What to Bring to An AP Exam: Full Checklist 

You’ve prepared for months for your AP exams. Your life has been consumed with reading textbooks, answering lots of practice questions, and writing so much that your fingers are probably numb! You have prepared as much as you can, and you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and fear at the same time. 

Before you head out on test day, you want to be as ready as you can be. This is why we created a full checklist so you don’t waste all your time by forgetting to bring something you need.  

Why It’s Important to Be Prepared for Your AP Exam

Knowing what you’ll need for test day saves you a lot of time. It gives you time to gather the materials, snacks, and other items you’ll need and make sure it’s all packed up by the night before your tests.

It would be horrible to work as hard as you’ve been doing and misunderstand the College Board testing rules. The College Board gives students some very strict rules. But these are necessary to make sure that a secure and fair testing environment is available to all students. 

You’ll want to make sure you follow all of the rules as stated, like bringing a photo ID and only approved calculators. You’ll also want to avoid bringing items they prohibit, like cell phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices.

There are also some security protocols (opens in a new tab) provided by the College Board, like not discussing exam content with anyone and reporting issues to the AP coordinator or proctor. You’ll want to take a look at these to be sure you do not violate any of them and waste all your hard work.

Required Items for All AP Exams

As you’re working through our checklist and getting your bag ready for test day, some items are necessary. Most of these items will be required to get into the testing facility and to take the test. 

It would be disappointing to spend all this time preparing for an AP exam to be refused entry just because you forgot your ID! Here are the items to make sure are in your bag and ready to go.

• Several #2 pencils. You’ll need to bring a few regular #2 pencils, not mechanical ones. These will be used for tests with multiple-choice questions. Make sure they are all sharpened. You can also use pencils (or pens) for jotting down notes while taking computerized exams, so don’t skip them.
  

• Black or blue pens. Bring a few pens that write in black or blue. These are needed for the free-response questions on the test. Test the pens before you pack them, and make sure to bring a few extra in case one runs out of ink.
  

• Valid photo ID. You will need proof of identification if you are testing at a different location. Some schools also require a photo ID, since some proctors are from other schools or locations and may not know who you are. You can use your current school-issued photo ID or your driver’s license if you have one.
  

• Your AP Student Pack. Your AP coordinator will give you an “AP Student Pack” that has all the information you’ll need to take AP exams. The pack includes an AP number label sheet, which is used for identification and tracking scores.
  

• School code. Home educated students will need to get a school code from their AP coordinator. Make sure to do it before testing day.
  
  

Recommended Items to Bring

There are a few items that you may find helpful. Here are some things you may want to bring along to make your testing go smoothly.

• Erasers. You can bring erasers as long as they are not electric. It’s best if they are new and clean.
  

• Watch. You cannot wear a smartwatch or an activity band during testing. However, you might want to invest in a simple analog watch to help you manage time better during your tests. It might help you have a little peace of mind and alleviate some stress.
  

• Water bottle. You can bring a water bottle with you, but you’ll have to put it under your desk during the exam or leave it in the break area.
  

• Light snack. You’ll have a short break, which is just enough time for a small snack. However, you cannot bring any snacks into the exam room; they’ll need to be stored in a break or commons area.
  

• Tissues or hand sanitizer. You are usually allowed to bring tissues with you into the exam room, especially if you have a cold or allergies. Let the proctor know you have a couple of tissues in your pocket, as they might want you to toss them before the exam starts. But typically, they are okay, especially for health reasons. You can also bring hand sanitizer with you, but you’ll have to put it under your desk while you’re taking the exam.
  
  

Subject-Specific Items You Might Need

Along with the general items you’ll want to bring with you on exam day, there are some subject-specific items you may need. Here is a breakdown of the things you may need on exam day, based on the AP exam you are taking.

AP Science and Math Exams

For these classes (AP Biology, Calculus (AB/BC), Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics 1, Physics 2, Physics C (Mechanics), Physics C (Electricity and Magnetism), and Statistics) you can bring up to two approved calculators with the capabilities required for the test. 

Graphing calculators are usually recommended, and sometimes required for some sections of the test, they just have to be on the College Board’s approved calculator (opens in a new tab)  list. You are also allowed to bring extra batteries for your calculators. Here is a brief look:

• AP Biology: basic four-square calculator with a square-root function.

• AP Calculus: a scientific and graphing calculator to use on multiple-choice questions, graphs, and free response sections of the test.

• AP Physics Exams: four-functioned graphing and scientific calculators.

• AP Statistics: graphing calculator

If you are taking the AP Physics exams, you can bring a ruler or a straight edge. You can’t use them on any other exam. You also can’t use anything for drawing except a straight edge or ruler.

AP Art and Design

Submit your digital portfolio to the AP Digital Portfolio (opens in a new tab).  You may also need to bring a portfolio of physical work. Make sure to check the specific requirements for your portfolio type. 

AP Language and Music 

If you are taking a language test (AP Chinese, AP Japanese), or AP Music Theory, the proctor will provide you with one for the test.

What Not to Bring to an AP Exam

You can only bring approved items into the exam room with you. There are several things that are not allowed in the exam room. Here is a detailed list.

• Electronic Devices. Other than the specific calculators allowed for some AP exams, no electronic devices are allowed. This includes smartwatches, phones, fitness trackers, and cameras. If you are taking a language exam, you are allowed to bring a portable listening device provided by your school. If you bring banned items into the exam room, you will be excused from the testing facility and not given a future exam date.
  

• Books, notes, or study guides. Don’t bring any books, notes, or study notes with you into the exam room. This includes notes you’ve written yourself on cards or paper. They are not allowed.
  

• Mechanical pencils. You cannot bring mechanical pencils into the exam room. You’ll need to supply your own #2 pencils for the test.
  

• Highlighters or correction fluid. You cannot bring editing supplies like highlighters or white-out correction fluid into the exam room.
  

• Headphones or earbuds. Bluetooth and wireless headsets or earbuds are not permitted during the tests. 
  

• Scratch paper. For some exams, proctors provide scratch paper for you to use. If you are taking a Japanese or Chinese language test, you can use your exam booklet cover to take notes.

Please take note of these prohibited items (opens in a new tab). If you have any of these items with you in the testing area or even during breaks, they will be confiscated. Your score may be canceled, and you may not be allowed to retest.

Last-Minute Tips Before Exam Day

You’re going to be nervous, that’s normal. Actually, being a little nervous isn’t a negative, it just means you care. Here are a few tips to help you shake off those last-minute nerves.

Pack Your Bag the Night Before

Take some time to check and double-check the items you’ll need for testing. You can use our handy AP Exam checklist to make sure you’ve packed everything. Packing the night before will save you some time on test day and help alleviate some of your nervousness as you prepare to leave for the test site.

Know Where and When You’re Testing

Your parents or another adult may be taking you to the testing site. Make sure you all have the right address and are sure of where you are supposed to be and when you are supposed to be there. It’s best if you can be thereat least 30 minutes early.

Dress Comfortably

You’ll want to be as comfortable as possible so you can focus on the exams. It’s a good idea to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket to put on in case the room is cold, especially if you tend to be cold.

Sleep Well and Eat a Good Breakfast

To be your best on exam day, make sure to go to bed early to allow yourself to get plenty of sleep. Eating a good breakfast is also important and can influence how well you perform on the exam. Remember, sharp thinking begins with good rest (opens in a new tab) and fuel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a calculator to every AP exam?

You can’t bring a calculator to all your AP exams. Calculators are allowed on specific exams that require you to use them to find answers. The only exams that allow calculators are Biology, Calculus (AB and BC), Chemistry, Physics (1,2, C: Mechanics, C: Electricity and Magnetism), and Statistics. Please remember that these tests have different calculator needs; be sure you bring the ones approved by the College Board (opens in a new tab) for the exams you are taking. 

Do I need to bring my own scratch paper?

You do not need to bring scratch paper to an AP exam. Test proctors will provide you with some scratch paper, especially if you are taking a digital exam. Make sure to bring a pen or pencil, though.

Can I bring my phone if it’s turned off?

No. Cell phones are not allowed inside AP exam rooms for any reason. Even if you bring your cell phone, and it’s turned off, the proctor won’t let you bring it inside the exam room or area.

What happens if I forget my ID or AP number?

It’s best if you can bring your AP ID label. If you forget your AP ID or AP number for your exam, you can usually still take the exam. You can find your AP ID on the My AP (opens in a new tab)  account on the College Board website. If you can’t find it, you can contact AP Services (opens in a new tab)for Students before the exam to help you.

Are snacks allowed in the testing room?

No. You can bring snacks and drinks to the AP exam center, but you’ll have to leave them in a break area. You can’t bring them into the AP exam room. You’ll be able to eat a snack quickly during the 10-minute break.

Final Thoughts

The best way to set yourself up for success is to walk into your AP exam prepared and ready. You have put in the hard work, and now it’s time to deliver. By following our checklist, you can avoid last-minute stress and be confident on test day. 

Remember that it’s not just about what you know, it’s also about being ready and prepared with the right materials, understanding the rules, and taking care of yourself so you can do your best. 

Sources:

Exam Guidelines (opens in a new tab)

College Board Calculator Policy (opens in a new tab)

Digital Portfolios (opens in a new tab)

Exam Day Essentials (opens in a new tab)

Sleep and Students (opens in a new tab)

MY AP Login (opens in a new tab)

AP Student Services (opens in a new tab)