College Board
AP Computer Science A
Advanced Placement Computer Science A
A college-level introductory programming course taught in Java, covering object-oriented design, data structures, and algorithms. A strong AP exam score can earn college credit and place students out of an introductory CS course.
What's on the exam
AP Computer Science A Course and Exam Description (effective Fall 2025, four-unit framework)
Unit 1: Using Objects and Methods
15-25%Variables, data types, and expressions · Casting and compound assignment · Method signatures and calling methods · Math and wrapper classes · Objects, object creation, and instance methods · String manipulation
Unit 2: Selection and Iteration
25-35%Algorithms with selection · Boolean and compound Boolean expressions · if, if-else, and nested if statements · while and for loops · Nested iteration · Informal run-time analysis
Unit 3: Class Creation
10-18%Abstraction and impact of programs · Anatomy of a class · Constructors and methods · Class variables and methods · Scope and access · The this keyword
Unit 4: Data Collections
30-40%Ethical and social issues in computing · Array creation, access, and traversals · Using text files · ArrayList methods and traversals · Searching and sorting algorithms · Recursion and recursive searching
Frequently asked questions
How much does the AP Computer Science A cost?
The AP Computer Science A costs $99. $99 per AP Exam in the US (2026-27, unchanged from 2025-26); a College Board fee reduction of $37 per exam is available for eligible students.
How long is the AP Computer Science A and how many questions does it have?
42 multiple-choice, 4 free-response (program code) — 3 hours.
What do you need to pass the AP Computer Science A?
Scored 1-5; a 3 or higher is generally considered passing, though credit policies are set by each college.
Can you retake the AP Computer Science A?
Once per year (next May administration).
What is the best way to study for the AP Computer Science A?
Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (Unit 1: Using Objects and Methods 15-25%, Unit 2: Selection and Iteration 25-35%, Unit 3: Class Creation 10-18%, Unit 4: Data Collections 30-40%). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.
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