Important AP Exam Dates in 2026
Planning is key to succeeding in Advanced Placement exams. The AP test schedule 2026 gives students and families clear dates well before exam season, making it easier to organise revision, manage academic commitments, and reduce stress. Strong AP results can also support college placement and earn university credit, helping students move more quickly into advanced studies. This guide clearly explains the 2026 AP exam dates so you can plan your prep with confidence.
Introduction to AP Exam Dates 2026
The AP exam calendar follows a consistent annual structure, but the specific dates change each year. For students preparing independently or alongside school teaching, understanding the 2026 exam schedule is essential for building a realistic and practical revision plan.
This article explains how the AP exam cycle works in 2026, how exams are scheduled across the two testing weeks, and how students can use these dates to guide prep and review. It’s written for students in different situations, including those studying internationally, balancing multiple programs, or preparing through self-study with external resources or a tutor.
Why AP Exam Dates Matter
AP exam dates shape your entire revision strategy. Once the dates are fixed, every other part of your prep needs to align with them. They matter because they help students:
- Plan revision cycles across multiple subjects. Spread your study time evenly so each subject gets focused attention without overload.
- Avoid last-minute cramming and burnout. Early planning helps maintain steady progress and protects your energy during exam season.
- Manage overlaps with other academic or graduate application deadlines. Knowing exam dates in advance allows you to balance exams with applications, coursework, and other commitments.
- Prepare strategically for high-stakes exams rather than relying on short-term review. A long-term plan supports deeper understanding, timed practice, and stronger exam performance.
Clear awareness of the schedule gives students control and structure throughout the academic cycle.
AP Exam Schedule for 2026
The AP test schedule 2026 follows the standard two-week structure used across all participating schools and international exam centres. Exams are administered globally in May, with a separate late-testing window for approved cases.
Main Testing Weeks
The regular AP exams take place over two main testing weeks:
- Week 1: Monday 4 May to Friday 8 May 2026
- Week 2: Monday 11 May to Friday 15 May 2026
Each weekday includes a morning session and an afternoon session. Exams are not held on weekends during the regular testing period. This structure helps students taking multiple subjects manage workload and maintain focus across the exam period.
Morning and Afternoon Exam Sessions
Each exam day is divided into two sessions:
- Morning exams begin between 8 and 9 am local time
- Afternoon exams begin between 12 and 1 pm local time
Schools or exam centres confirm exact start times. All schools worldwide follow this structure to ensure fairness, accessibility, and exam security.
Week 1 – May 4 to May 8, 2026
The first week includes a mix of science, humanities, languages, and social science subjects. Below is a clear breakdown of each day.
Monday, May 4
Exams scheduled on Monday include:
- Morning: AP Biology and AP Latin
- Afternoon: AP European History and AP Microeconomics
Students planning science or medical pathways often take AP Biology. Latin and European History appeal to students with strong interests in classical studies, history, and analytical writing.
Tuesday, May 5
Tuesday focuses on Science, Geography, and Politics:
- Morning: AP Chemistry and AP Human Geography
- Afternoon: AP United States Government and Politics
Students interested in law, politics, public policy, and social studies commonly choose AP Government and Politics.
Wednesday, May 6
Midweek exams include:
- Morning: AP English Literature and Composition
- Afternoon: AP Comparative Government and Politics, AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
English Literature assesses close reading and analytical writing skills that are valuable across many academic programs.
Thursday, May 7
Thursday includes a mix of Science, History, and Statistics:
- Morning: AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based and AP World History: Modern
- Afternoon: AP African American Studies and AP Statistics
Students across science, business, and social science programs widely take AP Statistics.
Friday, May 8
The final day of Week 1 includes:
- Morning: AP Italian Language and Culture, AP United States History
- Afternoon: AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP Macroeconomics
Language exams assess practical communication skills and cultural understanding, which are especially relevant for international students and global academic pathways.
Careful pacing and targeted revision will help students manage the workload and stay focused during the first week, which covers a wide range of core subjects as the exam period begins.
Week 2 – May 11 to May 15, 2026
Week 2 continues the AP exam schedule with mathematics, languages, sciences, and creative subjects, giving students the chance to apply sustained focus and build momentum as the testing window progresses.
Monday, May 11
Exams scheduled on Monday include:
- Morning: AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC
- Afternoon: AP Music Theory and AP Seminar
Calculus exams are essential for students aiming for engineering, economics, mathematics, or science degrees.
Tuesday, May 12
Tuesday includes:
- Morning: AP French Language and Culture, AP Precalculus
- Afternoon: AP Japanese Language and Culture, AP Psychology
Students often choose language exams for broader academic and cultural reasons, including international study, communication skills, and campus life readiness.
Wednesday, May 13
Wednesday’s exams are:
- Morning: AP English Language and Composition, AP German Language and Culture
- Afternoon: AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Spanish Literature and Culture
English Language focuses on argument, rhetoric, and analytical writing, skills that support many university programs.
Thursday, May 14
Thursday includes:
- Morning: AP Art History, AP Spanish Language and Culture
- Afternoon: AP Computer Science Principles, AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
AP Computer Science Principles is popular with students interested in technology, digital literacy, and interdisciplinary studies.
Friday, May 15
The final day of regular testing includes these subjects that appeal to students interested in sustainability, computing, engineering, and applied sciences.
- Morning: AP Environmental Science
- Afternoon: AP Computer Science A
Week 2 centres on maths, languages, sciences, and computing, so steady pacing and focused revision are essential as students approach the final days of the AP exam window.
Late Testing and Special Dates
Students who face genuine conflicts or unexpected circumstances during the regular exam window can access late testing.
Late Testing Window (May 18–22, 2026)
Students can sit late exams from Monday, 18 May to Friday, 22 May 2026, but only in specific circumstances approved by their school. It ensures that genuine conflicts or unexpected situations do not disadvantage students. Approved reasons for late testing include:
- Two exams scheduled at the same time. When subjects clash in the same session and students cannot take both on the regular date.
- Illness on the day of an exam. If a student is unwell and unable to sit the exam safely or fairly.
- Family emergencies. Serious and unavoidable situations that prevent attendance on the scheduled exam day.
- Religious observances. Conflicts with important religious commitments recognised by the school.
- School-approved academic or extracurricular events. Activities such as competitions or official events that clash with exam times.
The school’s AP coordinator must formally approve late exams, which use alternate versions for security reasons.
Score Release and Services Deadlines
AP scores are typically released in mid-July. Students can access scores online once they are published. Important deadlines to remember include:
- April 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET for AP Seminar, AP Research, and AP Computer Science Principles performance tasks
- Portfolio submission deadlines for Art and Design subjects in early May
Understanding the late testing window and key special dates helps students plan responsibly and ensures that unexpected situations don’t derail their overall AP exam preparation.
Registration and Administrative Deadlines
Good administrative planning helps ensure that exam registration, scheduling, and support arrangements run smoothly, allowing students to focus fully on their AP exams rather than last-minute logistics.
AP Exam Ordering by Schools
Schools or exam centres order AP exams, so students need to stay informed and organised throughout the registration process. To avoid issues later on, students should:
- Confirm exam entries early. This ensures that you register your chosen subjects correctly and avoid last-minute complications.
- Be aware of registration deadlines and fees. Missing deadlines can lead to additional charges or prevent you from sitting the exam.
- Check procedures carefully if registering as an independent or international student. Registration steps may differ, so extra attention helps prevent administrative errors.
We limit late changes, so they may not always be possible; we strongly advise confirming early.
Accommodation and Course Submission Deadlines
Students who require exam accommodations should apply as early as possible. Accessibility services are available to support fair exam conditions, but the approval process takes time and careful planning. Key points include:
- Accommodation requests must meet published deadlines. Late requests are rarely accepted, so early submission is essential.
- Supporting documentation is required. Schools and exam boards need clear evidence to approve accommodations.
- Performance tasks must be submitted on time to avoid penalties. Missing submission deadlines can affect eligibility or exam outcomes, even if the school approves accommodations.
Keeping track of registration and administrative deadlines ensures your exam arrangements are in place, avoids unnecessary issues, and lets you concentrate on revision instead of paperwork.
Stay Organised for Success
The AP test schedule 2026 gives students a clear structure for planning revision, managing multiple subjects, and preparing confidently for exams. With guidance from experienced AP tutors, students can use the dates to pace their prep, target weaker areas, and reduce unnecessary stress as exam season approaches.
Whether you’re revising independently, using online resources, or seeking personalised support, strong organisation and consistent review make a real difference. TutorsPlus supports students in building focused exam strategies that reward preparation, clear thinking, and calm execution under timed conditions. Book a free trial at +41 22 731 8148 or to get the support you need for your AP exams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will the AP exams take place in 2026?
AP exams run from May 4 to May 15, 2026, spread across two full weeks of scheduled testing, with morning and afternoon sessions each day.
Do all AP exams start at the same time?
Yes. Morning exams begin between 8 and 9 am local time, and afternoon exams begin between 12 and 1 pm local time.
Can I take more than one AP exam on the same day?
Yes, as long as the school schedules one exam in the morning and the other in the afternoon. This is a common arrangement, and schools have extensive experience managing these schedules to ensure students have sufficient time and supervision between sessions.
What happens if two of my AP exams are scheduled at the same time?
Your school will arrange late testing for one exam. The school cannot move exams according to students’ choice.
When is the AP late testing period in 2026?
For students who experience approved scheduling conflicts or unexpected circumstances, late testing is available from May 18 to May 22, 2026, using alternate exam versions.
When are AP performance tasks and portfolios due?
Most performance tasks are due by April 30, 2026, which is a firm deadline set by the College Board.
When will AP scores be released?
Students can usually access their scores online through their College Board account in mid-July. Exact release dates may vary slightly by region, but most students receive their results within the same general timeframe.
Can I change my AP exam registration after the deadline?
Changes are limited and may involve fees. Speak to your AP coordinator as early as possible.
Are AP exam dates the same worldwide?
Yes. The schedule is global, with local time zones applied.
How should I use the AP exam dates to plan my revision?
Work backwards from each exam date. Build a revision cycle that includes content review, timed practice, and rest days to support focus and confidence.
