In recent years, the College Board has introduced digital AP exams for certain subjects. These computer-based tests are designed to maintain the same rigor as paper exams while offering flexibility for schools and students.
This guide explains:
- How the digital AP format works
- Which AP subjects are offered digitally
- What’s different from the paper version
- Tips to prepare for success
How Digital AP Exams Work
- Administered on approved school computers or tablets
- Use the College Board’s secure testing application
- Include built-in tools such as timers, annotation features, and calculators (where allowed)
- Require a stable internet connection during check-in, though most testing runs offline once started
AP Subjects Currently Offered Digitally
While offerings may change each year, digital AP exams are often available for:
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP U.S. History (APUSH)
- AP World History: Modern
- AP European History
- AP Seminar
Key Differences Between Digital and Paper Exams
- Question Order: Digital exams may present questions one at a time instead of in booklet format
- Navigation: You can flag questions to review later
- Typing Essays: FRQs are typed instead of handwritten, which can be a major advantage for fast typists
- No Internet Browsing: The secure browser locks down the device during the exam
