2026 AP exam schedule: Key dates to know
AP exam season is a time when students across the country prepare to demonstrate their knowledge acquired through an academic year’s worth of hard work. The AP exam schedule is a crucial resource for organizing your study plan, tracking multiple exam dates, and ensuring you’re prepared for each test you’re signed up for. By referencing the 2026 schedule in advance, you can create a personalized timeline that helps manage your workload, allocate study sessions, and minimize stress.
Whether you’re enrolled in a single AP course or tackling multiple exams, being aware of your specific testing dates allows you to focus your efforts and develop effective strategies on how to study and when, making a significant impact on your performance.
AP exam dates 2026
AP exams are administered by the College Board over two weeks in early to mid-May, either at 8:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. local time. Below are the scheduled dates for all exams and portfolios in 2026:
Week 1: May 4 - 8, 2026
| Date | 8 a.m. local time | 12 p.m. local time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, May 4 | Biology, Latin | European History, Microeconomics |
| Tuesday, May 5 | Chemistry, Human Geography | U.S. Government and Politics |
| Wednesday, May 6 | English Literature and Composition | Comparative Government and Politics, Physics 1: Algebra-Based |
| Thursday, May 7 | Physics 2: Algebra-Based, World History: Modern | African American Studies, Statistics |
| Friday, May 8 | Italian Language and Culture, U.S. History | Chinese Language and Culture, Macroeconomics |
| Note: May 8 (Friday) at 8 p.m. ET is the deadline for AP Art and Design students to submit their three portfolio components in the AP Digital Portfolio. |
Week 2: May 11 - 15, 2026
| Date | 8 a.m. local time | 12 p.m. local time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, May 11 | Calculus AB, Calculus BC | Music Theory, Seminar |
| Tuesday, May 12 | French Language and Culture, Precalculus | Japanese Language and Culture, Psychology |
| Wednesday, May 13 | English Language and Composition, German Language and Culture | Physics C: Mechanics, Spanish Literature and Culture |
| Thursday, May 14 | Art History, Spanish Language and Culture | Computer Science Principles, Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism |
| Friday, May 15 | Environmental Science | Computer Science A |
If you’re in two classes with conflicting exam dates and times, don’t worry: you can take one exam during the College Board’s late-testing dates:
Late Testing
| Late Testing | Morning 8 a.m. local Time | Afternoon 12 p.m. local Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, May 18 | Comparative Government and Politics, European History, World History: Modern | English Literature and Composition, Human Geography, Latin |
| Tuesday, May 19 | Japanese Language and Culture , U.S. Government and Politics | African American Studies, U.S. History |
| Wednesday, May 20 | Microeconomics, Seminar , Statistics | Biology, Chemistry, French Language and Culture, Macroeconomics |
| Thursday, May 21 | Chinese Language and Culture, Computer Science Principles, English Language and Composition, Music Theory, Precalculus | Art History, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Italian Language and Culture, Physics C: Mechanics, Physics 2: Algebra-Based |
| Friday, May 22 | Environmental Science , Physics 1: Algebra-Based, Spanish Language and Culture, Spanish Literature and Culture | Computer Science A, German Language and Culture, Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, Psychology |
Tests are administered in school, though students whose high schools do not offer a specific course or exam will need to register for their test at an alternate location. Your course instructor will not be proctoring the exam or available to answer questions; instead, a teacher of another subject, a substitute teacher, or another authorized adult will be in charge of exam delivery and monitoring, so prepare accordingly.
Exam start times
As stated above, exams are delivered at two different times during the day, during specific time windows. Each exam takes between 2 and 3 hours, giving you enough time to complete two exams in a day if required:
- Morning exams: Must begin between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. local time
- Afternoon exams: Must begin between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. local time
It is absolutely essential that you are present in the classroom or other location where the exam will be administered BEFORE the planned start time. If you don’t arrive on time, you’ll be unable to enter the testing site and will have to take the exam during the make-up date, if your school allows.
Why the schedule matters
Knowing the schedule ahead of time helps you create a balanced study plan, prioritize what to study first, and plan breaks to help your mind reset. Here’s a brief to-do list to complete before your AP tests:
- Plan your study calendar and review sessions based on the official AP Exam Schedule for 2026, especially if you are preparing for multiple AP exams.
- Prevent scheduling conflicts by double-checking your exam dates and times. If two of your AP exams are scheduled at the same time, your school may offer a late-testing option.
- Speak with your AP coordinator or teacher promptly to resolve any conflicts or questions about your exam schedule.
- Confirm your required arrival time for each of your AP exams to avoid any last-minute surprises. Arriving early helps reduce pre-exam stress and ensures a smooth check-in process for all your AP exams.
- Review the format and requirements for each AP exam on your schedule.
- Some AP exams are digital or require specific calculators or materials: check these details in advance as part of your study plan.
Having the exact dates for when your AP exams are scheduled enables you to create a clear, practical plan for how to study for AP exams and set milestones leading up to test day.
Study strategy using the schedule
Even if you’re months away from your test(s), there are still ways you can start planning as soon as today:
- Mark all your exam dates in a planner or digital calendar.
- Work backward from each exam date. Create study milestones such as “complete Unit 3 review by April 15.”
- Prioritize subjects based on order. Focus on early exams first, then move to later ones.
- Space out your review. Use the early months for learning and the final weeks for focused practice.
- Prepare the night before each exam. Get plenty of rest, review key topics, and gather necessary materials, such as your ID, pencils, pens, and calculators.
Over a fifth of students took 3 or more AP tests in 2024, which can be a lot ot juggle. By knowing what to expect in May, you can create a sustainable study plan, avoid last-minute cramming, and manage your time effectively.
Key takeaways
Preparing for AP exams requires dedication, organization, and a structured outline that aligns with your scheduled exam dates. With the AP Exam Schedule 2026 in mind, start planning early by marking all your critical dates and milestones in a planner. Develop a study timeline tailored to each subject, focusing on effective strategies for preparing for AP exams. Prioritize thorough six-week reviews before the test dates, set benchmarks like “finish Chapter 4 notes by mid-March,” and build in time to rest and recharge. When your scheduled exam days arrive, you’ll be prepared, confident, and ready to get that 5 out of 5.
