AP Physics 2 exam-day guide
AP Physics 2 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID
Bring a current, government-issued photo ID. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether the name must match your registration exactly.
Admission ticket / registration confirmation
Print or download your admission document if your provider issues one. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is acceptable.
Approved calculator
Bring a calculator you know well. Confirm with the provider which calculator models are permitted and whether a backup calculator is allowed in the room.
Pencils and eraser
Bring several sharpened No. 2 pencils and a soft eraser for any bubble-sheet or written portions.
Pen (if required)
Some written responses require pen. Confirm with the provider whether blue or black ink is specified.
Watch (non-smart)
A simple analog or digital watch can help you pace. Confirm with the provider whether watches are allowed and whether phones must be stored away.
Reference tables / formula sheet
The exam provides its own equation and constant tables, so do not rely on bringing your own. Confirm with the provider what reference material is supplied versus prohibited.
Know the reporting time and location
Confirm your exact arrival time, room, and check-in process with the provider in advance; arrive early enough to complete ID checks and seating.
Leave prohibited items behind
Phones, smartwatches, notes, and other electronics are typically banned in the testing room. Confirm with the provider the policy for storing personal items.
Rest, food, and water
Eat a normal meal and stay hydrated before the test. Confirm with the provider whether water or snacks are allowed at your seat or only during breaks.
Dress in layers
Testing rooms can be cold or warm; layers let you adapt without distracting others.
Review the format, not new content
Know the section structure, question types, and time limits from official provider materials so you can budget time on test day.
Plan the day
Do light, targeted review of your weakest topics using your own notes. Re-read the official format and timing information. Stop heavy new learning; protect sleep.
Do one or two timed practice sets under exam-like conditions, then review errors for patterns rather than memorizing new facts.
Confirm logistics: test center or device requirements, reporting time, ID, approved calculator, and any provider-specific rules.
Pack your bag: ID, admission document, calculator, pencils, eraser, watch, and any allowed items. Lay out clothes.
Skim your own summary sheet of key equations and concepts, but avoid cramming new material. Set two alarms and go to bed at a normal hour.
Eat a normal breakfast, hydrate moderately, and arrive with time to spare for check-in. Avoid last-minute cramming that raises anxiety.
Read directions carefully, note the time limits, and pace yourself. Answer easier questions first, flag hard ones, and return if time allows.
For physics problems, write down knowns and unknowns, check units and significant figures, and sanity-check magnitudes. Show reasoning on free-response items for partial credit.
Use breaks as permitted to reset; confirm with the provider how breaks are handled and whether you can access water or the restroom.
Rules to check
Bring and present valid photo ID as required; confirm with the provider the exact ID and name-matching policy.
Follow all instructions from proctors and the provider about seating, materials on the desk, and starting or stopping work.
Keep phones, smartwatches, and other electronics stored and silenced per provider policy; unauthorized devices can lead to score cancellation.
Use only an approved calculator and only the reference materials the provider supplies.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test or attempt to view others' work.
Follow the provider's break policy; you generally may not leave and re-enter freely, and no extra time is given for breaks.
Scoring is based on correct answers and, for free-response items, on reasoning and work shown; there is typically no penalty for guessing on multiple-choice, but confirm with the provider.
Report any testing irregularity or equipment problem to the proctor immediately and follow the provider's procedure for documenting it.