Exam Format Overview

Important: Both sections are completed on the same day with a short break between sections. You cannot use a calculator for any part of the AP CSA exam.

Section I: Multiple Choice Details

Format & Content

• 40 questions testing your understanding of Java programming concepts
• 90 minutes - approximately 2.25 minutes per question
• All 4 units covered: Each unit is tested proportionally to its exam weight
  • Unit 1 (Using Objects & Methods): ~10 questions (~25%)
  • Unit 2 (Selection & Iteration): ~12 questions (~30%)
  • Unit 3 (Class Creation): ~10 questions (~25%)
  • Unit 4 (Data Collections): ~8 questions (~20%)

Question Types You'll See

• Code Tracing: Predict output of given code segments
• Code Analysis: Identify errors or determine functionality
• Algorithm Comparison: Evaluate different approaches to solve a problem
• Conceptual Understanding: Answer questions about Java syntax, data structures, and OOP principles
• Logic Problems: Determine correct conditional statements or loop structures

Section II: Free Response Questions (FRQs)

The Free Response section contains 4 questions worth 9 points each (36 points total). Each FRQ type appears on EVERY exam in the same order.

FRQ Scoring Breakdown

Each FRQ is worth 9 points, typically distributed across 2-3 parts:

• Part (a): Usually 4-5 points - simpler method or task
• Part (b): Usually 4-5 points - more complex, may use part (a)
• Part (c): Rare, but some years have 3-part questions

Scoring System

How Raw Scores Convert to AP Scores

Your performance on both sections is combined into a composite score, which is then converted to a score of 1-5. The conversion varies slightly each year, but here's the typical range:

2025 National Score Distribution

• 5: 25.5% of test-takers
• 4: 21.8% of test-takers
• 3: 20.7% of test-takers
• 2: 13.1% of test-takers
• 1: 18.9% of test-takers

What Score Do You Need? A score of 3 or higher is considered "passing" and may qualify for college credit. Check with your target colleges for their specific AP CSA credit policies.

Time Management Strategy

Section I: Multiple Choice (90 minutes)

• First Pass (60 minutes): Answer all questions you can solve quickly (~2 min each)
• Second Pass (25 minutes): Return to marked difficult questions (~3-4 min each)
• Final Check (5 minutes): Review answers, ensure bubbles filled correctly

Section II: Free Response (90 minutes)

• FRQ 1 (20-22 minutes): Methods & Control - typically most straightforward
• FRQ 2 (22-24 minutes): Class Writing - requires planning, may take longer
• FRQ 3 (20-22 minutes): Array/ArrayList - usually moderate difficulty
• FRQ 4 (22-24 minutes): 2D Array - often most challenging, may need extra time
• Buffer (2-6 minutes): Final review, add comments, check syntax

What's Provided on Exam Day

What You CANNOT Bring

• ❌ Calculator (not permitted for any section)
• ❌ Computer or laptop (all work done on paper)
• ❌ Notes or reference materials (except provided Quick Reference)
• ❌ Phone or smartwatch (must be turned off and stored)
• ❌ Food or drink in testing room (may be allowed outside during breaks)

About the Java Quick Reference

The Java Quick Reference Sheet is provided with your exam. It includes:

• String methods: length(), substring(), indexOf(), compareTo(), equals()
• ArrayList methods: size(), add(), remove(), get(), set()
• Math methods: abs(), pow(), sqrt(), random()
• Integer/Double wrapper class methods
• Basic syntax reminders (but NOT all Java syntax!)

Practice with it! Download a copy from College Board and use it when practicing FRQs so you're familiar with what's available on exam day.