Last Updated: January 9, 2025
The AP Computer Science Principles exam consists of two main components: a multiple-choice section and a Create performance task with written responses. The exam is scored on a scale of 1 - 5, with a 5 being the highest possible score.
The scores in this calculator are estimates based on previous scoring curves. The actual scoring curve may vary year to year.
Instructions
Enter your scores for each section using the sliders below to calculate your estimated AP score.
Section 1: Multiple Choice
Section 2: Create Performance Task & Written Responses
PREDICTED AP® SCORE
0 | Score range: 1 - 5
SECTION SCORES
Multiple Choice Score
0 / 70
Create Task & Written Response Score
0 / 30
Combined Composite Score
0 / 100
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The AP Computer Science Principles exam is divided into two main components:
| Section | Question Type | Time | Questions | Exam Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Multiple Choice | 2 hours | 70 questions | 70% |
| Section 2 | Create Performance Task & Written Response | 9 hours (task) + 1 hour (written) | Project + 2 questions | 30% |
Section 1: Multiple Choice
57 standard single-select questions
5 questions based on a reading passage about computing innovation
8 multiple-select questions requiring two answer choices
Each question has 4 possible answer options
Section 2: Create Performance Task & Written Response
Students develop an original computer program during 9 hours of in-class time
Required deliverables include program code, video demonstration, and a Personalized Project Reference
Two written response questions during a 1-hour exam period
Written responses include 4 distinct prompts about the student's project
Students may reference their project materials while answering written questions
The AP Computer Science Principles exam uses a weighted scoring system where the multiple-choice section accounts for 70% of your score and the Create performance task with written responses makes up the remaining 30%.
Your performance in both sections is combined into a composite score, which is then converted to the final AP score of 1-5. The distribution of scores from the most recent exam was:
| AP Computer Science Principles Score | Percentage of Students |
|---|---|
| 5 | 10.9% |
| 4 | 20.0% |
| 3 | 33.1% |
| 2 | 20.3% |
| 1 | 15.7% |
A score of 3 or higher is generally considered passing, though many top colleges only award credit for scores of 4 or 5. For college admissions purposes, a 4 or 5 is considered a strong score.
To earn a high score (4 or 5), students typically need to demonstrate:
Strong understanding of computing concepts and principles
Ability to develop functional computer programs
Skills in analyzing and explaining code functionality
Clear written communication about computing concepts
Understanding of computing's impact on society
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