--- title: How are AP exams scored? description: "Learn how AP exams are scored: Students' multiple-choice and free-response scores combine to form a composite score, which converts to a scaled score from 1-5." image: https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/AP%20exams.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/) # How are AP exams scored? ![Erin Ohsie-Frauenhofer](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/Erin%20OF.jpeg) by [Erin Ohsie-Frauenhofer](https://blog.arborbridge.com/author/erin-ohsie-frauenhofer) February 19, 2024 ![students taking exams](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/AP%20exams.png) AP exams are end-of-year standardized tests designed to measure students' mastery of specific subjects. Understanding how exactly these exams are scored will help you prep more effectively and know what score to aim for. Here’s what you need to know. #### **Scaled score: 1-5** [AP exam scores range from 1 (“No recommendation”) to 5 (“Extremely well qualified”), with a 3 (“Qualified”) usually considered a passing score](https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/about-ap-scores/ap-score-scale-table) that indicates college-level competence. But where do these scaled scores come from? Most exams consist of a multiple-choice portion and a free-response portion. Your scores on those two sections combine to form a composite score, which is then converted to your scaled score from 1-5. Let's break down multiple-choice and free-response scoring just a bit further. **Multiple-choice section** Multiple-choice scoring is straightforward—a computer totals your correct answers, with no penalties for incorrect answers or unanswered questions. For that reason, it's a good idea to attempt every question, selecting your best guess if you're not sure of the right answer. **Free-response section** The free-response section is scored by a team of AP teachers and college professors at the annual AP Reading in June. Readers evaluate students' understanding of the content and how well they express complex ideas. This part of the exam underscores the importance of not just knowing your stuff but also communicating it effectively. Usually, you won't lose points for small mistakes like the occasional spelling error, but you'll want to make sure details like spelling and grammar don't get in the way of a reader's ability to comprehend what you've written. The College Board releases [FRQs, rubrics, and sample responses](https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses) every year, all of which can be very helpful tools as you're studying. Make sure to check out these resources and the scoring details of each exam you're planning to take. **Putting it all together** Scoring nuances can vary from one AP course to another—and from one year to another. The multiple-choice and free-response sections can be weighted differently on different exams, so it’s important to note that one point on the multiple-choice section is often not equivalent to one point on the free-response section. To calculate your final score, the weighted combination of your raw scores is converted to a scaled score between 1 and 5. The conversion is test-dependent, so a weighted composite score may convert to a different scaled score from administration to administration. Your AP teacher or [a private tutor](https://blog.arborbridge.com/ap-prep-one-on-one-tutoring-boost-ap-exam-performance) can help you navigate the ins and outs of the specific exams you're prepping for. **What score should I aim for?** The score you're aiming for will depend on several factors, including your desired college major, the schools you're applying to, whether you're hoping to get college credit for the course, and so on. In many cases, a score of 4 or 5 will be eligible for college credit and showcase your mastery of the subject. Consult with your college counselor or [an expert tutor](https://blog.arborbridge.com/ap-prep-one-on-one-tutoring-boost-ap-exam-performance) to set goals that make sense for your individual situation. #### **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/how-are-ap-exams-scored%2F&linkname=) - [![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/twitter.svg)](https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/twitter?linkurl=https://blog.arborbridge.com/how-are-ap-exams-scored%2F&linkname=) - [![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/linkedin.svg)](https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/linkedin?linkurl=https://blog.arborbridge.com/how-are-ap-exams-scored%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: [How are PSAT scores calculated, and what score do you need for National Merit?](https://blog.arborbridge.com/how-psat-scores-calculated-national-merit) [TOEFL Essentials: the new test launches August 21](https://blog.arborbridge.com/toefl-essentials-new-test-launches-august-21) [What types of calculators are allowed on the ACT, SAT, and PSAT?](https://blog.arborbridge.com/what-types-calculators-allowed-act-sat-past) [![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)