Learn about the AP World History exam format, including the multiple-choice and free-response sections, timing, scoring, and preparation strategies.
The AP World History: Modern exam in 2025 is a comprehensive, 3 hour 15 minute test covering historical developments from circa 1200 CE to the present. The exam format is similar to previous years in structure, but starting in 2025 it is administered fully digitally via the College Board's Bluebook application.
The AP World History: Modern exam is divided into two sections: Section I (multiple-choice and short-answer questions) and Section II (free-response questions). All answers are entered in the digital testing app.
| Section & Part | Time | Questions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section I Part A: Multiple-Choice | 55 minutes | 55 multiple-choice questions | 40% |
| Section I Part B: Short-Answer | 40 minutes | 3 short-answer questions (SAQs) | 20% |
| Section II Part A: Document-Based | 60 minutes (15 min reading) | 1 document-based question (DBQ) | 25% |
| Section II Part B: Long Essay | 40 minutes | 1 long essay question (LEQ) (choose 1 of 3) | 15% |
Section I lasts 95 minutes in total and is split into Part A (multiple-choice) and Part B (short-answer). This section accounts for 60% of your exam score (40% from Part A and 20% from Part B).
Format: 55 multiple-choice questions in 55 minutes. Questions are grouped in sets of usually 3-4 questions that all relate to a given stimulus or source. Each stimulus could be a primary/secondary text excerpt, image, map, or chart, accompanied by several questions.
What is Tested: These questions assess your ability to analyze historical sources and apply your knowledge of world history. You will need to interpret the provided sources and understand the historical developments or processes illustrated by them.
Scoring: Each MCQ is worth one raw point, and only correct answers count (there is no penalty for guessing). The total from this section makes up 40% of your exam score. It is essential to answer all 55 questions.
Format: 3 short-answer questions to be answered in 40 minutes. SAQs require concise written responses (typically a few sentences per part). Question 1 and Question 2 are required: Q1 provides one or two secondary source excerpts, and Q2 provides one primary source — both will ask about historical developments between 1200 and 2001. Question 3 and Question 4 offer a choice: you will answer either Q3 or Q4. Q3 focuses on 1200-1750, and Q4 on 1750-2001.
Scoring: Each SAQ is scored on a 0-3 point scale. Across the three SAQs, you can earn up to 9 raw points total, which corresponds to 20% of the exam score.
Format: 1 DBQ in 60 minutes (including a recommended 15-minute reading period). The DBQ provides seven historical documents (which may include texts, images, charts, etc.) that offer different perspectives on a certain historical development. You must write an essay that incorporates evidence from these documents and your own knowledge of history. The DBQ focuses on a topic within the period c. 1450 to c. 2001.
The DBQ evaluates your ability to analyze and synthesize historical evidence and formulate a coherent argument. You will need to examine each document's content and context (who wrote it, when and why) and use them to support an original thesis responding to the prompt.
Format: 1 long essay in 40 minutes. You will have a choice among three LEQ prompts and must choose one to answer. All three questions measure the same reasoning skills, but each focuses on a different time range: one covers c. 1200-1750, another c. 1450-1900, and another c. 1750-2001.
Scoring (6-point rubric): The rubric awards points for a clear thesis, contextualization, use of evidence (specific facts), analysis and reasoning, and demonstrating complexity. The LEQ score makes up 15% of the exam score.
The LEQ assesses your ability to craft a historical argument in essay form, using evidence from your knowledge (no documents provided). You must develop a thesis and support it with specific examples.
The AP World History exam gauges not just factual recall, but a range of historical thinking skills:
Because the 2025 exam is delivered via Bluebook, practice with the testing application beforehand. Take a practice exam or write sample essays in the Bluebook interface to get used to reading sources and typing under timed conditions.
Since the DBQ and many Section I questions involve documents, work on your ability to quickly analyze written and visual sources. Take practice DBQs from previous exams and examine each document's historical context, author's point of view, purpose, and audience.
Always spend the first ~15 minutes of the DBQ time reading the documents and planning: outline your thesis and decide which documents will support each part of your argument. Cite or refer to all or most of the documents, and bring in at least one piece of relevant outside knowledge.
Practice outlining and writing essays for a variety of prompts (comparative, causation, continuity/change). Make sure your essay has a clear structure: an intro with thesis, body paragraphs each making a distinct point with evidence, and a brief conclusion.
Time management is critical in a lengthy exam. Pace yourself on the multiple-choice — roughly 1 minute per question. For SAQs, try to spend about 12-13 minutes per SAQ. Use the recommended 15-minute reading period for the DBQ to plan before writing. Aim to start the LEQ with at least 40 minutes left.