If you’re taking an AP® class this school year, you’re probably wondering how to register for the exam. You may have even decided to self-study for the exam and not take the class at all. In either case, this guide will show you how the AP® Exam registration process works and what you have to do to make sure you’re signed up.

How to Register for AP® Exams

Registering for an AP® Exam is probably simpler than you think. In most cases, your school is completely responsible for registering you, collecting fees, and ordering exams. All you have to do is turn in a paper form or register online, depending on what your school prefers. Your school’s AP® Coordinator can help you with the specific procedures to follow at your school and can let you know when and where your specific exams will take place.

If you are home schooled, or wish to take an AP® Exam without taking the actual AP® class, speak with an AP® Coordinator at a participating school. To do this, make sure to contact AP® Services (+1 212 632 1780 or email apexams@info.collegeboard.org) before March 1. They can give you a list of local AP® Coordinators and give you more details about testing centers and test dates.

Overall, registering for an AP® Exam is more hands-off than you think. Your school should handle most of the details for you.

Important Things to Know About AP® Exams

1. The 2019 AP® Exams will take place over two weeks in May: May 6 – May 10 and May 13 – May 17.

2. Late-testing dates are from May 22 to May 24.

3. You can take as many AP® tests as you want.

4. You cannot take Calculus AB and Calculus BC in the same year.

5. Two exams may take place at the same time. Your best bet here is to contact your AP® Coordinator to discuss taking one of the exams during the late-testing period.

6. Repeating exams is allowed. Both scores will be reported unless you request a cancellation or withdrawal.

AP® Exam Registration Deadlines

AP® exam registration periods vary from school to school, but all students need to be registered by the end of March. Some schools register students in December, while others wait until February or March. Your school’s AP® Coordinator will have more specific information for you.

AP® Exam Fees

In most cases, an AP® Exam costs $94. Your school will usually keep $9 of this for administrative fees. Schools outside of the United States, Canada, and US territories and commonwealths (except Department of Defense Dependents Schools) will need to pay $124 for each exam. The College Board offers $32 fee reductions for low-income students who qualify.

Your school’s AP® coordinator will collect the fees from you directly. You can pay before the exam or on the day of the exam, but speak with your school to find out when they’d like you to pay.

Should I Take AP® Exams?

It’s important to remember that you do NOT have to take the corresponding AP® class to take the AP® test. You can be home schooled, participate in self-study, or take the regular version of the class in school and still sit for the AP® exam. However, that being said, taking the AP® class will probably give you the best chance at getting a great score.

If you have the chance to take an AP® exam and feel ready and prepared, you should go for it. AP® exams not only have the potential to give you college credit (saving you time and money!) and a weighted GPA, but they can also help prepare you for college-level coursework and gear you towards success. AP® Exam scores look great on a college resume and can even help you decide what to major (or minor) in.

Overall, AP® tests are a great way to experience college-level work and receive credit for your hard work in high school. To top it off, registering for AP® exams is super easy and hands-off.

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