics

French Language and Culture

Italian Language and Culture

Latin

Friday, May 19, 2023

Calculus AB

Calculus BC

Microeconomics

Physics 2: Algebra-Based

Spanish Language and Culture

European History

Music Theory

Physics C: Mechanics

Seminar

United States Government and Politics

World History: Modern

Source: The College Board

 

knowledge-1052014_640.jpg

So many subjects, so little time.

 

What If I Have 2 AP Exams at the Exact Same Time?

You probably noticed on the above schedule that there are often two AP exams scheduled for the same time slot. If you have two different exams scheduled for the same time, you'll need to take one of the exams during the late testing period.

To make arrangements, you'll need to talk to your school's AP exam coordinator (likely a guidance counselor). You should be able to find out who to talk to by asking someone at your school's main office.

This coordinator will make the arrangements for you to take an AP test on a later date. You should talk to him or her as soon as you realize that there's a conflict in your AP testing schedule, so there will be enough time to order the late test.

You'll get to pick which AP test to take late. Note that when you do test late, you're given an alternate form of the test. Some people think that the late forms are more difficult. It's unclear whether there's any truth to this claim, but if it's something you're worried about, it might be a wiser choice to take the test you're more confident in on the late date.

 

 

What If I Have 2 AP Exams on the Same Day but at Different Times?

If you have two AP exams on the same day at different times—so one in the morning, one in the afternoon—you have fewer options. In fact, your only option, if you want to take both tests, is to sit through a whole day of testing. Unfortunately, you can't request late testing just because you have two tests on the same day.

My advice would be to bring water and lots of protein-rich snacks for the breaks to help you keep going! Also, try to stretch your hands whenever you have an opportunity to help mitigate cramping and soreness.

 

concept-1302882_640.jpg

Juggling AP exams is tough, but not as tough as juggling planets.

 

How to Use the AP Schedule to Plan Your Studying

The AP schedule's main utility in studying is to help you know by when you need to finish studying. As early May approaches, the AP exam schedule will help you prioritize those exams that come earliest when you do final reviews of the material, since you'll have a few extra days to polish up your knowledge for tests during the second week.

 

The AP Exam Schedule: Key Takeaways

AP exams generally take place each year during the first two weeks of May. See above for the complete schedule for 2023. If you have two exams scheduled at the same time, you are eligible for late testing for one of the exams. Just talk to your school's AP exam coordinator!

Unfortunately, if you have two AP exams on the same day (in other words, one in the morning and one in the afternoon) you aren't eligible for late testing and you'll have to do a full day of testing if you want to take both tests.

In terms of using the AP schedule to organize your studying, you should plan your final reviews of the material for a given exam so that you are reviewing material for your earlier tests sooner since you'll have a little extra time to review for your later tests.

Finally, don't forget to schedule a little relaxation after you finish all your APs!

 

british-shorthair-1308077_640.jpg

Once you're finished with AP tests, it's time to go home and take a cat nap.

 

What's Next?

Getting ready to study for your AP exams? See our five-step AP prep plan for expert tips. Or if you're looking for practice tests, check out our guide to finding the best AP practice tests.

Wondering whether you should be aiming for a perfect AP test score? We've got you covered with our in-depth guide!

If you've got a scheduling issue or emergency, refer to our guide to getting a make-up AP exam.

 

 



Have friends who also need help with test prep? Share this article!
About the Author
author image
Ellen McCammon

Ellen has extensive education mentorship experience and is deeply committed to helping students succeed in all areas of life. She received a BA from Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Columbia University.



Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!