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
Preparing for a Digital AP Exam
- Practice with the College Board’s digital demo to learn the interface
- Make sure you’re comfortable typing essays under timed conditions
- Learn the built-in annotation and highlighting tools to save time
- Bring any required materials (like calculators) even if tools are available in-app
Related RevisionDojo Resources
- AP Exam Day Checklist
- AP FRQ Writing Guide
- APUSH Exam Test Strategies
- AP Multiple Choice Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are digital AP exams easier than paper ones?
A1: No — the content and scoring are identical.
Q2: Can I choose between digital and paper formats?
A2: Usually no — format availability depends on your school’s decision.
Q3: Do digital exams have the same timing as paper exams?
A3: Yes — section lengths and breaks are the same.
Q4: Can technical issues affect my score?
A4: If a serious issue occurs, the College Board offers makeup testing.
Call to Action
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