How many AP Chemistry papers are there?

Taking on AP Chemistry? You're likely trying to get a handle on the exam format and what’s expected of you. For a complete overview of the course, start with our guide on “What is AP Chemistry?.

Let's cut to the chase: the AP Chemistry exam is a single test divided into two parts. While some students refer to 'papers', the College Board calls them Section I and Section II.

Many students also wonder, "Is AP Chemistry Hard?". Knowing what's coming can make it feel much more manageable.

Let's break it all down so you know exactly what you're preparing for.

AP Chemistry exam at a glance

All AP Chemistry students are assessed on two exam sections on exam day.

• Section I: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ)

• Section II: Free-Response Questions (FRQ)

While both sections are worth 50% of your grade, they test different skills. Think of it as breadth vs. depth: 

• Section I covers the entire course broadly.

• Section II requires you to apply your knowledge in detail.

Here's a quick comparison table to show you the main differences:

Breaking down the exam sections

Let’s look at what each section demands from you because understanding the format will help you tailor your study approach perfectly!

To see exactly what content is covered, you can read our AP Chemistry Units: Full List, Explained article.

Section I: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ)

Section I tests your broad knowledge of the syllabus and your ability to solve problems quickly.

• Format: 60 multiple-choice questions

• Calculators: Allowed

• AP Chemistry Equations and Constants sheet (opens in a new tab): Provided

• What it tests: Your ability to:

  • Recall information

  • Interpret data and graphs

  • Solve problems with speed and accuracy. 

• You have an average of 90 seconds per question.

• The questions range from simple recall to complex, application-based scenarios.

Section II: Free-Response Questions (FRQ)

Section II is where you prove you can think and write like a chemist. It tests the depth of your understanding and your ability to think, reason, and communicate like a chemist.

• Format: A mix of short-answer (4-point) and long-answer (10-point) questions

• Calculators: Allowed

• AP Chemistry Equations and Constants sheet (opens in a new tab): Provided

• What it tests: Your ability to:

  • Perform multi-step calculations

  • Explain complex chemical concepts in detail

  • Apply your knowledge to new scenarios

  • Draw and interpret chemical models and structures

The section has 7 questions in total:

• 3 long-response questions (worth 10 points each)

• 4 short-response questions (worth 4 points each)

The questions range from straightforward calculations to complex explanations requiring detailed chemical understanding.

What about lab work & practical skills?

A common question students ask is about lab work. AP Chemistry doesn't have a formal coursework project. However, practical skills are still a huge and essential part of the course. The College Board requires that 25% of your class time is dedicated to hands-on lab work, a minimum of 16 hands-on labs (at least six of which are inquiry-based).

These practical skills are not assessed separately. They are integrated into the main written exam, especially in the Free-Response section. You will be expected to:

• Analyze experimental data.

• Evaluate methodologies.

• Justify conclusions. 

These are all skills that you build in your lab work throughout the year.

Why understanding the exam structure matters

Knowing the structure of each section is essential for effective studying. Here's why:

• It allows for targeted practice.

  • You can focus your efforts on the specific skills each section tests. 

  • For Section I, you need to practice your MCQ speed. 

  • For Section II, it's all about mastering long-form answers and calculation drills.

• It shapes your time management.

  • Understanding the timing and weighting helps you pace yourself during exams.

  • It also allows you to allocate your study time appropriately.

• It can build your confidence.

  • Familiarity with the exam formats reduces anxiety.

  • This can help you feel more prepared and in control on test day.

• It allows for strategic studying.

  • You can prioritize your weakest areas. 

  • Since both sections are worth 50%, you must be strong in both MCQ technique and FRQ communication.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the AP Chemistry exam?

The total exam time is 3 hours and 15 minutes, consisting of 90 minutes for Section I and 105 minutes for Section II.

What percentage of the grade does each section count for?

Both sections are weighted equally. Section I (MCQ) is 50% of your final score, and Section II (FRQ) is 50%.

Is there a non-calculator section?

No. For the current AP Chemistry exam, a scientific or graphing calculator is recommended for both the Multiple-Choice and Free-Response sections.

What's the hardest part of the AP Chemistry exam?

This is subjective. Many students find the multi-step FRQs in Section II the most challenging due to the depth of explanation required. 

For a teacher's take on this, read our article: Is AP Chemistry Hard?.

Final thoughts

In short, the AP Chemistry exam is a two-section test that balances broad knowledge with in-depth problem-solving skills.

Knowing the format of each component is your first step to success. Now you can use this knowledge to build a powerful study plan. For a complete guide on how to do this, check out our articles on How to Study for AP Chemistry and How to Score a 5 in AP Chemistry (opens in a new tab).

Ready to start practicing? Save My Exams has all the comprehensive AP Chemistry resources you need:

• Comprehensive study guides

• Expert crafted exam questions, including multiple-choice and free-response questions

• Official AP Chemistry FRQ past papers

• Full-length Practice tests

With the right preparation, you'll be ready to tackle your exam with confidence!

References

• AP Chemistry Course and Exam Description, Effective Fall 2024 (opens in a new tab)