Who can take AP Exams?

The AP program is open to any student who wishes to challenge themselves with college-level coursework. You do not have to be enrolled in the official AP course at your high school to sit for the exam. This flexibility makes the program accessible to a wide range of students, including those who are homeschooled, attend schools that don't offer AP courses, or have self-studied a subject independently.

If your school does not offer a particular AP course or exam, you can still arrange to take it. The first step is to contact AP Services for Students at the College Board for assistance. They can help you find a nearby authorized AP test center that is willing to accommodate you. You will need to register with that test center by their deadline, which may be earlier than the deadline for students at the school. Private candidates, as they are called, are responsible for all exam fees and must follow the test center's rules and procedures. This option provides a valuable pathway for motivated students to demonstrate their knowledge and earn college credit, regardless of their school's course offerings.