Late testing gives students who can’t take their AP exam on the scheduled date a chance to still earn a score. However, it’s not available to everyone — the College Board has strict rules about who qualifies and when these makeup tests take place.
This guide covers:
- Who is eligible for AP late testing
- When late testing is offered
- Fees and exceptions
- How to prepare for a late AP exam
What Is AP Late Testing?
AP late testing is an alternate testing window provided by the College Board for students who miss the standard exam date for an approved reason. The exam covers the same content and skills but may have different questions.
Who Is Eligible for AP Late Testing?
- Medical emergencies or illness
- Two AP exams scheduled for the same time slot
- Religious observances
- Academic events approved by the school
- Athletic competitions at the state, national, or international level
- Family emergencies (with documentation)
AP Late Testing Dates for 2025
- Primary AP Exam Window: May 5–9 and May 12–16, 2025
- Late Testing Window: May 21–23, 2025
- Specific subjects have set makeup dates during this window
AP Late Testing Fees
- Standard Fee: Same as the regular AP exam fee ($98 per exam)
- Late Testing Fee: $40 per exam in most cases
- Fee Waivers: Available for qualifying low-income students
- Some approved reasons waive the late fee entirely (e.g., exam conflict, illness)
How to Request Late Testing
- Notify your AP coordinator immediately after learning you can’t attend your regular exam date
- Provide documentation if required (doctor’s note, event schedule, etc.)
- Confirm your late testing date and location with your school
- Continue studying until your makeup test date
How to Prepare for Late Testing
- Treat the extra time as an opportunity to review weak areas
- Avoid “peaking” too early — spread out your final review
- Practice with official AP questions to stay sharp
- Keep your test-day routine the same as the original date
Related RevisionDojo Resources
- AP Exam Schedule
- AP Exam Costs & Fee Reductions
- AP Exam Day Checklist
- AP Study Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can anyone request AP late testing?
A1: No — you must meet College Board eligibility requirements.
Q2: Do late testing exams count the same as regular exams?
A2: Yes — scores are reported the same way to colleges.
Q3: Are late testing exams harder?
A3: No — they are equivalent in difficulty but use different versions to maintain security.
Q4: Does late testing affect score release timing?
A4: No — scores are released at the same time as regular AP exams.
Call to Action
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