What are AP Exams?

Purpose and Benefits of AP Exams

Advanced Placement (AP) exams are standardized exams designed to measure how well a student has mastered the content and skills of a special AP course.

Most colleges/universities will grant credit, advanced placement, or both for a passing score on an AP exam. For less than $100 now a student could potentially save $1000 later by already earning that course credit and not having to take the course in college.

Every college/university has different requirements. For certain majors the university might require that the student take their course and not accept the credit from an AP exam. To ensure that the college/university you are aiming to attend will accept the AP exam credit it is recommended that you reach out to the college/university you are thinking of attending.

Required?

No, while students are not required to take an AP exam we strongly recommend that they do.

Exam Dates and Location

AP exams are given every year in May. The exams take place at Vista Ridge both in the morning and afternoon. The schedule for the exams given this school year can be found on this webpage.

Cost

In Leander ISD, each AP exam is $85. For students who are on the free/reduced lunch program the costs of each exam is $15.

The district pays a portion of the fee charged by College Board for each AP exam a Leander ISD student takes.

There is a $40 late fee for each exam that is ordered after the deadline (see dates below).

AP Exam Registration Dates & Directions

Year-long, 1st semster, and AP Psychology courses registration window is September 8 - October 24, 2025.

Late registration window is October 25, 2025 - February 18, 2026 - each exam will have a $40 late fee added

2nd Semester course registration window is January 6, 2026 - February 18, 2026

Complete registration details, without step-by-step tutorials, can be found on the Registration Information page.

VRHS AP Exam Flyer 2026.pdf

What does the AP exam cover?

Each AP exam tests the students on the knowledge and skills learned in the course. Your student will be given details on AP exam content and structure during the AP course. Click here for a course overview outlined by College Board. For more information regarding content please reach out to your student's AP teacher.

How are AP exams scored?

AP Exams are created and scored by teams of AP teachers and college professors.

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