Which AP Exams Are Digital?

Have you wondered if your AP exam will be taken on paper or on a computer? You're not alone! The College Board is gradually moving to digital formats for some AP exams. 

This year, more than half of the exams were administered digitally. However, they do still administer paper exams for some courses. Some exams use a hybrid format, some digital and some paper. It is important to know what you should expect as you prepare for your end-of-year AP exams.

In this article, we’ll cover digital AP exams. We’ll discuss which subjects offer them and how they differ from traditional paper tests.

Key Takeaways

• Many AP exams are now digital, taken on the Bluebook app, though some remain paper or hybrid.

• Digital exams have key differences, such as the inability to revisit previous questions.

• Students can’t choose the format; schools and the College Board decide.

What Is a Digital AP Exam?

A digital AP exam is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an AP test taken on a computer instead of with pen and paper.

Here's what makes digital AP exams unique:

• Taken on the College Board's (opens in a new tab)Bluebook app (opens in a new tab). This is the official testing software you'll use on exam day.

• Administered at your school. Don't worry – you won't be taking these exams at home. Digital exams happen in supervised school settings, just like paper ones.

• Same exam content, slightly different experience. The questions and difficulty level remain identical to the paper versions. The main difference is how you interact with the test.

• Available on select alternate testing dates. Digital exams typically aren't offered during the main May testing window. They're usually available for makeup dates or special circumstances.

Full List of Digital AP Exams (2025)

Currently, most AP exams are completed digitally using Bluebook. But not all courses offer totally digital options. Here’s the list of the fully digital AP exams in 2025:

• AP African American Studies

• AP Art History

• AP Comparative Government and Politics

• AP Computer Science A

• AP Computer Science Principles

• AP English Language and Composition

• AP English Literature and Composition

• AP Environmental Science

• AP European History

• AP Human Geography

• AP Latin

• AP Psychology

• AP Seminar

• AP US Government and Politics

• AP United States History

• AP World History (Modern)

Other AP subjects are either paper-only or hybrid in 2025. Hybrid exams have the students complete multiple-choice questions in Bluebook, but handwritten free-response answers are written in the paper exam books.

How Digital Exams Differ from Paper Exams

Understanding the key differences can help you prepare more effectively. Here's a side-by-side comparison:

The navigation restriction is maybe the most important difference. When you take a paper exam, you have the choice of flipping back and forth or reviewing earlier answers. Digital exams do not allow that so you have to just answer the questions in order. 

Can You Choose to Take a Digital AP Exam?

Unfortunately, no. You can’t just ask for a digital or paper version of your AP exam. The College Board has said they are moving to digital formats soon. Currently, there are options available. Here’s what you need to know about the current digital transition.

• Schools decide, not students. Your school's AP coordinator determines whether to offer digital or paper versions.

• Limited availability. Digital exams usually happen when schools need makeup dates or have paper shortages.

• College Board assignment. The College Board may offer digital versions in some cases or for pilot programs.

If you're hoping for a digital exam, speak with your AP coordinator. But most students will still take paper versions.

How to Prepare for a Digital AP Exam

You don’t need to worry about preparing for digital exams. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice with the Bluebook format before test day. Of course, no matter what the format of a test, consistent preparation is the key to success. 

It is natural to be a little nervous about a new format, especially if you’ve taken paper tests before. Let’s talk about how you can get ready for a digital AP exam:

Practice in the Bluebook App

Download the official app. Visit the College Board website to download the (opens in a new tab)Bluebook app (opens in a new tab) on your device.

Take practice exams. Use the app's practice tests for your subject. This will help you get comfortable with the interface before exam day.

Familiarize yourself with exam features. Learn how to navigate between questions, use tools, and manage your time within the app.

Get Used to Typing Essays and FRQs

Practice typing under pressure. Typing essays can feel different from handwriting them, especially when you're stressed.

Work on formatting. Learn how to structure paragraphs, create clear arguments, and organize your thoughts digitally.

Time yourself regularly. Practice writing essays or completing AP mock exams within the actual time limits you'll face on exam day.

Know the Navigation Rules

Understand the restrictions. Remember, you can't skip back to earlier sections once you've moved forward.

Develop pacing strategies. You can’t go back to earlier sections, so pace yourself through each part.

Practice the format. Use practice tests to get comfortable with the linear progression of digital exams.

FAQs About Digital AP Testing

Is the digital version harder than the paper one?

No, digital and paper AP exams are designed to be the same as far as difficulty. The College Board ensures that scoring and content remain consistent across both formats.

The main challenge isn't difficulty, it's adapting to a different testing experience.

Can I use paper notes or scratch paper during a digital AP exam?

Yes! You're still allowed to use scratch paper during digital AP exams. This is especially helpful for working through complex problems or planning essays.

Just remember that your final answers will have to be entered digitally.

Do colleges see if I took a digital or paper AP exam?

No, your (opens in a new tab)AP score report (opens in a new tab) doesn't say whether you took the digital or paper version. Colleges only see your final score, not the testing format.

Both versions carry equal weight in admissions decisions.

Final Thoughts

The College Board is expanding the use of Digital AP exams. But for right now, they are offered for specific subjects and conditions. Understanding the digital format can help you be less anxious on test day. Use the Bluebook app to practice your subject tests. This will help you feel comfortable with the digital format.

Whether your AP exam is paper or digital, your score will depend on how well you understand the material. What’s the most important thing to remember? Your preparation matters far more than the testing format. Know your subject well, practice often, and you'll succeed, whether you use a pen or a keyboard.

References

College Board Bluebook App (opens in a new tab)

College Board Announces Going Full Digital (opens in a new tab)

Download the Bluebook App (opens in a new tab)

College Board on Sending Scores (opens in a new tab)