AP CSA FRQs by Topic Type (2004-2025) - Organized Practice
AP Computer Science A FRQs by Topic
The complete collection of AP CSA Free Response Questions (2004-2025) organized by question type. Practice exactly what you need to master.
🎯 Jump to Topic Type
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💡 Start with 2019-2025 for current exam format
📌 Important: Understanding the Format
Since 2019, the AP CSA exam follows a consistent 4-question format:
- FRQ 1: Methods & Control Structures (20-25 min)
- FRQ 2: Class Design & Implementation (20-25 min)
- FRQ 3: Array or ArrayList Manipulation (20-25 min)
- FRQ 4: 2D Array Operations (20-25 min)
Before 2019, question types varied but are organized below to match current topics.
🎓 Teacher's Strategy (10+ Years Experience)
Best practice approach based on 10+ years teaching AP CSA:
- Start with Type 3 (Arrays/ArrayList) - builds foundation for other types
- Then tackle Type 4 (2D Arrays) - reinforces nested loop patterns
- Move to Type 1 (Methods) - combines previous skills
- Finish with Type 2 (Classes) - integrates everything
- Practice mixed sets weekly - do one of each type to maintain skills
📘 Type 1: Methods & Control Structures
16 FRQsKey Skills: Iteration patterns • Nested loops • Boolean expressions • Helper methods • Accumulation
Average Exam Time: 20-25 minutes
📘 Type 2: Class Design & Implementation
12 FRQsKey Skills: Class structure • Encapsulation • this keyword • Object creation • Method implementation
Average Exam Time: 20-25 minutes
📘 Type 3: Array & ArrayList Manipulation
18 FRQsKey Skills: Array/ArrayList traversal • Enhanced for loops • add/remove operations • Bounds checking
Average Exam Time: 20-25 minutes
📘 Type 4: 2D Array Manipulation
17 FRQsKey Skills: Nested loops • Row vs column traversal • 2D array indexing • Grid algorithms
Average Exam Time: 20-25 minutes
💡 Proven Study Strategies (From 10+ Years Teaching)
How my highest-scoring students practice:
- Start with one type, master it completely: Don't jump around—become an expert in Array/ArrayList first
- Do 3 from one type in a row: Builds pattern recognition faster than mixing types
- Time yourself after the 3rd attempt: First 2 untimed to learn, 3rd+ timed to build speed
- Rewrite solutions from memory: Don't just read solutions—close them and code from scratch
- Create your own variations: Change one requirement and re-solve (builds deep understanding)
- Track your "mistake patterns": Write down which errors you repeat (off-by-one, null checks, etc.)
Goal: By exam day, you should recognize each FRQ type within 10 seconds and know exactly which pattern to apply.
"This organization saved me so much time! I was weak on 2D arrays, so I did ALL the Type 4 FRQs in 3 days. Went from barely passing to consistently getting 8/9 points. Game changer."
— AP CSA Student (scored a 5)
📚 Complete Your Preparation
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Start with Type 3 (Array/ArrayList). It appears on 90% of exams and builds the foundation for the other types.
Aim for 4-6 FRQs per week (one of each type, plus extra on weak areas). Quality over quantity—review solutions thoroughly.
Focus on 2019-2025 first (current format), then add older FRQs for extra practice. The concepts haven't changed, just the organization.
On the exam: 20-25 minutes each. When practicing: take as long as needed untimed first, then practice timed after you understand the patterns.
Created by Tanner — Certified AP Computer Science teacher with 10+ years of experience teaching AP CSA. Thousands of students have used these organized FRQs to achieve 4s and 5s on the AP exam.
Page last updated: • Coverage: 2004-2025 (22 years)