Many students wonder if they can retake an AP exam to improve their score or earn college credit. The answer is yes — but with some important rules and timing to consider.
This guide covers:
- The College Board’s AP exam retake policy
- How to register for a retake
- Costs and deadlines
- Strategies for improving your score
Can You Retake an AP Exam?
- Yes — you can retake an AP exam in any future year
- You must register and pay for the exam again
- You can only take each AP exam once per year during the official May testing period
- Both your old and new scores will appear on your College Board record
Reasons to Retake an AP Exam
- Your score wasn’t high enough for college credit
- You’re applying to competitive programs that value high AP scores
- You want to strengthen your academic profile for college admissions
- You took the course early and feel you can do better with more preparation
How to Register for an AP Retake
- Register through your high school’s AP coordinator or an approved testing site
- Follow the same process as a first-time test-taker
- Pay the standard exam fee ($98 in the U.S.) plus any applicable school fees
- Register by the November 15 deadline for most schools
AP Retake Costs
- Standard Exam Fee: $98
- AP Capstone Exam Fee: $146
- Late Registration Fee: $40
- Fee reductions available for eligible students
How Colleges View AP Retakes
- Most colleges consider your highest score for credit
- Some colleges may see all your AP scores if you send your full report
- You can choose to withhold or cancel scores you don’t want to send
Strategies to Improve Your AP Score on a Retake
- Review your previous exam’s weak areas
- Take more practice exams under timed conditions
- Use updated AP review books or online resources
- Consider tutoring or joining a study group
Related RevisionDojo Resources
- AP Exam Registration Guide
- AP Exam Costs & Fee Reductions
- AP Study Tips
- AP Multiple Choice Strategies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I retake an AP exam in the same year?
A1: No — you must wait until the next AP exam administration in May.
Q2: Do colleges see if I retake an AP exam?
A2: Yes, if you send them your complete score history.
Q3: Is there a limit to how many times I can take an AP exam?
A3: No — but you can only take it once per year.
Q4: Will retaking an AP exam hurt my college chances?
A4: No — colleges typically look at your best score.
Call to Action
🎯 Thinking about retaking an AP exam?
Follow RevisionDojo’s retake strategies to turn your second chance into your highest score yet.
