--- title: "AP Chemistry exam: know the test content, format, and pacing" description: Students planning ahead for success on the AP Chemistry exam need to know not only what's tested but also how the test is structured. Here's an overview of the content and format of the AP Chemistry exam. image: https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/student%20doing%20homework.png --- [![arb-logo@2x](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/arb-logo@2x.png)](https://www.arborbridge.com/) - [Our Services](https://arborbridge.com/our-services/) - [Academic Support](http://arborbridge.com/academic-programs/) - [SAT](https://arborbridge.com/sat/) - [ACT](https://arborbridge.com/act/) - [Subject Tests](http://arborbridge.com/subject-test/) - [AP & IB](http://arborbridge.com/ap-ib/) - [ISEE & SSAT](http://arborbridge.com/isee-ssat/) - [GRE & GMAT](http://arborbridge.com/gmat-gre-programs/) - [TOEFL](https://www.arborbridge.com/toefl-prep/) - [About Us](https://arborbridge.com/about/) - [Library](https://testprep.arborbridge.com) - [Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/tutoring-pricing/) - [Academic Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/academic-pricing/) - [SAT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/sat-pricing/) - [ACT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/act-pricing/) - [Subject Test Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/subject-test-pricing/) - [AP & IB Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/ap-ib-pricing/) - [ISEE & SSAT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/isee-ssat-pricing/) - [GRE & GMAT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/gre-gmat-pricing/) - [TOEFL Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/toefl-pricing/) - [Contact Us](https://arborbridge.com/contact-us/) # AP Chemistry exam: know the test content, format, and pacing ![Erin Ohsie-Frauenhofer](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/Erin%20OF.jpeg) by [Erin Ohsie-Frauenhofer](https://blog.arborbridge.com/author/erin-ohsie-frauenhofer) March 31, 2021 ![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/student%20doing%20homework.png) Students [planning ahead for AP success](https://blog.arborbridge.com/planning-ahead-ap-success) need to know not only what's tested on the exams but also how the tests are structured. Here's an overview of the AP Chemistry exam. #### **What's on the AP Chemistry test?** The AP Chemistry exam is designed to measure your mastery of fundamental chemistry concepts, including states of matter, intermolecular forces, and chemical reactions. Furthermore, the exam tests your ability to utilize the scientific method and analyze data. The course involves 9 major units of study: 1. Atomic Structure and Properties 2. Molecular and Ionic Compound Structure and Properties 3. Intermolecular Forces and Properties 4. Chemical Reactions 5. Kinetics 6. Thermodynamics 7. Equilibrium 8. Acids and Bases 9. Applications of Thermodynamics Need help mastering the content? Consider scheduling a few sessions with a tutor, who can work with you one-on-one to reinforce the material you're learning in school. [To get started with an expert AP tutor, reach out to us here.](https://www.arborbridge.com/contact-us/) #### **How is the AP Chemistry test structured?** The AP Chemistry exam is a two-part test consisting of **a multiple-choice section followed by a free-response section.** You are not allowed to use a calculator on the multiple-choice section of the test, but you are encouraged to use a graphing or scientific calculator on the free-response section. Because the AP Chemistry exam is a timed test, you will have to carefully pace yourself. This includes making determinations about whether you should skip and guess on any questions. In order to achieve the best possible score, you need to answer as many questions correctly as possible. As you prepare for test day, you may come up with a personalized pacing plan, but as a starting point, here are rough guidelines based on the timing of each section: - **Multiple choice:** - 90 minutes to answer 60 questions - 1.5 minutes per question - **Free response:** - 105 minutes to answer 7 questions - 3 long-response questions: aim for 23 minutes per question - 4 short-response questions: aim for 9 minutes per question   #### **Need more individualized advice?** The recommendations above are general suggestions. If you have specific questions, [**reach out to our experts here**](https://www.arborbridge.com/contact-us/). We’re happy to help in any way we can. #### ***About ArborBridge*** *ArborBridge is the global leader in innovative, digital, one-on-one tutoring. With nearly a decade of experience teaching students online, ArborBridge supports students of all kinds: home schoolers, AP students, test preppers, and more. Our tutors specialize in creating personalized plans and in providing compassionate support for students and families.* - ![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/print.svg) - [![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/facebook.svg)](https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/facebook?linkurl=https://blog.arborbridge.com/ap-chemistry-exam-know-test-content-format-pacing%2F&linkname=) - [![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/twitter.svg)](https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/twitter?linkurl=https://blog.arborbridge.com/ap-chemistry-exam-know-test-content-format-pacing%2F&linkname=) - [![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/linkedin.svg)](https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/linkedin?linkurl=https://blog.arborbridge.com/ap-chemistry-exam-know-test-content-format-pacing%2F&linkname=) ![Erin Ohsie-Frauenhofer](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/Erin%20OF.jpeg) [![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/email.svg)](mailto:erin@arborbridge.com) #### About Erin Ohsie-Frauenhofer As one of the highest-performing tutors in ArborBridge’s history, Erin coaches tutors and develops tools and trainings to disrupt old habits and empower new strengths. With a Master of Arts in Teaching from Brown University, Erin worked as a classroom teacher and student services director prior to joining ArborBridge in 2017. Her decade of success as an educator has prepared her to ensure that programs are tailored to individual students’ needs. ## You also might like: [AP Biology exam: know the test content, format, and pacing](https://blog.arborbridge.com/ap-biology-exam-know-test-content-format-pacing) [AP Calculus exams: know the test content, format, and pacing](https://blog.arborbridge.com/ap-calculus-exams-know-test-content-format-pacing) [AP U.S. History exam: know the test content, format, and pacing](https://blog.arborbridge.com/ap-us-history-exam-know-test-content-format-pacing) [![footer-logo@2x](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/footer-logo@2x.png)](https://www.arborbridge.com/) 100 Main Street Suite #102 Port Washington, NY 11050 (917) 525-2548 info@arborbridge.com - [Our Tutoring Services](https://www.arborbridge.com/our-services/) - [Academic Support](https://www.arborbridge.com/academic-programs/) - [SAT](https://www.arborbridge.com/sat-programs/) - [ACT](https://www.arborbridge.com/act-programs/) - [AP & IB](https://www.arborbridge.com/ap-ib-programs/) - [ISEE & SSAT](https://www.arborbridge.com/isee-ssat-programs/) - [GRE & GMAT](https://www.arborbridge.com/gmat-gre-programs/) - [TOEFL](https://www.arborbridge.com/toefl-prep/) - [About ArborBridge](https://arborbridge.com/about/) - [Library](https://testprep.arborbridge.com/) - [Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/tutoring-pricing/) - [Contact Us](https://arborbridge.com/contact-us/) © 2026 ArborBridge, All rights reserved. - [Terms of Use](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/termsfeed-cookies-policy-pdf-english.pdf) - [Privacy Policy](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/privacy_policy.pdf)