This page highlights essential points regarding Advanced Placement® (AP) exam eligibility requirements, registration, and the cost of each exam.
AP Exam Eligibility
Taking AP exams is smart if you want to impress colleges. These exams demonstrate your readiness for challenges and help you develop essential college skills, such as critical thinking and time management, making them an excellent way to get ahead in the college game.
What’s the biggest perk of taking AP exams? They allow high school students to earn college credits or skip ahead to higher-level courses before starting college. This could lead to significant savings on tuition and even provide the opportunity to finish college early or advance into higher-level classes in your major sooner. It’s like getting a head start on your college journey while still in high school. Let’s dive deeper into the eligibility requirements for AP exams to help you start planning your course of study.
Who Can Take AP Exams?
High school students worldwide have the opportunity to take AP exams. Generally, 11th and 12th graders are encouraged to take these exams, but 9th or 10th graders can also participate if they feel ready for a college-level course. If you’re considering taking exams early, evaluate your preparedness carefully.
In addition to high school students, college students and adults returning to education can also take AP exams. College Board® sets no upper age limit. Home-schooled students are also eligible to test. To register, contact your nearest AP center or AP services.
International Student AP Exam Eligibility
International students can take AP exams to earn credit at U.S. colleges and globally recognized universities. AP scores of 3 or higher may grant college credit. College Board recommends a two-year AP prep plan for these students. Self-study is an option if AP courses are unavailable at students’ schools, making AP exams valuable for college applications worldwide due to their international recognition.
Explore UWorld’s AP Online Prep Courses for comprehensive preparation resources to enhance your study strategy and boost your confidence.
AP Exam Registration
After familiarizing yourself with the eligibility requirements, the next step is to learn about the AP exam registration process and procedures.
When to Register for 2026 AP Exams
In 2026, AP exams will be administered over two weeks, from May 4–8 and May 11–15. College Board has designated October 3, 2025, as the preferred deadline to complete enrollments in AP registration and to order exams. The final ordering deadline for 2026 exams is November 14, 2025.
Registration dates may vary by school. Most students register for their AP exams directly through their schools. However, students studying independently or attending schools that do not offer AP courses must contact an AP coordinator at a participating school to arrange registration. Those who plan to self-register need to contact their testing location’s AP coordinator to confirm specific deadlines and requirements.
Who Can Register for an AP Exam
Anyone can register for an AP exam, even if their school doesn’t offer AP courses or administer AP exams. To do so, individuals can arrange to take the exams at a nearby high school that administers AP exams. The process involves searching the AP Course Ledger to find schools that offer the exams, contacting the school’s AP coordinator, and following any specific deadlines or policies set by the school. Late registration for AP exams is also possible but may involve additional fees and considerations.
Registering Yourself for an AP Exam
To self-register for an AP exam1, follow these steps:
- Create an account on the College Board website.
- Sign in to the “My AP” section and make sure you’ve joined the “My Class” section online if your high school offers AP classes. If you haven’t joined yet, talk to your AP coordinator or teacher. They will provide you with a unique code to enter in the “join a course or exam” option.
- Once you enter the code, a pop-up will appear showing your high school name, the course or exam you are taking, and the name of your AP teacher.
- Once you are sure you are in the correct class, click “Yes” and fill in your registration information. Click “Save,” and you are all set!
- If you want to review your course and exam details, just go to your “My AP” page and scroll through the details.
Your school may require you to enter your exam registration manually. If so, after enrolling in your class sections, click the “Register” button in your class section view on the “My AP” page. This will let your AP coordinator know that you plan to take the exam, and they will order it for you. If you don’t see this option, it means you’ve automatically been registered for the exam.
Alternatively, if you are interested in taking an online AP course or if your high school does not offer a course you are interested in, give AP Services a call at 888-225-5427 or email them using their online form. They will be able to guide you through the sign-up process and order the exam kit on your behalf.
AP Exam Registration Deadlines
The official registration deadline for the 2026 AP exams is Friday, November 14, 2025. However, most high schools set late AP exam registration deadlines, so always remember to check with your school about the deadline in advance.
If you miss the registration deadline, you can still register, but there will be a late fee. However, if your class did not start until spring or you’re changing schools, contact your AP coordinator. You might be exempt from the late fee.
- For payment of the exam fees, talk to your AP coordinator.
- Once you have finished registering for an exam, the date and time will appear in your “My AP” section. If you have any questions about the 2026 AP exam schedule or anything else, talk to your AP coordinator for clarification.
- Your AP coordinator will notify you about the time and location of your exams.
Remember to keep up with your assignments, practice your skills, and aim for that perfect AP score.
Canceling Your AP Exam Registration
You can cancel your registration for an AP exam. However, there might be a cancellation fee, and you may only receive a partial refund for the canceled exam. Each school has different policies and deadlines for canceling AP exam registration. Remember to check with your school or AP test center for more information.
AP Exam Cost and Fees
After you decide to take an AP exam, you’ll also want to learn everything about the cost of the exam, how to pay exam fees2, if any late fees are applicable, and other payment-related questions.
AP Exam Costs
Most AP exams cost $99 (except AP Seminar and AP Research, which cost $147). Your school may charge a different amount to cover administration costs. The cost of AP exams typically rises by $1 or $2 each year.
| AP Exam Fee Structure | |
|---|---|
| On-time orders (By November 14, 2025) |
$99 per exam at schools in the U.S., U.S. territories, Canada, and Department of Defense (DoDEA) schools $129 per exam everywhere else $147 per exam for the AP Capstone Programs |
| Late orders (November 15, 2025 - March 14, 2026) |
$40 per exam in addition to base exam fee |
| Unused/canceled exam fee | $40 per exam applies to exams canceled in “AP Registration and Ordering” after November 15, 2025, and by March 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET). |
| For eligible students requiring fee reduction |
School Rebate: $9 per exam College Board Rebate: $37 per exam |
Paying for an AP Exam
Paying for an AP exam is straightforward, with several options available. Start by contacting your AP coordinator, who will provide details on the fee submission process. Many schools allow online payments through their websites or third-party platforms like Total Registration and SchoolPay. To ensure you follow the correct procedure, confirm with your AP coordinator how your school handles AP exam payments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are AP exams so expensive?
AP exam fees, starting at $99 in the United States and $129 for international students, cover costs such as examiner fees, exam materials, grading, and distribution. While the price might seem high, it’s a budget-friendly option compared to college course costs.
On average, public in-state college courses cost about $3,870 each, while out-of-state courses can reach $10,2603. Scoring 3 or higher on an AP exam can earn you college credits, potentially saving you thousands on tuition and helping you to graduate earlier. The investment in an AP exam often pays off significantly.
When are AP exam fees due?
Payment is due to College Board by June 15 (postmark deadline), not at the time of ordering. Payments made after this date incur a $225 late fee.
Schools do not owe fees when ordering exams; fees are collected after administration. Late orders placed between November 15, 2025, and March 15, 2026, will include a $40 late fee per exam, except for spring courses or transfer students.
Is the AP exam fee refundable?
Yes, it is partially refundable, although it is subject to deductions by your school and College Board for unused exam kits and exam administration expenses.
Is there a fee for unused AP exams?
Yes, College Board charges a fee of $40 for an unused exam. Your school may also charge extra fees to cover the expenses of administering and ordering exams and arranging exam accommodations.
If you cancel an AP exam, do you receive a refund?
If you paid for an AP exam but did not take it, you can request a partial refund minus school administration charges. College Board will not charge a cancellation fee for unused exam kits if the order is canceled by November 14, 2025. For cancellations made between November 15, 2025, and March 14, 2026, College Board will charge a $40 fee. Check with your AP coordinator regarding any additional charges your school may have issued for canceling your exam order.
Are AP exam fees tax-deductible?
According to the Internal Revenue Service, AP exam costs are not considered tuition expenses; hence, they are not tax-deductible.
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References
- Access and Initial Setup in AP Registration and Ordering – AP Central | College Board. (n.d.). https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/exam-administration-ordering-scores/ordering-fees/manage-registration-ordering/access-setup-ap-registration-ordering
- AP Exam Fees – AP Central | College Board. (n.d.). https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/exam-administration-ordering-scores/ordering-fees/exam-fees
- Average Cost of College Tuition. Business Insider. November 13, 2024. https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/student-loans/average-college-tuition
