Find information and FAQs about the AP Chem Exam format and what to do on test day. You may want to check college board to determine your exact test date or location and/or any other specific policy or format questions you might have
Questions can be both single, standalone questions or in sets based on stimulus (graphs, charts, passages, etc.). Each question has 4 answer choices
You may use your graphing calculator (or the built-in calculator), as well as the provided formula and periodic table sheets. Scratch paper is provided
Answer choices may be numerical, chemical, or conceptual. You may not always find the best answer or exact number you calculate as a result - always choose the closest answer choice
Remember to use process of elimination and estimation to narrow down potential answer choices when you are unsure of the answer
There is no penalty for guessing, so make sure to answer every question
Aim to spend roughly 1 Minute and 30 Seconds per question
3 long FRQs: require detailed explanations, calculations, and multi-part answers. These questions generally cover a variety of units and subunits
4 short FRQs: focus on more specific topics or lab/data analysis, but may still cover several units or subunits
Calculators are allowed throughout FRQ section, as well as the provided formula and periodic table sheets. Scratch paper is provided
Ensure you show every step for calculations and make sure to give detailed explanations when asked to explain something
Always label answers with units and be sure to use correct sig figs. Generally you will not be penalized for being one sig figure off - but being several sig figures off could result in loss of credit
Even if you are unsure how to complete a question you should always at least write down the applicable formulas and anything you might know to try to recieve as much partial credit possible
Bring #2 pencils and black/blue pens for FRQ and scratch paper work
Bring an approved calculator if you want a physical one (check College Board list for approved calculators).
Bring a Government-issued or school photo ID.
Ensure to bring your fully charged testing device as well as the computer charger
Make sure to get plenty of sleep the night before and eat breakfast in the morning of
Arrive at your testing center at least 20 minutes early
No electronic devices are allowed during exam (phones, smartwatches, etc.)
You may want to bring water and a snack for the short break between the multiple choice and free response sections
How is the exam scored? Both sections are weighted equally (50% each); raw scores are converted to AP scores (1-5). View more info on exam scoring on our score calculator page
Is there a break between the multiple choice and free response sections? Yes. You will receive a roughly 10 minute break between sections
Will I be able to pause my test if I need to use the restroom during testing? No. While you are allowed to use the restroom at any point during testing, know that you cannot pause the test and will lose exam time
What topics should I focus on? Each unit has roughly equal weighting on the AP exam with slight focuses on units 3 and 8. See the full breakdown on College Board's website here
Will I be required to clear my calculator's memory prior to testing? No. You are allowed to save anything you want in the calculator's memory prior to testing
What calculators are allowed for the AP Chemistry Exam? Check the official list here