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
