AP Computer Science lets students aiming for computer engineering, software, artificial intelligence or data science take university-level computer science in high school. College Board offers two courses: AP Computer Science A, focused on programming, and AP Computer Science Principles, a broad introduction to computing.
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AP Computer Science A vs. Principles
| AP Computer Science A | AP Computer Science Principles | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Object-oriented programming in Java | Broad introduction: data, algorithms, the internet, the impact of computing |
| Programming language | Java | No required language |
| Scoring | The May exam only | Performance task done during the year (30%) + May exam (70%) |
| College equivalent | One-semester introductory computer science course | First-semester introductory computing course |
| Recommended background | High school English and algebra; familiarity with functions | High school algebra |
Quick advice: if you're new to coding, Computer Science Principles is a good place to start. If you're aiming for computer engineering or software and ready to learn programming, Computer Science A is the more direct choice.
AP Computer Science A
Units
- Unit 1: Using Objects and Methods — objects, methods and primitive types
- Unit 2: Selection and Iteration — conditionals and loops (25–35% of the exam)
- Unit 3: Class Creation — designing classes (10–18% of the exam)
- Unit 4: Data Collections — arrays, ArrayList and 2D arrays
Exam format
The AP Computer Science A exam is fully digital in the Bluebook app and lasts 3 hours. A reference sheet is provided.
| Section | Questions | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1: Multiple choice | 42 | 55% |
| Section 2: Free response (writing code) | 4 | 45% |
The four free-response questions follow the same types every year:
- Methods and Control Structures: creating objects, calling methods, and writing methods with conditionals and loops
- Class Design: designing and writing a new class
- Data Analysis with ArrayList: creating, traversing and modifying an ArrayList
- 2D Array: working with two-dimensional arrays
2027 exam date: May 12, 2027 (per the College Board calendar).
AP Computer Science Principles
Big Ideas and exam weighting
- Creative Development — 10–13%
- Data — 17–22%
- Algorithms and Programming — 30–35%
- Computer Systems and Networks — 11–15%
- Impact of Computing — 21–26%
Exam format
| Section | What it involves | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Section I: Multiple-choice exam | 70 questions, 120 minutes, digital (Bluebook) | 70% |
| Section II: Create performance task | Program code, video and Personalized Project Reference prepared during the year, plus 2 written-response questions about the project on exam day (60 minutes) | 30% |
All three parts of the Create performance task are submitted through the AP Digital Portfolio before the exam. On exam day, you can refer to your own Personalized Project Reference while answering the written-response questions.
2027 dates (per the College Board calendar): Create performance task deadline April 30, 2027 · Exam May 14, 2027.
AP Computer Science Preparation with One World
For AP Computer Science A, we cover everything from Java fundamentals to the free-response coding questions. For AP Computer Science Principles, we prepare students for the multiple-choice exam and help them plan the Create performance task. The project itself must be the student's own work: our teachers teach the concepts and guide students on planning and the rules. Compare one-to-one, 3–5 student group, Fast Track and Boot Camp options on our AP course packages page.
Frequently Asked Questions
I've never coded. Can I prepare for AP Computer Science A?
Yes. College Board doesn't require prior programming experience. Students starting Java from scratch need a longer preparation, though, so a 60-hour program or starting with Computer Science Principles can make sense.
Can I take both AP Computer Science exams?
Yes. AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles are separate courses, and you can take both exams. Principles gives a broad overview, while A goes deep into programming.
Which language should I use for Computer Science Principles?
No specific language is required. Common languages such as Python or JavaScript, or block-based languages, all work. Code questions on the exam use a language-independent notation described in College Board's reference sheet.
Official course and exam information: College Board – AP Computer Science A · College Board – AP Computer Science Principles