the AP Computer Science Principles Course and Exam Description provides a clear and detailed description of the course requirements necessary for student success. The course is designed to be equivalent to a first-semester introductory college computing course for non-CS majors.  

The AP Computer Science Principles course framework is organized into five big ideas. As always, you have the flexibility to organize the course content as you like.

• Big Idea 1: Creative Development  10%–13% (Multiple-Choice Section Weight)

• Big Idea 2: Data   17%–22%

• Big Idea 3: Algorithms and Programming 30%–35%

• Big Idea 4: Computer Systems and Networks 11%–15%

• Big Idea 5: Impact of Computing 21%–26%

1. Computational Solution Design: Design and evaluate computational solutions for a purpose. 18%–25%

2. Algorithms and Program Development: Develop and implement algorithms. 20%–28%

3. Abstraction in Program Development: Develop programs that incorporate abstractions. 7%–12%

4. Code Analysis: Evaluate and test algorithms and programs. 12%–19%

5. Computing Innovations: Investigate computing innovations. 28%–33%

6. Responsible Computing: Contribute to an inclusive, and ethical computing culture. Not assessed