The 2025–2026 AP CSA exam has two sections: 42 multiple-choice questions (MCQ) worth 55% of your score, and 4 free-response questions (FRQ) worth 45%. The exam is delivered digitally via College Board’s Bluebook platform. The updated 4-unit curriculum covers Using Objects & Methods (15–25%), Selection & Iteration (25–35%), Class Creation (10–18%), and Data Collections (30–40%).

The exam follows a new 4-unit structure introduced in 2025–2026: Unit 1 (Using Objects and Methods), Unit 2 (Selection and Iteration), Unit 3 (Class Creation), and Unit 4 (Data Collections). Unit 4 carries the most exam weight at 30–40% — start your studying there. This replaced the old 10-unit curriculum and removes inheritance, polymorphism, extends, and super. File and Scanner class topics are now included.

Study in order of exam weight: start with Unit 4 (Data Collections, 30–40%), then Unit 2 (Selection & Iteration, 25–35%), before covering Units 1 and 3. Daily practice with the QOTD builds the pattern-recognition you need for the MCQ section. Complete at least one full 42-MCQ timed practice exam 2–3 weeks before test day. For FRQs, review 2025 and 2024 solutions and practice writing complete answers — partial credit requires method headers and logic, not just a working solution.

The 2025 FRQs are the most directly relevant since they align with the new 4-unit curriculum. FRQs from 2019–2024 that cover arrays, ArrayLists, String manipulation, and basic class design are still useful practice. Avoid spending significant time on older FRQs that involve inheritance, polymorphism, or interface concepts — those topics are no longer tested in 2025–2026.

Nationally, only 25.5% of AP CSA students score a 5. A composite score of roughly 75–80% of available points typically corresponds to a 5, though the exact cutoff varies by year. Students who consistently practice FRQ writing and regularly complete timed MCQ sets perform significantly better. 54.5% of students tutored by Tanner Crow score 5s — more than double the national rate.