AP Computer Science Principles Resources | 2025-2026

Free Exam Prep — 2025–2026

AP Computer Science
Principles (2025–2026)

The College Board's introductory computing course. No prior programming experience required. Covers five Big Ideas from data and algorithms to the impact of computing.
70 MCQ · 70%
5 Big Ideas
34.8% Our students score 5s
1-on-1 AP CSP Tutoring
CPT deadline April 30. Exam May 14. Work directly with Tanner.
34.8% of students score 5s — nearly 4x the 9.6% national rate.
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The 5 Big Ideas (2025–2026)
Big Idea 1 17–27%

Creative Development

Abstraction Debugging: Syntax, Logic & Runtime Testing & Edge Cases Collaboration & Program Design Sequencing, Selection & Iteration
Full Study Guide →
Big Idea 2 17–27%

Data

Binary & Digital Representation Lossless vs. Lossy Compression Metadata & Privacy Correlation vs. Causation Analog vs. Digital Data
Full Study Guide →
Big Idea 3 30–40% ★

Algorithms & Programming

AP Pseudocode Syntax Conditionals & Boolean Logic Lists & List Operations Procedures & Parameters Linear & Binary Search
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Big Idea 4 11–15%

Systems & Networks

Internet vs. World Wide Web TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS & DNS Fault Tolerance & Redundancy Parallel vs. Sequential Computing Encryption: Symmetric & Asymmetric
Full Study Guide →
Big Idea 5 21–31%

Impact of Computing

Privacy, PII & Data Trails Digital Divide Algorithmic Bias & Fairness Copyright, Creative Commons & Open Source Crowdsourcing & Citizen Science
Full Study Guide →
All Topics

49 Topic Deep Dives

Lossless vs. Lossy Compression Correlation vs. Causation AP Pseudocode Syntax Algorithmic Bias Digital Divide
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Full-Length Practice

Practice Exams

  • 70 MCQ
  • All 5 Big Ideas
  • 3 Full Exams
  • Instant Scoring
70 Questions
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Curated Hard Questions

Top 100 AP CSP Questions

  • All 5 Big Ideas
  • Hardest Concepts
  • Instant Reveal
  • 100% Free
100 Questions
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Premium Study Tool

AP CSP Flashcards

  • All 5 Big Ideas
  • Pseudocode & Logic
  • Key Vocab
  • BI 1 Free
200 Flashcards
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Performance Task — 30% of Score

Create Task Guide

  • 6-Point Rubric
  • Row-by-Row Breakdown
  • Project Ideas
  • Due Apr 30
30% of Score
Read Guide →
All AP CSP Resources
AP CS Course Comparison

Not sure which AP Computer Science course is right for you? Here's how AP CSP, AP CSA, and AP Cybersecurity compare.

AP Computer Science A AP Computer Science Principles AP Cybersecurity
Focus Java programming & object-oriented design Computing concepts, data, & the internet Security principles, threats & defenses
Coding Required Yes — Java throughout Optional — pseudocode on exam Minimal — concept-focused
Exam Format 42 MCQ + 4 FRQ (Java) 70 MCQ + Create Task MCQ + FRQ (new 2026)
Difficulty More Rigorous Moderate New 2026
Best For CS majors, software engineering, strong math students Any student — broad intro to computing Students interested in cybersecurity & IT careers
Prereqs Algebra II recommended None required None required
College Credit CS1/CS2 equivalent at many schools Intro computing credit at some schools Varies — first year of exam
Our Resources AP CSA Hub → AP CSP Hub → AP Cyber Hub →
Ready to prep? All resources free — aligned to the 2025–2026 AP CSP exam
Take Practice Exam Daily Practice Create Task Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Section I has 70 multiple choice questions (70% of score). Section II is the Create Performance Task written response (30%), answered on exam day using your Personalized Project Reference.
Big Idea 1 Creative Development, Big Idea 2 Data, Big Idea 3 Algorithms and Programming, Big Idea 4 Computer Systems and Networks, Big Idea 5 Impact of Computing. The MCQ exam draws questions from all 5 Big Ideas.
The Create Task is a programming project completed during at least 9 hours of class time. Students submit a Personalized Project Reference (PPR) by April 30, 2026, then answer two written response questions about their PPR code on exam day. The CPT is worth 30% of the AP CSP score.
AP CSP is one of the more accessible AP courses. No prior programming experience is required. Students who practice daily MCQ questions and plan their Create Task carefully score well. APCSExamPrep.com students score 5s at 34.8% vs. 9.6% nationally.
AP CSP uses pseudocode on the multiple choice exam. Students can write their Create Task in any language including Python, JavaScript, or Scratch. No specific language is required or tested on the exam.
AP CSP is a broad intro to computing concepts — no specific language required. AP Computer Science A is a Java programming course focused on object-oriented design and algorithms. AP CSA is more rigorous and better suited for students planning CS or engineering majors.
What Score Do You Need for College Credit?
Search 1,900+ colleges to find the minimum AP score required for credit. Compare AP CSA and AP CSP policies side by side.
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Featured Resource
AP CSP MCQ Bootcamp 2026
Full 70-question walkthrough with recording, annotated answer key, Big Idea cheat sheet, and error-spotting guide. From a teacher with 34.8% of students scoring 5s vs 9.6% nationally.
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AP CSP Exam — May 14, 2026
Where are you right now?
Choose the prep path that matches your situation — not just a product.
Days until exam: — days
Best for you now Phase 1 — Study
Just Getting Started
You have time to build a real foundation
Work through the unit study guides in order. Understanding the material deeply now means less panic later — and higher scores on both the MCQ and FRQ.
Start with Study Guides → Free: try a daily practice question Or get a day-by-day plan from the start →
Best for you now Phase 2 — Practice
I Know It — I Need Reps
You understand the concepts but haven't tested yourself yet
The fastest way to find gaps is a full exam under timed conditions. Your weak spots will surface immediately — and you'll know exactly where to focus your remaining time.
Take a Full Practice Exam → Or try the free 70 MCQ practice exam
Best for you now Phase 3 — Focused Review
Running Out of Time
1–3 weeks out and you need a focused plan
Stop browsing random topics. A day-by-day cram plan tells you exactly what to cover each day so nothing important gets skipped and nothing gets over-studied.
Get the Cram Kit → Free: try a daily CSP practice question Or add expert tutoring alongside the plan →
Best for you now Phase 4 — Exam Mode
Exam Is Days Away
You need the fastest path to points right now
— days until AP CSP exam
One focused tutoring session with someone who knows exactly what the exam tests is worth more than 10 more hours studying solo. Lock in a slot before they fill up.
Book a Tutor Session → Or get the Cram Kit for a self-study plan
Exam's done — good luck on scores.
AP CSA scores release in July. In the meantime, check out what your score means for college credit and what to expect next.
Browse All AP CSP Resources →

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