What Happens If I'm Late for an AP Exam?

Panicking because you're running late for your AP exam? Or maybe you're just planning ahead and wondering what would happen if disaster struck on exam day. Either way, you've come to the right place.

If your heart is racing at the mere thought of being late for your AP exam, try not to worry. We’ve got you covered with a guide that’ll walk you through exactly what happens in different scenarios, explain your options, and give you practical steps to take if you're running behind. 

Key Takeaways

• Slightly late isn't always disastrous: If you arrive before the exam officially starts, you'll typically be allowed to sit it.

• Once testing begins, it gets tricky: After exam administration begins, many schools won't admit late arrivals.

• Late Testing is available for emergencies: If you miss the exam due to illness, family emergencies, or other valid reasons, you may be eligible to take it during the official Late Testing period (opens in a new tab).

What Counts as 'Late' for an AP Exam?

AP exam timing is strict and standardised. Schools must begin morning exams between 8-9 AM local time and afternoon exams between 12-1 PM. Your AP coordinator sets the exact start time within that window, and they'll notify you in advance of when to report.

Being "late" means arriving after the scheduled check-in time. Most schools require students to arrive for check-in at least 30 minutes before the exam officially begins. This check-in period allows time for verifying attendance, distributing materials, and reading instructions.

Can You Still Take the Exam If You Arrive Late?

Whether you can sit the exam depends entirely on how late you are and what your school's specific policies are.

The College Board gives schools some flexibility, but many schools implement strict policies to maintain exam security and fairness. Here's what typically happens in different scenarios:

• A few minutes late (during check-in): If you arrive during the check-in window but after the stated arrival time, you'll likely be admitted without issue. Schools understand that minor delays happen.

• Late but before exam administration begins: If you arrive after check-in closes but before the actual exam administration starts, your school may still let you in at their discretion. This depends on your school's specific policies.

• Late after exam administration begins: This is where it becomes problematic. Once the exam officially starts and materials have been distributed, many schools have a strict "no admission" policy.

Important: Different schools interpret College Board guidelines (opens in a new tab) differently. Some schools are more lenient than others, but many have adopted zero-tolerance policies for late arrivals to avoid any potential security issues.

You will NOT receive extra time: If you're admitted late, you don't get to make up the time you missed. You'll have to work with whatever time remains in the exam period.

Will You Lose Marks for Being Late for an AP Exam?

No, you won't lose marks simply for being late.

The College Board doesn't deduct points from your exam score as a penalty for tardiness. Your score is based entirely on how you perform on the questions you answer.

However, if you're admitted late, you'll have less time to complete the exam, which could impact your performance. And if you're not admitted at all, you'll receive no score because you haven't taken the exam.

Additionally, if you're turned away as a no-show due to tardiness, many schools will not provide a refund for your exam fee. This is a school-level policy rather than a College Board policy, but it's worth noting.

Can You Reschedule Your AP Exam?

If you miss your exam completely or arrive too late to be admitted, you may be eligible for Late Testing.

Late Testing (opens in a new tab) is the College Board's official makeup exam period that takes place approximately two weeks after the regular exam administration. It uses alternate versions of the exams to maintain security.

Eligibility for Late Testing

You can request Late Testing if you have a valid reason for missing the exam. The College Board recognises numerous circumstances that qualify without an additional fee, including:

• Serious illness, injury, or family tragedy

• School closing due to natural disaster or emergency

• Religious or holiday observance

• Academic or athletic contests

• Conflicts with other AP exams scheduled at the same time

• Emergency situations like bomb scares or fire alarms

Simple tardiness typically doesn't qualify: If you were just running late because you overslept or misjudged travel time, this generally won't be accepted as grounds for Late Testing. However, if your lateness was due to circumstances beyond your control (like a serious traffic accident or public transport failure), your school may consider your case.

How to arrange Late Testing: You cannot register yourself for Late Testing. Your AP coordinator must arrange this through the College Board's ordering system. They'll need to provide a reason for the late testing request. For most valid reasons, there's no additional fee beyond the standard exam cost.

The deadline is tight: Schools must request Late Testing switches within 24 hours of the original exam time, so you need to contact your AP coordinator immediately if you miss an exam.

What to Do If You're Running Late

If you're on your way to your AP exam and realise you're going to be late, here's exactly what to do:

1. Stay calm: Panicking won't help and could make things worse. Take a deep breath and focus on getting there safely.

2. Contact your school or AP coordinator immediately: Use your phone to call or text your AP coordinator or school office. Let them know you're running late and when you expect to arrive. This gives them a heads-up and may influence whether they can accommodate you.

3. Travel safely. Don't rush dangerously: It's not worth risking your safety to save a few minutes. An exam can be rescheduled; your wellbeing cannot.

4. Document the reason if possible: If your delay is due to something beyond your control (transport failure, accident, emergency), try to gather evidence. Take photos, get reference numbers, or save notifications. This documentation might be helpful if you need to request Late Testing.

5. Upon arrival, report directly to the exam room: Don't stop to put things in your locker or chat with friends. Head straight to the testing location and speak with the proctor or exam coordinator.

6. Accept the decision gracefully: If you're told you can't sit the exam, stay polite and immediately ask about Late Testing options. 

7. Follow up about Late Testing immediately: If you're not admitted to the exam, speak with your AP coordinator the same day about arranging Late Testing. Don't wait. The deadline for requesting this is usually 24 hours.

How to Avoid Being Late on Exam Day

Prevention is always better than scrambling for solutions. Here's how to ensure you arrive on time:

Confirm your exam location and time in advance: Don't assume. Check with your AP coordinator exactly where your exam is being held and what time you need to arrive. 

Arrive at least 30 minutes early: Plan to arrive at your testing location a full 30 minutes before the stated exam start time. This buffer accounts for unexpected delays and ensures you're there for check-in.

Prepare your materials the night before: Get everything ready the evening before your exam. Pack your bag with everything you need for your AP exam: 

• Your ID

• Pencils

• Approved calculator (if needed)

• Water bottle

• Any other permitted materials

Set multiple alarms: Don't rely on a single alarm. Set at least two or three alarms on different devices, and consider asking a family member to wake you as backup.

Arrange reliable transport: If you're dependent on public transport, build extra time into your journey. Consider alternatives like getting a lift from a parent or friend if your usual transport is unreliable. 

Do a practice run: If your exam is at an unfamiliar location, visit it a day or two before so you know exactly where to go and how long it takes to get there.

Get proper sleep: Go to bed at a reasonable hour the night before. Being well-rested will help you wake up on time and perform better on the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take an AP exam if I'm 5-10 minutes late?

It depends on your school's policy and what stage the exam is at when you arrive. If you arrive 5-10 minutes late during the check-in period, but before exam administration officially begins, most schools will admit you. However, once the exam has started, many schools enforce a strict no-admission policy.

What if I'm late because of public transport delays?

Public transport delays are tricky because they're beyond your control, but they don't automatically qualify you for Late Testing.

If you arrive late due to transport issues, whether you can sit the exam depends on how late you are and your school's policies. Some schools may be sympathetic and admit you if testing hasn't started, whilst others maintain strict policies regardless of the reason.

If you're denied entry due to transport delays, speak with your AP coordinator immediately about whether this qualifies as grounds for Late Testing. You may need to provide documentation (like a service disruption notice or delay verification from the transport provider) to support your case.

Do I need to provide proof for why I missed the exam?

Yes, generally you will need documentation to qualify for Late Testing, such as:

• Medical certificates or hospital records for illness or injury

• Death certificates or funeral notices for family bereavements

• Court summons or appearance confirmation for legal matters

• Official notices of school closures or emergencies

• Documentation of transport failures or accidents

Final Thoughts

You no longer need to worry about the question: ‘What happens if I’m late for an AP exam?’ If you arrive before testing begins, you'll almost certainly be allowed to sit the exam.

Even if you miss the exam entirely, Late Testing provides a second chance for students with valid reasons. The key is to communicate with your AP coordinator quickly and follow the proper procedures.

You've worked hard studying for your AP courses. Don't let poor time management or lack of planning undermine all that effort. Set yourself up for success by being organised, punctual, and prepared.

Read our Step-By-Step Guide to AP Exam Success.

References

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

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

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