AP classes are an excellent way for advanced students to challenge themselves.

In addition, they have the chance to earn college credit with the AP exam at the end of the year.

Some students graduate with enough AP credit that they are able to graduate a semester – or more – early. 

That’s enough to make every parent’s heart sing.

Here are the basics you need to know about AP classes and tests for this school year.

How to Get Into AP Classes

Generally, getting into an AP class is done through your high school’s registration process. However, taking AP classes that your school does not offer is possible.

It’s also important to know how to register for AP classes if your student is homeschooled or attends a high school without AP classes.

There may be prerequisite classes before your student can choose an AP class.

For instance, they may need to take an introductory chemistry class before they can enroll in AP Chemistry.

If your student wants to get AP credit but your school doesn’t offer the class, or your student is homeschooled, all you need to do is make sure they register for the AP Exam.

From there, they will need to study and prepare for the exam without a class.

The good news is that there are online AP classes that your student can take advantage of to help prepare.

How Do You Register for an AP Exam?

Your student can take as many AP exams each year as they would like, but remember that you have to pay for the registration each time.

If they aren’t able to prepare well for multiple exams a year, it would be better to spread them out.

Your student can repeat an AP exam they took the previous year to improve their score.

However, both exam scores will be reported unless your student requests that one be withheld or canceled.

If your student is taking an AP class at their high school, the teacher will probably let them know what the test registration process is and when the forms are due.

Some teachers will even set aside class time to walk students through the registration process!

Even if this doesn’t happen, an AP teacher is a great resource for any questions you have about the exam.

Another resource at your child’s high school is the AP coordinator, who should have information about all of the exams, dates, and deadlines.

The coordinator may be a guidance counselor, so remember that you need to ask questions early so that you have time for them to work you into their schedule.

What to Do if Your School Doesn’t Offer AP Classes

If your student is homeschooled or their high school doesn’t offer AP classes, you still have access to exams.

However, you have to do more of the legwork yourself.

AP exams must be taken at a high school that offers AP classes, so check around to find the school nearest you.

Contact their AP coordinator and find out how to get your child registered for the target exam(s).

You can also contact the national AP program itself. 

You can call 888-225-5427 or email apstudents@info.collegeboard.org.

AP Exam Schedule 2025

So when are the exams?

The dates vary depending on which exam your student is targeting.

If your child has exams that conflict, they need to talk to the AP coordinator about getting an alternate testing time set up.

AP test dates are available on the College Board website.  You can also contact the national AP program itself. You can call 888-225-5427 or email apstudents@info.collegeboard.org.

2025 AP Exam Schedule: Week 1

2025 AP Exam Schedule: Week 2

Week 2	Morning 8 am Local Time	Afternoon 12 Noon Local Time
Monday, May 12, 2025	Calculus AB Calculus BC	Music Theory Seminar
Tuesday, May 13, 2025	French Language and Culture Precalculus	Environmental Science Physics 2: Algebra-Based
Wednesday, May 14, 2025	English Language and Composition German Language and Culture	Physics C: Mechanics
Thursday, May 15, 2025	Art History Spanish Language and Culture	Computer Science Principles Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
Friday, May 16, 2025	Spanish Literature and Culture Physics 1: Algebra-Based	Psychology

For a full list of exam dates and times, visit the College Board website.

AP Exams Can Build College Success

Of course, every student who takes an AP exam is hoping to score well enough to earn college credit.

There are a lot of other benefits to taking an AP class and exam, though.

The rigorous study required will help prepare your student for college-level courses.

They will be challenged to dig deeper into a subject, and having AP classes and exam scores can help your student stand out for college admissions.

As you encourage your student to reach higher, be sure that the college they attend will reward their efforts.

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