AP Test is an international examination conducted every May for students in US, Canada, and for the many schools offering international board syllabus worldwide. Colleges in over twenty countries draw on AP Test scores to grant credits, waive prerequisites, or for Advanced Placement. Top schools use these test scores as a selection criterion for admission. Spanning over thirty subject areas the AP Test is relatively expensive at $91 per subject area. Students can register to test in multiple subject areas and each AP test can be attempted several times as well. Score Choice is not an option for students and the history of the test scores is reported. Scoring is on a 5-point scale (1-5) with 3 being the minimum requirement for most universities to grant credits and/or waive prerequisites. The test is conducted by the non-profit “The College Board” and administered by participating schools. If your school does not participate or if you are a homeschooler, you can still take the test by arranging to take it through a participating school. Call AP Services at-least by March to find out the details. You can take the test even if you did not take the corresponding AP Course. Depending on the subject area, the exam is two to three hours long and the multiple-choice sections are scored based on correct answers and so guessing is OK.
The subject areas are Art History, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Chinese Language and Culture, Computer Science A, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, European History, French Language, German Language, Comp Government & Politics, U.S. Government & Politics, Human Geography, Japanese Language and Culture, Latin: Vergil, Music Theory, Physics B, Physics C, Psychology, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, Statistics, Studio Art, U.S. History, and World History. College Board site has free-response questions you can print out which is very helpful. Below is a list of the top resources available to prepare for AP Test by subject areas:
Art History:
AP Art History Resources by the College Board.
Biology:
AP Biology Resources from the College Board.
Calculus AB/BC:
AP Calculus Resources from the College Board.
Chemistry:
AP Chemistry Resources by the College Board.
Chinese Language and Culture:
AP Chinese Language and Culture Resources by the College Board.
Computer Science:
AP Computer Science Resources by the College Board.
Microeconomics/Macroeconomics:
English Language:
AP English Language and Composition Resources by the College Board.
English Literature:
AP English Literature and Composition Resources by the College Board.
Environmental Science:
AP Environmental Science Resources by the College Board.
European History:
AP European History Resources by the College Board.
French:
AP French Resources by the College Board.
German:
US & Comparative Government & Politics:
AP US Government & Politics Resources from the College Board.
Human Geography:
AP Human Geography Resources from the College Board.
Japanese Language and Culture:
AP Japanese Language and Culture Resources from the College Board.
Latin: (Previously Latin:Vergil):
AP Latin Resources from the College Board.
Music Theory:
AP Music Theory Resources from the College Board.
Physics 1 & 2 (previously B), and C:
Psychology:
AP Psychology Resources from the College Board.
Spanish Language/Literature:
Statistics:
AP Statistics Resources from the College Board.
Studio Art:
AP Studio Art Course Description by College Board.
U.S. History:
AP U.S. History Resources from the College Board.
World History:
AP World History Resources from the College Board.
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Last Updated: 04/2017.
The subject areas are Art History, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Chinese Language and Culture, Computer Science A, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, European History, French Language, German Language, Comp Government & Politics, U.S. Government & Politics, Human Geography, Japanese Language and Culture, Latin: Vergil, Music Theory, Physics B, Physics C, Psychology, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, Statistics, Studio Art, U.S. History, and World History. College Board site has free-response questions you can print out which is very helpful. Below is a list of the top resources available to prepare for AP Test by subject areas:
Art History:
AP Art History Resources by the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Barron’s AP Art History | $32.99 | $32.99 | 5 practice exams including 1 diagnostic test and 2 exams on the CD-ROM, Expert advice on the best way to approach the test, Review chapters that cover all relevant AP Art History topics and works of art, Hundreds of images featuring famous works of art. | |
The Annotated Mona Lisa: A Crash Course in Art History from Prehistoric to Post-Modern by Carol Strickland | $22.99 | $14.86 |
| Illustrated crash course with succinct page-length essays, instructive sidebars, and more than 300 photographs. Stonehenge to the Guggenheim and from Holbein to Warhol. 25,000 years of art in 5 section & ~216 pages. |
AP® Art History, plus Timed-Exam CD-Software | $29.95 | $21.21 | Art Browser on CD-ROM with over 400+ images. The TESTware software on CD with two full-length practice test closely approximates the test taking experience. | |
AP® Art History Crash Course Book + Online | $14.95 | $13.34 | Free online practice exam. Covers only information tested on the exam. |
Biology:
AP Biology Resources from the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
5 Steps to a 5 AP Biology (McGraw Hill) | $18.95 | $3.79 | Full-length practice tests along with tips and strategies make this a great choice. | |
Cracking the AP Biology Exam (Princeton Review) | $18.99 | $3.99 | two full-length practice tests with explanations. Comprehensive test topic review. Review of 12 AP biology tabs and testing scenarios. Planning and tips. | |
Barron’s AP Biology | $18.99 | $4.99 | Three full-length practice exams with answer key and explanations. Advice and Tips. |
Calculus AB/BC:
AP Calculus Resources from the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Cracking the AP Calculus AB & BC Exams (Princeton Review) | $19.99 | $4.82 | Five full-length AP Calculus practice tests – three for Calculus AB and two for Calculus BC. Answer key with explanations for practice and test questions. | |
Master the AP Calculus AB & BC (Peterson’s) | $75 | $15 | Four full-length practice tests. Ideal for self-teaching. | |
Barron’s AP Calculus | $18.99 | $8.89 | Four Calculus AB and four Calculus BC practice exams with answer key and explanations, Tips and Strategies. Great for practice. Not that great for Self Study. |
Chemistry:
AP Chemistry Resources by the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Cracking the AP Chemistry Exam (Princeton Review) | $18.99 | $4.99 | Two full-length practice tests with explanations, review questions after each chapter, essay walk-through, and planning/tips. | |
Barron's AP Chemistry | $18.99 | $4.99 | 7 practice tests - includes 3 diagnostic tests and 1 online. Diagrams and Illustrations. | |
5 Steps to a 5 AP Chemistry (McGraw Hill) | $18.95 | $3.99 | Practice tests along with rapid reviews after each chapter makes this a great choice. | |
AP® Chemistry Crash Course Book + Online | $14.95 | $10.75 |
| Free online practice exam. Focused only on material that will be tested. |
Sterling AP Chemistry Practice Questions: High Yield AP Chemistry Questions | $23.75 | $21.93 |
| 1700+ high-yield practice questions. |
Chinese Language and Culture:
AP Chinese Language and Culture Resources by the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Barron’s AP Chinese Language and Culture | $29.99 | $8.44 | Media included cover the exam’s listening and speaking sections. Two full-length practice exams with answer key. Questions in both traditional and simplified Chinese characters as in the actual exam. | |
5 steps to a 5 AP Chinese language and culture | $30 | $20.19 |
| Two full-length practice exams. Media included cover listening comprehension and speaking practice. |
Strive for a 5: AP Chinese Practice Tests (Cheng & Tsui) | $29.99 | $20.17 |
| Eight full-length practice tests simulate the AP Chinese Language and Culture exam. |
Computer Science:
AP Computer Science Resources by the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Barron’s AP Computer Science | $18.99 | $13.27 | Four full-length practice tests and answer explanations including one online. Review covers all topics including labs and Java. | |
Be Prepared for the AP Computer Science Exam in Java | $20.95 | $16.45 |
| Five complete practice exams. Runnable code for 20 labs. |
Microeconomics/Macroeconomics:
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Barron's AP Microeconomics/Macroeconomics | $16.99 | $12.40 | Two full-length practice tests. Diagrams and Illustrations. Enhanced coverage of International economics. | |
5 Steps to a 5 AP Microeconomics/Macroeconomics (McGraw Hill) | $18.95 | $6.74 | Excellent review book with practice tests. | |
Cracking the AP Economics Macro & Micro Exams (Princeton Review) | $18.09 | $5 | Two full-length AP Economics practice tests with explanations, strategies and tips, and review questions after every chapter. | |
Crash Course Book + Online AP Economics | $14.95 | $4.99 | Free online practice exam. Key Terms. Focused only on what will be tested. |
English Language:
AP English Language and Composition Resources by the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Cracking the AP English Language & Composition Exam (Princeton Review) | $18 | $5 | Two full-length practice tests with answer key and explanations. Detailed walk-through on essays. | |
Barron’s AP English Language and Composition | $16.99 | $11.55 | Five full-length practice exams with answer key and explanations. Tips and review of multiple choice and essay. | |
CliffsNotes AP English Language and Composition | $17.95 | $5 |
| Four full-length practice exams. Focused reviews of all exam topics. |
5 Steps to a 5 AP English Language | $18.95 | $11 | Three practice exams. Free quizzes online. | |
AP® English Language & Composition All Access Book + Online + Mobile | $14.95 | $6 | Two mini-tests and one full-length practice exam. Six end-of-chapter quizzes. |
English Literature:
AP English Literature and Composition Resources by the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Barron's AP English Literature and Composition | $16.99 | $4.99 | Five full-length practice exams. Test topics review of poetry, fiction, and drama. Sample student essays with critiques. Glossary with 175 literary and rhetorical term definitions. | |
Cracking the AP English Literature & Composition Exam (Princeton Review) | $18 | $12.24 | Two full-length practice tests with answer key and explanations. A detailed walk-through of how to write a great essay. | |
5 Steps to a 5 AP English Literature | $18.95 | $4.99 | Three practice exams. Free online APP quizzes. | |
AP® English Literature & Composition Crash Course Book + Online | $14.95 | $3.99 |
| Free online practice exam. Study only what will be in the exam. |
CliffsNotes AP English Literature and Composition | $16.99 | $11.55 |
| Six full-length practice exams with answer keys and explanations. Review of multiple-choice and essay with hints on tackling the essay questions. |
Environmental Science:
AP Environmental Science Resources by the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Barron's AP Environmental Science | $18.99 | $15.34 | Two full-length practice exams. Diagnostic test to identify strengths and weaknesses. | |
Cracking the AP Environmental Science Exam (Princeton Review) | $18 | $12.24 | Two full-length practice tests with detailed explanations, comprehensive review of key labs, walk-through of the free-response section, and review of lab exercises. | |
AP® Environmental Science Crash Course Book + Online + Mobile | $22.95 | $17.81 | Two mini-tests and one full-length practice test. Seven end-of-chapter quizzes. | |
5 Steps to a 5 AP Environmental Science (McGraw Hill) | $18.95 | $12.89 | Practice tests and explanations, sample essays, and customized study schedules. |
European History:
AP European History Resources by the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Cracking the AP European History Exam (Princeton Review) | $18.99 | $14.81 | Two full-Barron’s AP European History full-length practice exams with answer keys and explanations, detailed walk-thru of how to write a great essay, and tips to help you score more. | |
AP® European History Crash Course Book + Online + Mobile | $22.95 | $16.26 | Complete subject review. Mobile e-Flashcards. REA Web study center. | |
Barron’s AP European History | $16.99 | $11.55 | Two full-length practice exams with answer keys and explanations along with subject review and a complete overview of the exam. | |
Cliffs AP European History | $16.99 | $11.55 |
| Three full-length practice exams with answer keys and explanations, Tips and advice for multiple-choice questions along a 7-step strategy to make essay writing easy. |
French:
AP French Resources by the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Barron’s AP French Language and Culture | $26.99 | $17.81 | Two full-length practice exams with answer keys and explanations. Three audio CDs present listening comprehension sections for the practice exams and help with French pronunciation. | |
AP® French Language & Culture All Access w/Audio: Book + Online + Mobile | $26.95 | $17.12 |
| Two full-length practice tests. Audio online. Three end-of-chapter quizzes. |
AP French Language Exam (REA) | $27.95 | $18.45 |
| Comes with three audio CDs that prepare you for the listening and speaking portions. Also includes three full-length practice tests with answer keys and explanations. |
German:
- AP German Resources by the College Board.
- Prufungstraining Daf: Prufung AP German Exam (B2) - Ubungsbuch MIT Cds (German Edition).
US & Comparative Government & Politics:
AP US Government & Politics Resources from the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Cracking the AP U.S. Government & Politics Exam | $18.99 | $12.38 | Comprehensive review of topics. Two full-length practice tests. | |
Barron’s AP U.S. Government and Politics | $16.99 | $8.99 | Two full-length practice exams with answer keys, tips and strategies. | |
AP U.S. & Comparative Government & Politics (REA) | $29.95 | $22.76 |
| Three full-length exams, answer keys, and explanations. Automatic scoring with CDROM software with on-screen explanations. |
CliffsNotes AP U.S. Government and Politics | $29.99 | $19.30 |
| Three full-length practice exams with answer keys and explanations. Searchable review content on CD. Hints for tackling essays. |
Human Geography:
AP Human Geography Resources from the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Barron’s AP Human Geography | $16.99 | $10.98 | Two full-length practice tests with answer keys and explanations. A mini-diagnostic test to identify areas to improve. | |
Cracking the AP Human Geography Exam | $18 | $12.17 | Comprehensive review of topics. Two full-length practice exams. | |
5 Steps to a 5 AP Human Geography | $18.95 | $15.05 | Three practice exams. Bonus APP with extra practice questions. | |
AP® Human Geography Crash Course Book + Online | $14.95 | $10.52 |
| Concise time-saving course. Free online practice exam. |
AP Human Geography with CD-ROM (REA Test Preps) | $24.95 | $16.47 |
| Excellent reference for self-study. Practice tests in CD in a timed format with auto-scoring and diagnostic feedback. |
Japanese Language and Culture:
AP Japanese Language and Culture Resources from the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Strive for a 5: AP Japanese Practice Tests | $26.99 | $26.99 |
| Includes 20 practice tests, study skills, and test taking tips. |
Latin: (Previously Latin:Vergil):
AP Latin Resources from the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
AP Latin Vergil Exam (REA Test Preps) | $29.99 | $19.77 |
| Two full-length practice exams, answer keys, and explanations. |
Music Theory:
AP Music Theory Resources from the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Barron’s AP Music Theory | $34.99 | $26.26 | Two full-length AP practice exams include both aural and non-aural sections with answer keys and explanations. Four enclosed audio CDs provide aural skill development. |
Physics 1 & 2 (previously B), and C:
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
5 Steps to a 5 AP Physics | $18.95 | $4.29 | Full-length practice exams modeled on the real test. Customized study schedules. | |
Cracking the AP Physics Exam (Princeton Review) | $18 | $14.04 | Full-length practice tests with answer keys and explanations, detailed walk-thru of the free-response section. | |
Barron's AP Physics | $18.99 | $13.98 | Four practice tests. Also diagnostic tests and practice questions throughout. |
Psychology:
AP Psychology Resources from the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Barron’s AP Psychology | $29.99 | $18.66 | Two full-length practice tests with answer keys and explanations, a diagnostic test, and tips. | |
Cracking the AP Psychology Exam (Princeton Review) | $29.99 | $10 | Two full-length practice tests, answer keys, and explanations. | |
5 Steps to a 5 AP Psychology | $18.95 | $14.03 | Two complete practice exams. Three study plans. Extra practice questions, etc. in bonus APP. | |
AP® Psychology Crash Course Book + Online | $14.95 | $13.15 | Free online practice exam that pinpoints strengths and weaknesses. Distinct exam focused approach. |
Spanish Language/Literature:
- AP Spanish Language and Culture Resources from the College Board.
- AP Spanish Literature Resources from the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Cracking the AP Spanish Language & Culture Exam | $24.99 | $18.98 | Two full-length practice tests. Review of verb and grammar forms. Sample student essays with scored valuations. | |
Barron’s AP Spanish | $34.99 | $23.09 | Four full-length practice exams with answer keys and explanations. Four audio CDs with supplements to the book’s practice exercises plus audio sections for the aural portion of the exam. Two practice tests are on CD-ROM with software for auto-scoring. | |
5 Steps to a 5 AP Spanish Language (McGraw Hill) | $26.95 | $19.66 | Sample Tests with answer keys and explanations. |
Statistics:
AP Statistics Resources from the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Barron’s AP Statistics | $18.99 | $11.81 | Five full-length practice exams with answer keys and explanations. One diagnostic test. End of chapter multiple-choice and free-response questions with answers. | |
Cracking the AP Statistics Exam | $19.99 | $15.92 |
| Comprehensive review of key concepts. Two full-length practice tests with explanations. |
5 Steps to a 5 AP Statistics (McGraw Hill) | $18.95 | $12.89 | Full length practice tests and customized study schedules. | |
AP® Statistics Crash Course Book + Online | $14.95 | $4.46 |
| Free practice exam. Focused review of exam topics. |
Studio Art:
AP Studio Art Course Description by College Board.
U.S. History:
AP U.S. History Resources from the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Cracking the AP U.S. History Exam | $18.99 | $13.27 | Two full-length practice tests and answer explanations. End-of-chapter and pacing drills. | |
Barron's AP United States History | $18.99 | $13.50 | Two full-length practice exams with answers and explanations. | |
United States History: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination | $29.99 | $27.69 | Full-length practice exams. Essays and DBQs for each period of history. Chapter-wise MCQs and answers. | |
AP U.S. History Crash Course (REA) | $11.95 | $8.10 | Online practice exam. Focused approach. Course presented in a concise time-saving format that focuses on just what will be tested. A full-length practice test along with answer keys and explanations make this a great choice for procrastinators. | |
5 Steps to a 5 AP U.S. History (McGraw Hill) | $18.95 | $11.79 | Full-length practice test along with three customized study schedules to choose from. |
World History:
AP World History Resources from the College Board.
Resource | List Price | Best Price | ISBNs including older editions & used pricing | Description |
Barron’s AP World History | $18.99 | $9.79 | Two full-length practice exams with answer keys and explanations. Tips and test-taking strategies. | |
Cracking the AP World History Exam | $19.99 | $15.58 | Two full-length practice exams and answer explanations. Targeted strategies for every section. Comprehensive review of topics. Online Extras. | |
5 Steps to a 5 AP World History (McGraw Hill) | $18.95 | $12.89 | Full-length practice exams and your choice of three customized study schedules. |
Related Posts:
- Advanced Placement (AP) Test Prep Books & Resources (this post).
- Advanced Placement (AP: 9-12) Textbooks, Guides, Workbooks, and Resources.
- Advanced Placement (AP) CD/DVD/Kindle Versions of Textbooks & Resources.
- Advanced Placement (AP) Teacher's Edition Text Books & Resources.
Last Updated: 04/2017.