Sometimes students can’t take their AP exam on the scheduled date. In these cases, the College Board offers AP late testing — a second opportunity to sit for the exam under specific conditions.
This guide covers:
- What AP late testing is and when it happens
- Valid reasons for requesting it
- The rules and security measures
- Fees you may need to pay
What Is AP Late Testing?
- A second set of AP exams offered on alternate dates, usually one to two weeks after the regular exam window
- Uses different test forms to maintain exam security
- Administered under the same timing and proctoring conditions as regular exams
Common Reasons for Late Testing Approval
- Exam schedule conflicts (two exams at the same time)
- Illness or injury on exam day
- Religious observances
- School-related activities or athletic events
- Family emergencies
- Natural disasters or school closures
AP Late Testing Dates
- Scheduled by the College Board, not individual schools
- Typically held in the third week of May
- Schools will inform students of the exact dates for each subject
Rules for Late Testing
- You must test at your school or another approved AP site
- The exam format and scoring are the same as regular testing
- You cannot see the original test materials beforehand
- Prohibited items and conduct rules are identical to regular AP exams
AP Late Testing Fees
- Standard late testing fee: Around $40 per exam in most cases
- Fee waivers may be available for students with documented reasons (like illness or emergencies)
- Some schools may absorb the fee, while others pass it on to students
Related RevisionDojo Resources
- AP Exam Registration Guide
- AP Exam Schedule
- AP Exam Costs & Fee Reductions
- AP Exam Day Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I choose late testing just because I’m not ready?
A1: No — the College Board only allows late testing for approved reasons.
Q2: Will late testing affect my score?
A2: No — the scoring process is identical to regular testing.
Q3: Who decides if I qualify for late testing?
A3: Your school’s AP coordinator determines eligibility based on College Board rules.
Q4: Is the late test harder than the regular one?
A4: Difficulty is similar — it’s just a different set of questions to ensure fairness.
Call to Action
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