AP African American Studies exam-day guide
AP African American Studies · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID
Bring a current, government-issued photo ID; confirm with the provider or your school which forms of ID are accepted and whether a student ID is sufficient.
Admission or registration confirmation
Bring your exam admission ticket or the confirmation details your school or testing coordinator gave you (date, time, room, and any student code).
Approved writing implements
Bring several No. 2 pencils and pens as directed; confirm with the provider which types are permitted for the multiple-choice and free-response sections.
Permitted calculator or reference materials
Check with your teacher or the provider whether any calculator or reference sheet is allowed for this exam; if none is permitted, do not bring one into the room.
Analog watch (no smart features)
A simple watch can help you pace yourself, but confirm with the provider whether personal timepieces are allowed in the testing room.
Water and a light snack for after the exam
Keep these outside the testing room unless the provider says otherwise; confirm break and food/drink rules in advance.
Review the exam format and timing
Know the number of sections, question types, and time limits from your course materials or the provider's published description so you can plan pacing.
Plan your route and arrival time
Confirm the reporting time and location with your school or testing coordinator and arrive early to allow for check-in.
Know your student/registration number
Have any student code or registration number your coordinator provided; confirm with the provider whether it is needed at check-in.
Rest and normal routine
Sleep well and eat a normal breakfast; avoid last-minute cramming of new material the night before.
Plan the day
Review your course notes and past free-response practice, focusing on themes and skills your teacher emphasized; do light, active recall rather than re-reading everything. Confirm your testing location, reporting time, and what to bring with your school or coordinator.
Pack your ID, admission materials, pencils, and pens. Confirm the start time and travel plan. Do a short review of key concepts and document-analysis strategies, then stop early and get a full night's sleep.
Eat breakfast, arrive early, and bring only permitted items. Listen carefully to proctor instructions and read all directions before starting.
Skim the section to budget time, answer easier questions first, and flag items to return to. For document-based or free-response questions, read the prompt and sources carefully, state a clear claim, and support it with specific evidence. Watch the clock and leave time to check your work.
Rules to check
Follow all proctor instructions and testing-room rules; confirm with the provider what is prohibited (phones, smart watches, notes, and other devices).
Bring and present the required identification; confirm with the provider which ID forms are accepted.
Keep all personal belongings where the proctor directs and access only materials explicitly permitted for each section.
Follow the provider's rules on breaks, leaving the room, and food or drink; confirm these in advance.
Do not communicate with other test-takers during the exam and do not share or discuss secure test content afterward.
Understand how the exam is scored and whether there is a penalty for guessing; confirm the scoring and guessing policy with the provider before test day.
If you are unsure about a rule or a technical problem occurs, raise your hand and ask the proctor rather than guessing.