Difference Between AP Computer Science A & Computer Science Principles

Choosing an AP Computer Science class can feel a little stressful. You want to pick the right one, but it’s hard to know which course fits you best. Both classes sound similar, but they’re actually very different. One is more beginner-friendly, and the other is much more focused on coding.

This guide explains the main differences between AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) and AP Computer Science A (CSA) so you can pick the one that matches your skills, interests, and goals.

Key Takeaways

Here are the main differences you need to know:

• CSP is the beginner class. It covers big ideas in computing, like how the internet works, how data is used, and how technology affects society. You don’t need any coding experience.

• CSA is the coding class. It focuses on programming in Java. You’ll write real code, solve problems, and learn how software is built.

• CSP is more creative and project-based.

• CSA is more technical and problem-solving focused.

What Is AP Computer Science Principles (CSP)?

AP Computer Science Principles (opens in a new tab) is a friendly introduction to computer science. Instead of jumping straight into complex code, you learn the “big picture” of how computing works.

In CSP, you’ll learn things like:

• Connecting concepts and computing

• Designing a program that solves a problem or does a task

• Analyzing computational work

• Communicating ideas about computation and technology

• Working collaboratively to solve a problem

You don’t need any prior experience. This is an introductory course that will cover the basic concepts of computer science. It is a great class for beginners, and it’s project-focused so you get hands-on experience.

What Is AP Computer Science A (CSA)?

AP Computer Science A (opens in a new tab) is much more focused on real programming. You’ll spend most of the time writing Java code, fixing errors, and building programs that solve problems.

In CSA, you’ll learn:

• Java programming from the ground up

• Concepts like loops, conditionals, and data structures

• Testing program code and correcting any errors

• Documenting and explaining how programming and coding work

• Designing a program, developing the algorithm, and writing the code to implement the program

CSA is not project-focused like CSP. Your whole AP score comes from the final exam, which has multiple-choice questions and free-response coding problems. CSA is more technical and moves faster, so it’s helpful if you already understand basic coding or enjoy logical thinking.

Course Comparison: CSA vs. CSP

AP Computer Science A takes a deep dive into Java programming. AP Computer Science Principles is conceptual and broader. It’s an introduction into computer science topics like the Internet, data literacy, and AI ethics. Here is a table to help you compare the two.

Which Course Is Easier?

Determining which course is easier or harder will depend on you and your experience. Most would choose AP Computer Science Principles as the easier of the two courses. This is because it takes a broad view of computing and computational thinking.

AP Computer Science A is a more in-depth look at computing, including programming and coding. Principles has fewer prerequisites and is designed for students who don’t have any programming experience. The content and application of the CSA course can be more challenging, especially for those who are new to coding.

The 2025 pass rates (opens in a new tab)provide an interesting story. CSP had a pass rate of 61.9%. CSA's pass rate was 67.2%. Both courses have similar pass rates that sit right around the average for all AP exams. Over 31% made a 3 on the CSP exam, while only 19.8% of exam takers made a 3 on CSA. 

Looking at the top, most desirable scores if you want college credit, only 36.6% made a 4 or 5 on the CSP exam. But 47.4% of test takers made a 4 or 5 on the CSA exam. You can see it gets a bit confusing. It really comes down to what is easy or difficult for you and what your previous experience has been.

Which Course Should You Take First?

If you're completely new to computer science, start with CSP. It is recommended for beginners since it provides more of a foundation for programming languages and computing in general. CSA is more focused on in-depth programming in Java. It’s the better option if you plan on majoring in computer science.

If you already have programming experience, you might skip straight to CSA. Students who've completed introductory coding courses, built their own projects, or have strong logical thinking skills can handle CSA as their first computer science course.

Depending on your scheduling, if you have time to take both, start with Computer Science Principles, then follow it up with Computer Science A. Taking both of them shows college officials that you have both breadth and depth.

How Colleges View Each Course

Universities recognize that CSP and CSA serve different purposes, and they value each course accordingly. College officials view AP Computer Science Principles as an introductory course. They also understand that AP Computer Science A is a full-on computer programming course. They are going to view both positively, as they show you have a strong interest in developing technical skills.

For students planning to study computer science or engineering, CSA often carries more weight. But that doesn’t mean CSP is worthless. CSP is designed to be equivalent to a first-semester introductory college computing course for non-majors. If you score well on the exam, you may get some credit.

Following CSP up with the CSA coursework shows you have a strong technical skill set, and you are able to write code. You are more likely to earn college credit for CSA, especially if you are planning on going into the computer science field.

Advanced placement and credit for AP classes vary by college. But you are more likely to get credit if you score at least a 3 on the AP exam. Make sure to check with the colleges you are interested in to learn about their specific policies. You can also use the College Board Credit Policy Search (opens in a new tab)tool to find out who gives credit or placement.

How AP Computer Science & Computer Science Principles Build Skills

Each course develops distinct but valuable competencies that prepare you for different aspects of working with technology.

Skills You’ll Develop in AP Computer Science Principles

• Technological literacy

• Importance of collaboration when developing programs

• How data is used and handled

• Develop critical thinking skills

• Working in teams, getting and giving valuable feedback

• How to communicate technical concepts

Skills You’ll Develop in AP Computer Science A

• Hardcore programming skills.

• Become proficient in Java programming language

• Writing code, debugging problems, designing efficient algorithms

• Learn about software engineering

• Object-oriented designs

• Working with data structures

• Solace computational problems systematically

• Logical thinking patterns

Choosing the Right Course: A Quick Checklist

Start with AP CSP if you:

• Have little or no coding experience

• Prefer creative, design-based projects

• Want a beginner-friendly introduction to computer science

• Plan to study data science or analytics

• Plan on pursuing non-STEM fields

• Enjoy working on collaborative projects

Choose AP CSA if you:

• Plan to study computer science or engineering in the future

• Have some experience coding

• Enjoy technical, code-heavy problem-solving challenges

• Prefer hands-on debugging and building

• Are applying to competitive computer science programs

Take Both if You:

• Want the strongest preparation for future computer science courses

• Are interested in the big-picture computing ideas and advanced coding

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AP CSP or AP CSA better for beginners?

For students with no programming background, AP Computer Science Principles is recommended. It gives a broader overview and is considered beginner-friendly. It lays the foundation but doesn’t require that you know coding.

Can I take both AP Computer Science courses?

Absolutely. According to the College Board, these courses can be taken in any order. Many students complete both during their high school career. Most of the time, students take CSP and then follow it with CSA. That way, they build foundational understanding of computer systems and technological concepts before tackling programming and coding. But if you already know code, you can skip to CSA.

Taking both courses demonstrates commitment to computer science and gives you the most comprehensive preparation for university-level work.

Which AP Computer Science course is harder?

Whether one course is harder or easier than the other is subjective. CSA is generally considered more challenging because it focuses on programming concepts and more advanced topics.

Some students find CSP's broad conceptual scope more challenging than CSA's focused programming approach. It depends on your strengths and learning style.

Does AP CSP involve coding?

Yes, but less intensively than CSA. CSP includes programming fundamentals, although learning programming is only one component of the course. You'll write code for your Create Performance Task and learn basic programming concepts.

The difference is that CSP introduces coding gradually using more beginner-friendly languages and visual tools. CSA is entirely focused on becoming proficient in Java programming.

Final Thoughts

Both classes are great options. CSP is perfect if you're new to computer science or want to understand how technology affects the world. CSA is a good choice if you're serious about learning programming and want to prepare for a possible future in tech.

Choose the course that matches your interests, experience, and goals. And remember, no matter which one you start with, you can always take the other later.

References

College Board AP Computer Science Principles Overview (opens in a new tab)

College Board AP Computer Science A Overview (opens in a new tab)

College Board Credit Policy Search Tool (opens in a new tab)

2025 College Board Pass Rates (opens in a new tab)