AP Chemistry
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ExploreAbout this exam
AP Chemistry is an advanced placement course and exam intended to mirror a one-year, introductory college general chemistry course. It suits students who have already taken high school chemistry and Algebra II and who want to build fluency in quantitative problem solving, experimental design, and molecular-level reasoning about matter.
The course content is organized into nine units: atomic structure and properties; compound structure and properties; properties of substances and mixtures; chemical reactions; kinetics; thermochemistry; equilibrium; acids and bases; and thermodynamics and electrochemistry. The weighting is not uniform. Properties of substances and mixtures carries the largest share of the exam score, and acids and bases the next largest, so those units deserve proportionally more review time than the seven units in the 7%–9% band.
The exam is hybrid digital. Section I has 60 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes; Section II has seven free-response questions in 105 minutes, with three 10-point long answers and four 4-point short answers written by hand in paper booklets. Each section counts for half the score. Calculators and printed reference materials are permitted.
Effective preparation combines the course and exam description, timed multiple-choice sets, and repeated written practice in which you justify claims with evidence and check your answers against scoring guidelines.
What you'll study
About AP Chemistry preparation
What is the format of the AP Chemistry exam?
It is a hybrid digital exam with two sections. Section I is 60 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, mixing discrete questions with question sets built on a stimulus or data. Section II is seven free-response questions in 105 minutes. Each section is worth 50% of the exam score. Multiple-choice questions appear and free-response questions are viewed in the Bluebook app.
How long is the exam overall?
The two sections total three hours and fifteen minutes of testing time: 90 minutes for the 60 multiple-choice questions and 105 minutes for the seven free-response questions. Plan for additional time on exam day for check-in, instructions, and collection of the handwritten free-response booklets.
Are calculators and reference materials allowed?
Yes. Calculators are permitted for this course's exam, subject to the published calculator policy. Reference materials are also provided: they are printed and mailed to schools and are available in Bluebook in the test preview and on exam day. Practice with your own calculator so that unit conversions and significant figures become automatic.
Which units carry the most weight?
Unit 3, Properties of Substances and Mixtures, is the heaviest at 18%–22% of the exam score. Unit 8, Acids and Bases, is next at 11%–15%. The remaining seven units each fall in the 7%–9% band, so no unit can be skipped, but Units 3 and 8 justify extra practice with intermolecular forces, spectroscopy, buffers, and pH calculations.
What background do I need before taking it?
The recommended prerequisites are high school courses in chemistry and Algebra II. The algebra matters because equilibrium, thermodynamics, kinetics, and stoichiometry questions are quantitative. If your algebra is shaky, review logarithms, rearranging equations, and interpreting graphs before the school year starts.
How are the free-response questions scored?
Section II contains three long-answer questions worth 10 points each and four short-answer questions worth 4 points each, for 46 raw points. Points are awarded for correct work and for explanations that justify a claim with evidence, so write out reasoning and setups rather than only a final number.
How should I sequence my studying?
Follow the unit order for first-pass learning, since later units assume earlier ones, then switch to spiral review weighted toward Unit 3 and Unit 8. Add timed multiple-choice sets weekly and at least one full free-response question written by hand, because the exam requires handwritten answers in paper booklets.
What are the most common ways students lose points?
Typical losses come from unsupported claims on free-response items, skipped or unclear work, weak justification of why a trend occurs rather than just naming it, and neglected low-weight units. Another common problem is unfamiliarity with the handwritten booklet format; practice writing full answers under time pressure beforehand.
Can I retake the exam, and when is it offered?
The source material for this page does not state a retake policy, so confirm details with College Board or your AP coordinator. The listed exam date is Thursday, May 6, 2027, Session 2. Your AP coordinator will tell you when and where the exam will be administered.