About AP CS Principles

AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. In this course, students will learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They will incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students will also explain how computing innovations and computing systems, including the Internet, work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical.

It is recommended that students in the AP Computer Science Principles course have successfully completed a first-year high school algebra course with a strong foundation of basic linear functions, composition of functions, and problem-solving strategies that require multiple approaches and collaborative efforts. In addition, students should be able to use a Cartesian (x, y) coordinate system to represent points on a plane. It is important that students and their advisers understand that any significant computer science course builds upon a foundation of mathematical reasoning that should be acquired before attempting such a course.

The following are the major areas of study, or big ideas, that serve as the foundation of the course, enabling students to create meaningful connections among concepts and develop deeper conceptual understanding:

■ Creative Development: When developing computing innovations, developers can use a formal, iterative design process or a less rigid process of experimentation, and will encounter phases of investigating and reflecting, designing, prototyping, and testing. Collaboration is an important tool at any phase of development.

■ Data: Data are central to computing innovations because they communicate initial conditions to programs and represent new knowledge.

■ Algorithms and Programming: Programmers integrate algorithms and abstraction to create programs for creative purposes and to solve problems.

■ Computing Systems and Networks: Computer systems and networks are used to transfer data.

■ Impact of Computing: Computers and computing have revolutionized our lives. To use computing safely and responsibly, we need to be aware of privacy, security, and ethical issues.

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES END-OF-COURSE EXAM: 2 HOURS

Assessment Overview

The AP Computer Science Principles Exam assesses student understanding of the computational thinking practices and learning objectives outlined in the course framework. The exam consists of the Create performance task and an end-of-course AP Exam. The Create performance task requires at least 12 hours of dedicated class time for students to complete. The end-of-course exam is 2 hours long and includes 70 multiple-choice questions.

Format of Assessment

Section I: Multiple-choice | 70 Questions | 2 Hours |

70% of Exam Score

■ 57 single-select multiple-choice questions.

■ 5 single-select multiple-choice questions with reading passage about a computing innovation.

■ 8 multi-select multiple-choice questions.

Section II: Create Performance Task | 1 Question |

At least 12 hours of class | 30% of Exam Score

■ Through-course performance task

■ Assesses Computational Thinking Practices 1, 2, 3, and 4