Introduction
The AP World History: Modern exam is one of the most content-heavy AP tests. Spanning from 1200 CE to the present, it requires students to know major events, compare civilizations, and write essays that demonstrate historical thinking skills.
This 2025 AP World History Study Guide breaks down what you need to know, how to structure your study plan, and why RevisionDojo’s targeted resources are the best way to prepare.
AP World History Exam Format
Before studying, understand the structure:
- Section I (60% of exam):
- Multiple Choice (55 questions, 40%)
- Short Answer Questions (SAQs) (3 questions, 20%)
- Section II (40% of exam):
- Document-Based Question (DBQ) (25%)
- Long Essay Question (LEQ) (15%)
Key takeaway: The exam rewards connections, analysis, and writing skills — not just memorization.
AP World History Period Overview (1200–Present)
The exam is organized into six periods:
- Period 1 (1200–1450): Growth of trade routes (Silk Roads, Trans-Saharan, Indian Ocean). Rise of Mongol Empire.
- Period 2 (1450–1750): Age of Exploration, Columbian Exchange, Gunpowder Empires.
- Period 3 (1750–1900): Industrial Revolution, Enlightenment, Revolutions (American, French, Haitian).
- Period 4 (1900–Present): World Wars, Cold War, globalization.
- Period 5 & 6 (combined focus in Modern exam): Decolonization, modern political conflicts, technological shifts.
Focus on across regions.
