The 2026 AP Exams take place May 4-8 and May 11-15, with late testing May 18-22. This guide has everything you need to know about AP exam dates, times, and what to expect on test day.
Bookmark this page - you'll want to reference it as exam season approaches.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Testing Dates | May 4-8 and May 11-15, 2026 |
| Late Testing Dates | May 18-22, 2026 |
| Morning Exams Start | 8:00 AM local time |
| Afternoon Exams Start | 12:00 PM local time |
| Digital Portfolio Deadline | April 30, 2026 @ 11:59 PM ET |
| Art & Design Deadline | May 9, 2026 @ 8:00 PM ET |
Arrive Early! Plan to get to your testing location 45-60 minutes before the start time. Testing often happens in a different room than your regular classroom, and your teacher won't be proctoring. Know exactly where to go!
Note: All times listed are local time. Exams may begin up to 1 hour after the official start time. Alaska start times are 1 hour earlier than listed.
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These AP courses have project components due BEFORE the exam period:
| Subject | Deadline |
|---|---|
| 💬 AP Seminar | April 30, 2026 @ 11:59 PM Eastern |
| 🔍 AP Research | April 30, 2026 @ 11:59 PM Eastern |
| ⌨️ AP Computer Science Principles | April 30, 2026 @ 11:59 PM Eastern |
| 🎨 AP Art and Design (all portfolios) | May 9, 2026 @ 8:00 PM Eastern |
Don't wait until the last minute! Technical issues and upload problems are common on deadline day. Submit at least 24 hours early.
| Date | Morning (8 AM Local) | Afternoon (12 PM Local) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, May 4 | 🧬 AP Biology | 🇪🇺 AP European History |
| 🏛️ AP Latin | 🤑 AP Microeconomics | |
| Tuesday, May 5 | 🧪 AP Chemistry | 🚜 AP Human Geography |
| 👩🏾⚖️ AP US Government | ||
| Wednesday, May 6 | 📚 AP English Literature | 🗳️ AP Comparative Government |
| 🎡 AP Physics 1 | ||
| Thursday, May 7 | 🧲 AP Physics 2 | ✊🏿 AP African American Studies |
| 🌎 AP World History: Modern | 📊 AP Statistics | |
| Friday, May 8 | 🇮🇹 AP Italian | 🇨🇳 AP Chinese |
| 🇺🇸 AP US History | 💵 AP Macroeconomics |
| Date | Morning (8 AM Local) | Afternoon (12 PM Local) | Afternoon (2 PM Local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, May 11 | ♾️ AP Calculus AB | 💬 AP Seminar | |
| ♾️ AP Calculus BC | 🎶 AP Music Theory | ||
| Tuesday, May 12 | 🇫🇷 AP French | 🇯🇵 AP Japanese | |
| 📈 AP Precalculus | 🧠 AP Psychology | ||
| Wednesday, May 13 | ✍🏽 AP English Language | ⚙️ AP Physics C: Mechanics | 💡 AP Physics C: E&M |
| 🇩🇪 AP German | 💃🏽 AP Spanish Literature | ||
| Thursday, May 14 | 🖼️ AP Art History | ⌨️ AP Computer Science Principles | |
| 🇪🇸 AP Spanish Language | 💻 AP Computer Science A | ||
| Friday, May 15 | ♻️ AP Environmental Science | 🔍 AP Research | |
Late testing is available if you have exam conflicts or qualifying circumstances. Talk to your AP Coordinator ASAP if you need late testing.
| Date | Morning (8 AM Local) | Afternoon (12 PM Local) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, May 18 | 🧬 AP Biology | 🇪🇺 AP European History |
| 🏛️ AP Latin | 🤑 AP Microeconomics | |
| Tuesday, May 19 | 🧪 AP Chemistry | 🚜 AP Human Geography |
| 👩🏾⚖️ AP US Government | ||
| Wednesday, May 20 | 📚 AP English Literature | 🗳️ AP Comparative Government |
| 🎡 AP Physics 1 | ||
| Thursday, May 21 | 🧲 AP Physics 2 | ✊🏿 AP African American Studies |
| 🌎 AP World History: Modern | 📊 AP Statistics | |
| Friday, May 22 | 🇮🇹 AP Italian | 🇨🇳 AP Chinese |
| 🇺🇸 AP US History | 💵 AP Macroeconomics |
You may be eligible for late testing if you have:
Important:
If two of your exams are scheduled at the exact same time (like two morning exams on the same day), one will be moved to late testing automatically.
If you have three or more exams on the same day, you can request to move one to late testing. Talk to your AP Coordinator by early April.
| Calculator Type | Allowed For |
|---|---|
| Graphing | Calculus AB/BC, Statistics, Physics 1/2/C, Chemistry |
| Scientific | Physics 1/2/C (as alternative to graphing) |
| Four-function | Some questions only |
| None | Most other subjects |
Check the College Board calculator policy for your specific exam.
Here's what to expect on test day:
| Time | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 45-60 min before | Arrive at testing location |
| 30 min before | Check in, show ID, find your seat |
| Start time | Proctor reads instructions |
| +10-15 min | Exam begins |
| During exam | Multiple-choice section, then free-response |
| Break | 10-minute break between sections (most exams) |
| End | Wait for dismissal instructions |
Tips for exam morning:
| Exam Length | Subjects |
|---|---|
| ~2 hours | Art History, Music Theory, Physics 1, Physics 2, Physics C (each) |
| ~2.5 hours | Most other subjects |
| ~3 hours | Biology, Chemistry, Literature, Language (English), History courses |
| ~3+ hours | World Languages (with speaking/listening components) |
Exact times vary. Your proctor will manage the clock - just focus on the exam.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Score release begins | Early July 2026 (typically July 5-8) |
| Access scores | myap.collegeboard.org |
| Release time | 8 AM Eastern (staggered by location) |
With exams approaching, here's how to prepare effectively:
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When are AP exams in 2026?
The 2026 AP Exams take place May 4-8 and May 11-15 (Week 1 and Week 2). Late testing is available May 18-22. All morning exams start at 8 AM local time and afternoon exams start at 12 PM local time.
What time do AP exams start?
Morning AP exams start at 8:00 AM local time and afternoon exams start at 12:00 PM local time. Some subjects have a 2:00 PM slot (like AP Physics C: E&M). Exams may begin up to 1 hour after the official start time. Alaska start times are 1 hour earlier.
What if I have two AP exams at the same time?
If two of your exams are scheduled at the same time, one will automatically be moved to late testing. Contact your AP Coordinator immediately to confirm arrangements. You will take the alternate version of the exam during the late testing window.
Can I take late AP exams?
Yes, you may qualify for late testing if you have exam conflicts, three or more exams on the same day, school events, medical issues, family emergencies, or environmental conditions. Contact your AP Coordinator as soon as possible. Late tests are completely different versions of the exams.
When do AP scores come out?
AP scores are released in early July (typically July 5-8). Access your scores at myap.collegeboard.org starting at 8 AM Eastern, with staggered release by location. You will need your College Board username and password.
What should I bring to AP exams?
Bring No. 2 pencils (several), pens with black or dark blue ink, approved calculator (if applicable), photo ID, and your 6-digit school code. Do NOT bring cell phones, smartwatches, notes, unapproved calculators, or food for inside the testing room.
How early should I arrive for AP exams?
Plan to arrive 45-60 minutes before your exam start time. Testing often happens in a different room than your regular classroom, and your teacher cannot be the proctor. Know exactly where to go ahead of time.
What if I am sick on exam day?
Contact your AP Coordinator immediately. You may be able to take the late exam if you have documentation like a doctor's note. Do not go to the exam if you are contagious - you could get others sick and will not perform your best.
Can I take an AP exam without taking the class?
Yes. You can register for any AP exam through your school's AP Coordinator even if you did not take the class. Self-study is common for subjects like Psychology, Human Geography, and Environmental Science. Registration deadline is typically early March.
How long are AP exams?
Most AP exams are 2.5 to 3 hours long. Some exams like Art History and Music Theory are about 2 hours. World Language exams with speaking and listening components can be 3+ hours. Your proctor will manage the time.