Can I Study AP Courses Online?

Are you excited to take AP Biology or AP Human Geography, but you’re not sure if your school offers it? Maybe your timetable is packed, and fitting in another class feels impossible. You might be left wondering if you'll miss out on earning college credit and strengthening your university application.

You don't have to miss out because you can study AP courses online. Whether your school doesn't offer the subjects you want or you simply prefer the flexibility of learning from home, online AP courses give you access to college-level education on your terms.

Our guide will walk you through everything you need to know about taking AP courses online, from choosing the right provider to registering for exams and studying effectively.

Key Takeaways

• You can take AP courses online through (opens in a new tab)College Board-approved providers (opens in a new tab) that offer flexible, self-paced, or instructor-led options.

• Online courses don't automatically register you for exams. You'll need to contact local schools or AP coordinators by mid-November to arrange testing.

• AP exam fees typically cost $99 per exam in the U.S.

• Success requires self-discipline and planning – online learning gives you flexibility, but you need to stay organised and motivated to keep up with coursework.

Is It Possible to Take AP Courses Online?

Yes, it's possible to take AP courses online. Hundreds of students do it every year.

Students choose online AP courses for all sorts of reasons. It could be that: 

• Your school is small and doesn't offer many AP subjects. 

• You've already filled your timetable with other classes but still want to add an extra AP.

• You might be a homeschooled student looking for structured, college-level coursework.

Online AP courses work like traditional classroom courses. You'll: 

• Follow the same curriculum

• Complete the same assignments

• Prepare for the same AP exams in May

The main difference is you’ll study from home (or wherever you choose), on a schedule that works for you.

The College Board audits the courses of specific online providers (opens in a new tab) to ensure they meet the same rigorous standards as in-person classes. This means your online course will properly prepare you for the AP exam and can appear on your transcript just like a regular AP course.

Where Can You Study AP Courses Online?

You've got options when it comes to online AP providers. Here are some of the most popular College Board-approved options:

• Apex Learning (opens in a new tab) offers a wide range of AP courses with both individually-paced and session-based options. Their courses include teacher support and are designed to help students prepare thoroughly for AP exams.

• Excel High School (opens in a new tab) provides self-paced AP courses that you can start anytime throughout the year. They also suggest any prerequisites you might need before enrolling on specific courses.

• VHS Learning (opens in a new tab) offers collaborative online AP courses where you can interact with other students whilst working through teacher-led college-level material.

Tip: You can find a complete, official list of approved online providers by searching the AP Course Ledger (opens in a new tab) and ensuring the "online" toggle is clicked.

Things to Consider Before Choosing an Online AP Course

There are a lot of online course providers out there, and some are definitely better than others. Here’s what you need to consider when carefully selecting the provider you enrol with.

Accreditation and College Board Approval

This is non-negotiable. Make sure your chosen course appears in the (opens in a new tab)official AP Course Ledger (opens in a new tab). Only College Board-approved courses guarantee you're learning the right content for the exam. Plus, it’s important to be taking officially recognised courses when making future applications to your chosen colleges.

Course Structure

Think about how you learn best. 

• Do you thrive with live, scheduled classes where you can ask questions in real-time? 

• Do you prefer self-paced courses where you work through materials on your own schedule?

Live classes offer more structure and interaction with instructors and classmates. Self-paced courses give you complete flexibility but require stronger self-discipline. Choose the course structure that suits you best.

Cost

Online AP courses vary significantly in price. Some online providers, like Laurel Springs (opens in a new tab), charge $1,500 per semester of tuition for a single AP course, whilst others may be less expensive or even free through certain state programmes.

Remember, the course fee is usually separate from the AP exam fee, so factor this into your budget.

Access to Support and Instructors

Will you have access to a teacher who can answer your questions? Some courses include regular contact with instructors, whilst others are more independent.

If you're new to AP-level work or the subject material is particularly challenging, having instructor support can make a huge difference.

Course Length and Workload

AP courses typically require 10-15 hours of study per week over an entire school year. Some online providers offer accelerated options, but you'll need to be prepared for the intensive workload.

Check how long you have to complete the course and whether the timeline fits with your other commitments and the May exam schedule.

How to Register for AP Exams as an Online Student

Taking an online AP course doesn't automatically register you for the exam. You need to arrange this yourself, and timing matters.

Follow these steps to register for your AP exam:

Step 1: Start Early (September/October)

Begin looking for a testing location, using the Ledger Search (opens in a new tab), as early as possible in the school year. Find a school local to you and explain that you're taking an online AP course and need to arrange exam testing. Some schools welcome external students, whilst others have limited space or specific policies about outside testers.

The official exam ordering deadline is mid-November, and schools often have their own earlier deadlines.

Step 2: Contact the AP Coordinator

Once you find a school willing to administer your exam, their (opens in a new tab)AP coordinator will create an "exam-only" section (opens in a new tab) for you and provide a join code. You'll use this code to register through your College Board account.

Step 3: Pay Exam Fees

AP exams cost $99 per test for students in the U.S. The school's AP coordinator will collect your payment and order your exam materials.

Step 4: Take the Exam in Person

AP exams must be taken in person at an authorised testing centre. Your AP coordinator will tell you exactly when and where to report on exam day.

Pros and Cons of Studying AP Courses Online

Let's be honest about what online learning involves. It's brilliant for some students and challenging for others. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and challenges:

Tips for Succeeding in Online AP Courses

Online learning is different from sitting in a classroom. Here's how to make it work:

Create a Consistent Study Schedule

Treat your online course like a real class. Block out specific times each week for coursework or revision, and stick to them. Consistency matters more than cramming.

Aim for at least 10-15 hours per week, spread across several days. Short, regular study sessions work better than marathon weekend cram sessions. Take a look at our guide to developing study habits that stick.

Set Up a Dedicated Study Space

Find a quiet spot where you can focus without distractions. Having a consistent study location helps your brain switch into "work mode."

Make sure you have everything you need – computer, textbooks, notebooks, charger – within reach. Getting up to find materials constantly breaks your concentration. Need some inspiration? Take a look at our comprehensive guide to creating the perfect study space.

Take Regular Practice Exams

Save My Exams has a vast bank of past AP papers to help you hone your exam technique and feel confident with the time pressures and question formats of subject-specific exams.

Practice exams show you exactly what to expect on test day and highlight topics where you need more revision. Start practising early, not just in the final weeks before the exam.

Use Supplemental Resources

Your online course materials are just the starting point. Supplement them with additional resources like AP prep books, YouTube tutorials, or Save My Exams AP study resources.

Different explanations of the same concept can help material click when you're struggling to understand something.

Stay in Touch with Your Instructor

If your course includes instructor support, use it! Don't wait until you're completely lost to ask questions. Reach out when you first start feeling confused about a topic.

Even in self-paced courses, most providers offer some way to get help. Take advantage of office hours, email support, or discussion forums.

Join Online Study Groups

Connect with other students taking the same course or exam. Online study groups can provide motivation, support, and different perspectives on difficult material.

Many students find study partners through social media, Discord servers, or forums dedicated to AP exam preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get college credit for online AP courses?

Yes. Universities don't care whether you took your AP course online or in a traditional classroom. What matters is your score on the official AP exam.

Most universities award credit or advanced placement for AP exam scores of 3, 4, or 5. Check with your target universities to see their specific AP credit policies.

Do I have to be enrolled in a school to take AP exams?

No. Homeschooled students and independent learners can take AP exams by finding a local school willing to administer the test. You'll need to contact schools' AP coordinators early in the academic year to arrange testing, as described in the registration section above.

Is self-studying better than taking an online course?

It depends on your learning style and the subject's difficulty.

Self-studying (using textbooks and free resources without taking a formal course) is cheaper and offers complete flexibility. However, it requires exceptional discipline and may leave gaps in your knowledge if you miss important topics.

Online courses provide structure, comprehensive curriculum coverage, and often include teacher support. They're generally better for challenging subjects or if you struggle with self-motivation.

Many successful students combine approaches – taking an online course for one subject whilst self-studying for another one they find easier.

Do online AP courses look good on college applications?

Yes, absolutely. Universities care that you challenged yourself with rigorous coursework, not whether that coursework happened in a physical classroom. Be sure to list your AP courses on your university applications and send your official AP scores when you apply.

Go for AP Gold With Save My Exams

You no longer need to wonder, ‘Can I study AP courses online?’ You can! Studying AP courses online is a flexible and accessible option for motivated students who want to challenge themselves academically. 

At Save My Exams, we're here to support your revision journey with expert guidance across numerous AP subjects. Our teacher-written AP resources pinpoint exactly what to revise, help you identify your weak points, and show you how to improve, so you can walk into your exams confident and prepared.

References

College Board - AP Students (opens in a new tab)

College Board - AP Course Audit (opens in a new tab)

Apex Learning (opens in a new tab)

VHS Learning (opens in a new tab)

Excel High School (opens in a new tab) 

AP Course Ledger (opens in a new tab)

Laurel Springs (opens in a new tab)

College Board - Ordering AP Exams for Students Who Don’t Attend Your School or Independent Study Students (opens in a new tab)