College Board
AP Psychology
Advanced Placement Psychology Exam
The end-of-course exam for one of the most popular AP courses in the US. A score of 3 or higher commonly earns introductory psychology credit at college, and the course is a frequent gateway into behavioral-science majors.
Full program: 5 decks, 697 cards.
What's on the exam
AP Psychology Course and Exam Description (College Board)
Biological Bases of Behavior
15–25%Neurons and neural transmission · The brain and nervous system · Sensation · Sleep and consciousness · Heredity and environment
Cognition
15–25%Perception · Memory encoding, storage, and retrieval · Thinking and problem solving · Judgment and decision biases · Intelligence and testing
Development and Learning
15–25%Lifespan physical and cognitive development · Social-emotional development · Classical conditioning · Operant conditioning · Observational and cognitive learning
Social Psychology and Personality
15–25%Attribution and social cognition · Attitudes, conformity, and group behavior · Psychodynamic and humanistic theories · Trait theories of personality · Motivation and emotion
Mental and Physical Health
15–25%Health psychology and stress · Defining psychological disorders · Categories of disorders · Treatment and therapy approaches · Positive psychology
Frequently asked questions
How much does the AP Psychology cost?
The AP Psychology costs $99. US price per exam; higher internationally; schools may add fees and fee reductions are available.
How long is the AP Psychology and how many questions does it have?
75 multiple-choice questions and 2 free-response questions — 2 hours 40 minutes.
What do you need to pass the AP Psychology?
Scored 1–5; most colleges grant credit for 3, 4, or 5 (policies vary).
Can you retake the AP Psychology?
Once per year, at the May administration.
What is the best way to study for the AP Psychology?
Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (Biological Bases of Behavior 15–25%, Cognition 15–25%, Development and Learning 15–25%, Social Psychology and Personality 15–25%, Mental and Physical Health 15–25%). 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.
Ready to prepare?
Our AP Psychology program is organized by this outline's domains and scheduled by spaced repetition, with a path from first card to test day.
Flashcards are a memory tool. Learn the material first, then use NoReread to retain it and refresh what you already know. It doesn't replace studying the subject.