Take a look at AP test pass rates for the Advanced Placement exams. See the AP test passing scores and get a range of resources to help you prep for the AP.
AP Test Pass Rates
AP tests are scored on a 1 - 5 scale, and the College Board, which administers AP exams, defines students who receive a 3 as qualified in that subject matter. Based on that standard, the College Board reports that more than 60% of test-takers received a qualifying score on AP tests in 2023. Colleges and universities, however, may require higher scores for various tests.
Pass Rates by AP Test
| Test | Students Who Earn a 3 or Higher* |
|---|---|
| Art History | 64.6% |
| Biology | 64.4% |
| Calculus AB | 58% |
| Calculus BC | 78.5% |
| Chemistry | 75.1% |
| Chinese | 88.4% |
| Computer Science A | 68% |
| Computer Science Principles | 63.1% |
| Macroeconomics | 64.7% |
| Microeconomics | 68% |
| English Language | 56.1% |
| English Literature | 77.2% |
| Environmental Science | 53.7% |
| European History | 59.4% |
| French | 74.7% |
| German | 68% |
| Government & Politics Comparative | 70.8% |
| Government & Politics United States | 49.2% |
| Human Geography | 54.4% |
| Italian | 72.9% |
| Japanese | 76.9% |
| Latin | 56.7% |
| Music Theory | 60.7% |
| Physics I | 45.6% |
| Physics 2 | 69.8% |
| Physics C E&M | 70.2% |
| Physics C Mechanics | 73.5% |
| Psychology | 59.6% |
| Research | 84.4% |
| Seminar | 85% |
| Spanish | 83.8% |
| Spanish Literature | 67.4% |
| Statistics | 60% |
| Drawing | 84.8% |
| Studio Art 2-D Design | 83.6% |
| Studio Art 3-D Design | 72.1% |
| U.S. History | 47.5% |
| World History | 64.7% |
*Source: The College Board, 2023
How to Pass Your AP Test
To prepare to pass your AP exams, you first should research your school's AP policies and minimum required scores. You may also review sample exam questions available on the College Board's website (apstudent.collegeboard.org).
AP Prep Courses
Prep courses ensure that you are focusing your studies on the right subject matter. Study.com has online courses -- each with video lessons and practice tests -- for many of the AP tests. Check out examples of what they offer:
- AP Biology
- AP U.S. History
- AP Microeconomics
- AP English Literature
- AP English Language
- AP Psychology
- AP Macroeconomics
- AP Chemistry
- AP Physics C
- AP Physics 1
- AP European History
- AP Music Theory
- AP World History
- AP Environmental Science
- AP U.S. Government and Politics
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Human Geography
- AP Art History
