AP Computer Science A is a Java-based programming exam with a multiple-choice section and a free-response section, scored 1 to 5, and this page covers everything you need to prep for the AP CSA exam. The free-response section, known as AP CSA FRQ, tests your ability to write and analyze real Java code across methods, classes, and arrays. Use the AP CSA score calculator on this page to estimate your score and figure out where to focus your review.
The AP Computer Science A exam is a two-section, fully digital test scored on a 1-5 scale. Section I has 42 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes and counts for 55% of your score. Section II has four free-response questions in 90 minutes and counts for the remaining 45%. The 2025-26 school year brought a significant revision to the course and exam, so if you studied from older materials, check that your prep reflects the current structure.
The exam runs about three hours total across two sections.
Section I: Multiple Choice
Section II: Free Response
The four FRQ types are fixed. Each question tests a specific skill area, and the point values differ across questions.
| Question | Topic | Points | |, -|, -|, -| | FRQ 1 | Methods and Control Structures | 7 | | FRQ 2 | Class Design | 7 | | FRQ 3 | Data Analysis with ArrayList | 5 | | FRQ 4 | 2D Array | 6 |
The course was restructured for the 2025-26 school year from ten units down to four. The four current units are:
A few things changed with this revision. Inheritance and polymorphism were removed from the course. Text file input and Scanner I/O were added. The MCQ section grew from 40 to 42 questions, the answer choices dropped from 5 to 4, and the MCQ weight increased from 50% to 55%.
The MCQ section is primarily a code-reading test. The largest portion of questions asks you to analyze existing code and predict what it does, which means tracing loops, following method calls, and identifying output. A second large chunk asks you to develop code, like completing a method or choosing the segment that correctly solves a problem.
The Java Quick Reference lists the library methods that may appear on the exam, so you do not need to memorize exact syntax for things like String methods or Math methods. What you do need is the ability to read code quickly and accurately under time pressure.
At roughly two minutes per question, pacing matters. Questions that require tracing a long loop or following several method calls can eat time fast. Practicing timed sets before the exam helps you recognize when to move on.
Each FRQ gives you a scenario, a class or set of classes, and a task. You write Java code by hand (or type it on the digital exam) without an IDE or compiler. The rubric rewards correct logic, proper syntax, and appropriate use of the constructs the question targets.
FRQ 1 asks you to write two methods (or a constructor and a method) using loops, conditionals, and calls to other methods in the class. Part A is worth 4 points and Part B is worth 3 points.
FRQ 2 asks you to write a complete class from scratch: the class header, private instance variables, a constructor, and at least one method. This is the only question where you design the entire class rather than filling in pieces of one.
FRQ 3 gives you a class with an ArrayList as an instance variable and asks you to write a single method that traverses it, filters elements based on conditions, and calculates something like a count, sum, or average.
FRQ 4 gives you a class with a 2D array and asks you to write a method that traverses the grid. Nested loops and method calls on the elements inside the array are the core skills here.
The child pages linked below cover each section and question type in detail, including rubrics, worked examples, timing strategies, and practice links. A good starting point depends on where your gaps are.
If you are not sure where to start, take a timed MCQ set first. Your results will show which unit topics need more work. Then move to the FRQ type that matches those topics. Writing out full methods by hand, checking your logic against edge cases, and reviewing mistakes by rewriting the code (not just reading the solution) is the most effective way to build the skills the exam tests.
What Java is on the exam?
The exam uses a subset of Java. You get the Java Quick Reference, which lists the String, Integer, Double, Math, and ArrayList methods that may appear. You are expected to know basic syntax, control structures, class structure, arrays, and ArrayLists. Scanner I/O and text file reading are now part of the course.
Is the exam handwritten or typed? The exam is fully digital. You type your FRQ responses rather than writing them by hand.
How is the exam scored? Section I (MCQ) is machine-scored. Section II (FRQ) is scored by trained readers using a detailed point-by-point rubric. There is no penalty for wrong answers on the MCQ section. Your raw scores from both sections are combined and converted to the 1-5 AP scale.
What happened to inheritance and polymorphism? Those topics were removed from the course in the 2025-26 revision. If you are using older prep materials, check that they reflect the current four-unit structure before relying on them.
The AP CSA progress check in AP Classroom includes both MCQ and FRQ parts that test the core topics from the AP Computer Science A exam, such as object-oriented programming, arrays, ArrayLists, 2D arrays, inheritance, recursion, and algorithm analysis. The MCQ section checks your ability to trace code and predict output, while the FRQ section asks you to write or extend methods using these concepts. Practicing with these question types is one of the best ways to spot gaps before the real exam. You can find matched practice at /ap-comp-sci-a/ap-computer-science-a-exam.
AP CSA FRQs fall into four main types: methods and control structures, class writing, array and ArrayList manipulation, and 2D array problems. To practice, write out full Java methods by hand, then check that your logic handles edge cases like empty arrays or null references. Focus on topics like inheritance, interface implementation, and recursive methods, since those appear most often. You can find FRQ practice resources at /ap-comp-sci-a/ap-computer-science-a-exam.
For AP CSA practice questions, including MCQ and full practice tests, the best starting point is /ap-comp-sci-a/ap-computer-science-a-exam. There you'll find multiple-choice questions covering topics like loops, recursion, object-oriented design, and data structures, plus FRQ-style prompts. Mixing MCQ drills with timed practice tests helps you build both accuracy and speed before exam day.
Start by making sure you can write and trace Java code for the four FRQ types: methods and control structures, class design, ArrayLists, and 2D arrays. Then work through MCQ sets that test loops, recursion, inheritance, and interfaces, since those show up heavily. Review your mistakes by actually rewriting the code, not just reading the solution. A solid weekly routine is one topic review session, one timed MCQ set, and one written FRQ. Find practice materials at /ap-comp-sci-a/ap-computer-science-a-exam.
