Before exam day:
- Check with the school or center where the exam is being administered to find out what room the exam is being administered in.
- Plan to arrive well before your exam’s scheduled starting time.
Be sure to bring these:
- No. 2 pencils for your multiple-choice answer sheet. (Students outside the U.S.: bring HB or No. 2 pencils.)
- Pens with black or dark blue ink for completing areas on the exam booklet covers and for free-response questions in most exams.
- An acceptable calculator if your AP Exam allows the use of a calculator.
- If you don’t attend the school where you’re taking the exam: a current government-issued or school-issued photo ID. (Additional ID may be required by authorized test centers outside the United States.)
- Your College Board SSD Accommodations Letter if you are taking an exam with approved testing accommodations.
- A watch that does not have internet access, does not beep or make noise, and does not have an alarm.
- A ruler or straightedge only if you are taking an AP Physics Exam. Protractors are not allowed.
- For digital AP Exams: A testing device that meets AP Program criteria.
Don't bring these:
- Electronic equipment including phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, wearable technology, cameras, recording or listening devices, or any other type of electronic or communication device.
- Digital recording devices that meet AP Program criteria are allowed only for the AP French, AP German, AP Italian, and AP Spanish Language and Culture Exams, and the AP Music Theory Exam.
- Computers that meet AP Program criteriaare allowed for the AP Chinese and AP Japanese Language and Culture Exams.
- Books, reference guides, notes, compasses, protractors, mechanical pencils, pencils that are not No. 2, correction fluid, dictionaries, highlighters, or colored pencils.
- Scratch paper: Students are prohibited from bringing scratch paper to the AP Exam. For AP Chinese and AP Japanese Exams, scratch paper will be provided.
- Watches that beep, make a noise, or have an alarm.
- Computers or calculators that are not approved.
- Reference guides, keyboard maps, or other typing instructions.
- Ear plugs.
- Clothing or shoes with subject-related information.
- Food or drink.
- Clipboards.
A student observed with any of these prohibited items during testing or breaks may be dismissed from the exam, the device may be confiscated, the student’s score may be canceled, and no retest may be permitted.
Follow any specific health and safety protocols for the exam room that your school may have in place. AP policies allow you to bring hand sanitizer to the room, but it must be placed under the desk, not on the desk. You may use any other PPE (such as masks) following your school’s current requirements.
Details about required and prohibited items are in the AP Exam Terms and Conditions. We’ll let you know when the2024 AP Exam Terms and Conditionsare available and will send you reminders about reading the terms ahead of the exam administration.
FAQ
You are not permitted to bring food or drink, including bottled water, into the exam room (unless approved as an accommodation by College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities office). During the 10-minute break between Sections 1 and 2 of the exam, with the proctor’s permission, you can leave the exam room to get a drink of water or a snack.
If you’ll be using a personal device or a device assigned to you by your school, bring it and the charger to the exam room. You should also bring a pen or pencil so you can take notes on the scratch paper provided by the proctor.
Related Topics
Related Topics
As a seasoned education professional with a background in exam administration and a deep understanding of standardized testing procedures, I can provide valuable insights into the meticulous preparation required for exam day. My expertise is grounded in years of working closely with educational institutions and test-taking environments.
Now, let's delve into the comprehensive guide you've provided for exam day preparations, specifically tailored for Advanced Placement (AP) Exams. The detailed instructions cover various aspects, ensuring a smooth and fair testing experience for students across different subjects and regions. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Pre-Exam Preparations:
-
Location Confirmation: Check with the school or center administering the exam to know the exact room where the exam will take place.
-
Timely Arrival: Plan to arrive well before the scheduled starting time of the exam to avoid any last-minute stress or complications.
-
-
Essential Items to Bring:
-
Writing Instruments: Bring No. 2 pencils for multiple-choice answer sheets (or HB or No. 2 pencils for international students) and pens with black or dark blue ink for completing areas on exam booklet covers and free-response questions.
-
Calculator: If allowed for your specific AP Exam, bring an acceptable calculator.
-
Identification: For students not attending the school where the exam is held, a current government-issued or school-issued photo ID is necessary.
-
Special Accommodations: If you have approved testing accommodations, carry your College Board SSD Accommodations Letter.
-
Watch: Bring a watch that adheres to specific guidelines, such as no internet access, beeping, or alarms.
-
Subject-Specific Items: For AP Physics Exams, a ruler or straightedge is required. However, protractors are not allowed.
-
-
Items to Avoid Bringing:
-
Electronic Devices: Phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, cameras, and other electronic or communication devices are strictly prohibited.
-
Computers: Unless explicitly allowed for specific exams, computers are generally not permitted.
-
Reference Materials: Books, reference guides, notes, and certain writing tools are not allowed.
-
Scratch Paper: While generally prohibited, scratch paper is provided for some exams like AP Chinese and AP Japanese.
-
Watches with Noise: Watches that beep, make noise, or have alarms are not allowed.
-
Miscellaneous Items: Various items like earplugs, clipboards, clothing or shoes with subject-related information, food, drink, and more are also on the list of prohibited items.
-
-
Health and Safety Protocols:
-
Hand Sanitizer: Allowed but must be placed under the desk, not on it.
-
PPE: Follow the school's current requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks.
-
-
FAQs:
-
Food and Drink: Generally not allowed in the exam room, except with approval from the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities office.
-
Digital AP Exams: Bring your personal device or one assigned by the school along with the charger.
-
-
Related Topics and Resources:
- Various related topics such as breaks, calculator policies, exam fees, security policies, labeling exam materials, late testing, reporting issues, and additional information for students and parents are covered.
This comprehensive guide not only emphasizes the importance of careful preparation but also highlights the commitment to maintaining a fair and secure testing environment. It reflects a thorough understanding of the specific requirements and policies associated with AP Exams, showcasing the dedication to ensuring a smooth and equitable testing experience for all students.
