AP Exam Dates & Timetable 2026

Planning your AP revision just got easier! The 2026 AP exam schedule is here, and knowing your dates early is the secret to exam success. Whether you're taking one AP or several, this complete guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 testing window.

Key Takeaways

• AP exams run from May 4-8 and May 11-15, 2026, across two testing weeks.

• Morning sessions start between 8 and 9 AM, afternoon sessions between 12 and 1 PM local time.

• Late testing is available during the third week of May for eligible students.

• Performance task deadlines fall on April 30, 2026, for certain subjects.

• Multiple exams on the same day require coordination through your school.

When Are the AP Exams in 2026?

The 2026 AP Exams (opens in a new tab) will be administered in schools over two weeks in May: 

• May 4–8 

• May 11–15

This two-week structure gives students breathing room between exams. Each testing day includes morning and afternoon sessions.

Schools in all locations must begin the morning exam administration between 8 and 9 a.m. local time, and the afternoon exam administration between 12 and 1 p.m. local time. Your AP coordinator will tell you exactly when and where to show up for your specific exams.

Keen to get organised early? Our AP Exam Checklist will give you a much-needed head start come exam day.

AP Subject Exam Dates, May 2026

Here's the complete schedule for all AP courses during the regular testing window in May 2026.

Make sure you are aware of deadlines relevant to your AP exams. 

• AP Seminar and AP Research students need to submit performance tasks by April 30, 2026, before 11:59 p.m. (EST)

• AP Computer Science Principles must submit their Create performance test as final by April 30, 2026, before 11:59 p.m. (EST)

Late Testing for AP Exams 2026

What is late testing?

Even though you’ve scheduled your AP exam and are well-prepared, there are times things can happen. Late testing gives you a chance to make up an exam if you or your family encounters something unexpected before the testing date.

If you qualify for late testing, you won’t have to pay a late testing fee. This is for students who have to reschedule their AP exam because of something beyond their control or the school’s control. Late testing is allowed without an extra fee for reasons that include:

• Scheduling conflicts between two AP exams

• Sudden illness on exam day

• Family emergencies

• Religious observances

• School-sponsored activities that clash with exam times

AP late-testing exams (opens in a new tab) are taken in the third week of May. For security purposes, a different version of the exam is administered on late-testing day.

2026 Late Testing Dates (Full List)

Please note that you cannot just choose a late-testing date because it’s more convenient. You’ll have to give a valid reason and your AP coordinator will make the final decision.

What to Do If You Have Two Exams on the Same Day

It’s not that unusual that two exams get scheduled for the same day. It happens a lot more than you might think. There’s no reason to panic. Schools handle these types of situations all the time. 

When you discover that you have a scheduling conflict, talk to your AP coordinator. They will be able to move one of the exams to a late-testing date. You won’t be able to choose which test gets moved to the late date, though. 

Here are a few tips for managing two exams scheduled for the same time:

• Tell your AP coordinator as soon as you know about it.

• Focus on just one exam at a time on your actual test day.

• Plan extra revision time for the test that is scheduled for the late date.

• Don’t wait and try to cram it all in the night before the test.

• Stay hydrated and take plenty of breaks between sessions.

The most important thing to remember is to trust your preparation. If you’ve been studying consistently, your knowledge will still be there even with the schedule change.

Tips for Using the AP Exam Timetable Effectively

Build a Personal Study Plan Around Your Exam Dates

Work backwards from each exam date. Create a studying timeline that gives you enough time to cover all the materials without burning out.

Mark your exam dates on a calendar or planner. Count backwards to see how many weeks you have for each subject, and use this as your guide to start studying for your AP exams. Then, divide the content you need to cover evenly across those weeks.

Prioritize Subjects with Early Exam Dates

Study fatigue is a real thing, especially during exam season. Make sure to schedule some rest days in between your intensive study sessions. 

Play for some evenings when you can relax and have some fun. This helps your brain and body relax. When your brain gets too tired, it will not perform well, no matter how much you study.

Leave Buffer Days for Practice Tests and Review

You may be a little tempted to pack your prep schedule too tightly. But you’ll want to leave some space for things like:

• Full-length practice exam under timed conditions

• Review sessions for topics you feel weaker in

• Last-minute former exam question practice

• Unexpected sick days or other disruptions

Coordinate with Teachers and School Calendar

It’s a good idea to check your school’s calendar for conflicts with your study sessions or mock exams. Some schools offer AP prep sessions a few weeks before the testing. Talk to your AP teachers about their plans for helping students study. They may already have a timeline to help you cover review materials. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the 2026 AP Exam dates be released?

The 2026 AP exam dates and schedule are already available. The AP exams will be administered over two weeks in May: May 4-8 and May 11-15. The College Board releases exam schedules long before the testing dates to help students plan their studies.

Can I reschedule my AP exam if I have a conflict?

You can’t directly reschedule exams on your own. But if there is a scheduling conflict, your AP coordinator can arrange late testing for you. The late-testing dates are already scheduled for the third week of May. 

Will AP exams be digital or in-person in 2026?

Most AP exams are administered in-person at your school or designated testing site. There are a few subjects like AP Computer Science Principles that might include digital components. The main exams will still be traditional paper-based testing.

Hit Your Target AP Scores with Save My Exams

Now that you know your AP exam dates, it’s time to turn that knowledge into results. A clear plan, consistent revision, and the right resources will make all the difference when exam day arrives.

Don’t just mark the dates - use them. Print this AP exam schedule (opens in a new tab) and share it with your family and teachers. Stick it on your bedroom wall or save it to your phone. The earlier you start planning around these dates, the less stressed you'll feel when exam season arrives.

Break your revision into manageable chunks, and use the teacher-written Save My Exams AP resources to drill down into the content you need to know.

Practice with exam questions organised by course and topic, use our easy-to-understand study guides, and focus on strengthening your weaker topics early. 

Start today, stay consistent, and go into exam season ready to smash it.

References

AP College Board - 2026 AP Exam Dates (opens in a new tab)

AP College Board - Late-Testing Exams (opens in a new tab)