Can You Retake AP Exams? What to Know

Are you disappointed by your score on your AP exam? Or maybe you’ve transferred to a college that requires a 4 instead of a 3 for credit. Either way, you won’t be alone in wondering if you can retake an AP exam — and is it worth it?

The short answer is yes. It is possible to retake an AP exam in a future year. However, whether you should depends on your goals, college credit policies, and how much time and effort you’re willing to invest. 

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from registration and timelines to how colleges interpret retakes.

Key Takeaways

• You can retake any AP exam by registering again the following year through a participating school or authorised test centre.

• Your entire AP score history is sent, although you can choose to cancel a score or pay to withhold a score

• Colleges rarely penalise retakes, but the benefits depend on your goals — such as earning credit, improving your admissions profile, or demonstrating persistence.

• Retaking an AP test will cost you approximately $99 and will also place extra demands on your time and energy

Can You Retake an AP Exam?

Yes. The College Board allows students to retake AP exams as many times as they want. They are offered annually in May, and you must wait until the next year and pay the fee again. Both scores will appear on your report unless you pay for withholding or request a cancellation.

When you retake, you’ll complete the entire exam again, including all sections, essays, and free-response questions.

Reasons Students Retake AP Exams

There are many reasons why students decide to retake an AP — but here are the most common situations:

1. Low Scores or Missed Credit Thresholds

Many colleges award credit starting at a score of 3 or 4, but more selective universities often require a 4 or 5.

• Example: You scored a 3 on AP Calculus AB, but your target university only grants credit for a 4 or higher. Retaking could save you from retaking a calculus course in college.

2. Underperformance Due to Circumstances

Many students can feel that illness, stress, or scheduling conflicts had a negative impact on their scores. Retaking can give you the opportunity to do your abilities justice. 

3. Strengthening an Admissions Profile

Scores of 4 or 5 can help bolster an application, especially when applying for very competitive programs. Higher scores can help illustrate your academic strength in a key subject area.

How to Register to Retake an AP Exam

Because AP exams are only offered once per year, you’ll need to plan early. Here’s how:

1. Contact your AP Coordinator at your old school or participating school or test centre by September or October.  If your old school doesn’t allow external candidates, ask your local district or visit the AP Course Ledger (opens in a new tab) on the College Board website to find open sites.

2. Register and pay exam fees — typically by November 14, 2025, for the May 2026 exams. This typically costs around $99 but some schools may charge extra. There may also be an extra charge for late registration.

3. Receive your exam schedule and entry ticket from the coordinator.

4. Prepare for the full exam again. You can’t retake only one section; all multiple-choice and free-response sections are required.

What Happens to Your Old AP Score?

Your old score doesn’t disappear — it remains in your permanent College Board record, visible to you in your AP account.

However:

• When sending scores to colleges, you can choose which year’s results to include.

• If you prefer, you can cancel (opens in a new tab) your older score (opens in a new tab) or withhold it from colleges (for a fee) (opens in a new tab). The deadline for submitting a request to withhold a score is 15th June for that year’s exam.

This means colleges only see what you want them to see. 

Is Retaking an AP Exam Worth It?

This comes down to your individual circumstances. Here is how to decide whether a retake is for you:

When Retaking Makes Sense

• Your target college requires a higher score for credit or placement.

• You scored a 2 or 3 but know you can perform better with better preparation.

• You plan to major in the subject and want to show improvement.

• You experienced illness or external stress during your first exam.

When Retaking Might Not Be Worth It

• You already earned college credit with your existing score.

• You’re applying to colleges that don’t emphasise AP results.

• You’re short on time, and preparing for a retake would have a negative impact on your current coursework or exams.

Scenario examples:

• You scored a 2 on AP Chemistry: Retaking is smart if you plan to major in science — a 4 could save you two intro lab courses.

• You scored a 4 on AP English Literature and were aiming for a 5: Minimal impact unless you’re targeting Ivy-level schools.

• You are transferring schools: Worth retaking if your new college grants credit starting at a 4 rather than a 3.

Tips for Preparing to Retake an AP Exam

If you decide to retake, take a strategic approach. You will have a year to plan and prepare. Don’t just throw more hours of study at it, use smarter study methods too.

1. Analyse your previous score report. Identify the specific sections you struggled with or did well at (e.g., free response vs. multiple choice).

2. Use different or upgraded resources. Try new textbooks, online courses, or Save My Exams practice questions to strengthen weak areas.

3. Practise under exam conditions. Use official past papers, timed sections, and the same calculator rules or digital format (via Bluebook).

4. Seek support. Ask your previous teacher for guidance or consider a tutor if you found the subject particularly challenging.

5. Start early. You have a whole year, and you can never begin to revise too early. Start with a light review in the fall, then intensify from February onward — just like a first-time AP student.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retake more than one AP exam?

Yes. You can retake multiple AP exams in the same year, as long as you register and pay for each separately. Just be mindful of your workload, exam schedule and the financial implications.

Do I need to cancel my old AP score before retaking?

No. You don’t have to cancel it, but your old score stays on your permanent record. Cancelling is optional and irreversible.

Will colleges see that I retook an AP exam?

Yes, colleges can see all your AP scores. However, most colleges focus on your highest score or view retakes as a positive sign of improvement, not a penalty. However, it is always best to check specific college policies. You can control what they see and decide to withhold (opens in a new tab)or cancel (permanently delete) (opens in a new tab)lower scores.

Final Thoughts

Retaking an AP exam can be the right thing to do for a number of reasons. It can boost your confidence, strengthen your college applications, or help you earn valuable credits.

But it can also be a waste of time, effort and money. Weigh the effort required against the benefits for your future goals. If you’re unsure, talk to your teacher or school counsellor — they can help you evaluate whether a retake makes sense for your academic plan.

No matter what, remember: your AP score doesn’t define your potential — it’s just one step in your learning journey, and you always have the power to improve.

References

Cancelling your AP Scores (opens in a new tab)
Withholding your AP Scores (opens in a new tab)
SME AP resources
AP Past Papers
AP Course Ledger (opens in a new tab)