Can I Take AP Exams Online?

You've been studying hard for your AP exams at home, and there's one burning question that keeps going around in your head: ‘Can I take AP exams online?’ You might be thinking about the convenience of taking exams remotely, or wondering if online testing is even an option.

The short answer is no. You have to complete your AP exams at an authorised test centre. 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about taking AP exams, including how to register as an independent student and what options are available to you.

Key Takeaways

• AP exams must be taken in person at approved schools or testing centres, though most are now administered digitally through the Bluebook application (opens in a new tab).

• At-home testing is no longer available - it was only offered during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021.

• You don't need to be enrolled in an AP course to take the exam - self-studying students and homeschoolers are welcome.

• Registration must go through an authorised AP coordinator at a school or approved testing centre.

Can You Take AP Exams Online?

You cannot take AP exams online from home.

The College Board offered at-home online testing for students in 2020 during the pandemic, when challenges arose in administering and collecting students' tests. However, this was a temporary measure.

Since 2021, all AP exams must be taken in person at approved testing locations. This means you'll need to physically attend a school or authorised testing centre on exam day.

Starting in May 2025, 28 AP exams moved to the Bluebook digital testing application (opens in a new tab), which means you'll be taking the test on a computer or tablet. But this is still in a supervised, in-person setting.

The AP digital format includes advantages like: 

• Easier navigation through reading passages

• Faster typing compared to handwriting

• A generally less stressful testing experience

But you'll still need to show up at a physical location to sit the exam.

Who Can Register for an AP Exam?

You don't need to be enrolled in an AP class to take an AP exam.

The College Board wants to ensure all students (homeschooled included) can take AP exams.

Here's who can register:

• Students enrolled in AP classes

  • If you're taking an AP course at school, your AP coordinator will handle registration for you.

• Self-studying students

  • You can study for an AP exam entirely on your own and still sit the test.

• Homeschoolers 

  • Homeschooled students have the same rights to take AP exams as any other student.

The key thing to remember is that whilst anyone can take an AP exam, you'll need to arrange testing through an authorised school or testing centre. You can't order the exam directly from the College Board yourself.

How to Register for an AP Exam Without a School Course

If you're not enrolled in an AP course, here's your step-by-step guide to registering:

Step 1: Use the AP Course Ledger

The AP Course Ledger (opens in a new tab) is the official, comprehensive list of schools that have passed the AP Course Audit. You can search by country, state, or city to find a school where you might be able to test.

Step 2: Contact schools early

Call and ask to speak with the school's AP coordinator to learn if the school is allowing external students to test there. Schools may have their own local deadlines and policies for receiving requests from outside students.

Start this process as early as possible - ideally by October of the school year before your exams. This will allow you to register as an ‘outside candidate’.

Step 3: Get your join code and pay the fee

The coordinator will provide you with a join code to use on the College Board's My AP website (opens in a new tab). AP exams cost $99 per exam for schools in the United States, U.S. territories, and Canada, or $129 per exam for schools outside the U.S. Explore our article on how much AP exams cost for more detail.

Step 4: Confirm exam details

Your AP coordinator will tell you when and where to report for your exams, and what to bring. Make sure you know the exact date, time, and location well in advance.

Can International Students Take AP Exams?

Yes. AP exams are available to students worldwide.

If you're an international student and your school doesn't offer AP exams, you have options.

Authorised AP test centres operate in countries including: 

• China (Hong Kong)

• India

• Singapore

• South Korea

• Turkey

• United Kingdom

These centres are run by test administrator partners and are open to all eligible students. Registration typically opens in September at authorised test centres, and students must complete registration and payment directly with their selected test centre between September and mid-November.

Keep in mind that international test centres may have different fees and policies than schools in the United States. It's important to check with your preferred test centre for specific information about which exams they offer, their registration deadlines, and their cancellation policies.

What If I'm Homeschooled or Self-Studying?

Being homeschooled or studying independently doesn't put you at a disadvantage, but it does require extra planning.

Start your search for a testing location early in the school year. October is the ideal time to begin contacting schools. If you're unable to find a school by the November deadline, you can keep looking, as schools at their discretion could add you to their order after the November deadline. But, this isn’t a certainty. Check with the test centres or schools you are researching.

When preparing for exams without formal instruction, stick to the official course and exam descriptions provided by the College Board. These documents outline exactly what content and skills you'll be tested on.

Many self-studying students also pair their independent study with online AP courses or tutoring to supplement their learning. This can provide structure and expert guidance as you prepare.

Remember: homeschooled and independent students are evaluated by the same standards as everyone else, so your AP scores carry exactly the same weight when applying to universities.

How to Prepare for AP Exams if You're Not in School

Preparing for AP exams on your own takes discipline, but it's absolutely achievable. Here's how to set yourself up for success:

Whether you're just starting out on your AP journey, or need a bit of a revision boost, our detailed strategy for AP exam success is sure to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be in an AP class to sit the exam?

No. The College Board recommends taking the AP course before taking an AP exam, but it's not required. Anyone can register to take an AP exam, whether they're enrolled in the corresponding course or not. Our guide to taking an AP exam without being enrolled in a class digs into the details.

How much does it cost to take an AP exam as an independent student?

The base cost is $99 per exam for students testing in the United States, U.S. territories, and Canada, or $129 per exam for students testing at schools outside these areas. However, your school or test centre may charge additional fees to cover proctoring and administration costs. 

Can I take AP exams outside the United States?

Yes. Many schools across the world offer AP exams. You'll need to register through an authorised school or test centre in your country. Each centre sets its own fees, deadlines, and policies, so contact them directly for specific information.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're homeschooled, self-studying, or just taking an exam your school doesn't offer, you have every right to sit AP exams. And, thousands of students successfully take AP exams each year without being enrolled in formal courses.

The key is to plan ahead. Start looking for testing locations early - ideally in October - and communicate clearly with AP coordinators at local schools. Give yourself plenty of time to register before the November deadline.

At Save My Exams, we're here to help you prepare for your AP exams with confidence. Our resources are designed to support independent learners just like you with everything you need to succeed on exam day. Join over 2 million students and teachers using Save My Exams to master what matters, and boost your AP scores today.

References

Bluebook - Digital AP Exams (opens in a new tab)

Newsroom - College Board Transitions Most AP Exams to Digital This May (opens in a new tab)

AP Course Ledger (opens in a new tab)

College Board - My AP (opens in a new tab)