Why AP Exams Are Always Changing

The College Board regularly updates AP exams based on feedback from colleges to ensure they remain relevant and rigorous. Unlike some standardized tests, AP exams frequently see adjustments—ranging from minor refinements to major overhauls.

Because of this, students should regularly check the official College Board website for the most up-to-date information on each AP subject. Staying informed can significantly impact how effectively you prepare.

While past Free Response Questions (FRQs) are readily available online, high-quality multiple-choice questions (MCQs) remain limited outside of official prep books. To help bridge that gap, we’ve developed ETT-TEST.COM, a platform offering free MCQ practice—particularly useful for students in need of authentic question sets.

After gathering feedback from students, we received 159 comments and 26 subject requests! The most frequently requested subjects were:

• AP Calculus BC

• AP English Language and Composition

• AP Physics 1

• AP U.S. History

We’re working hard to expand our offerings across as many subjects as possible. If your subject isn’t listed yet, feel free to leave a request in the comment section of our latest video.

 

Major AP Exam Updates for 2024–2025

Not all AP courses are changing dramatically this year, but several subjects have notable updates worth your attention.

To review specific updates, visit AP Central, navigate to your course, and check the “Course and Exam Description” for the 2024–2025 school year.

Let’s look at key subject-level changes:

AP Physics 1: Expanded Content and New Format

Content Updates:

• The number of units has increased from 7 to 8.

• Topics from AP Physics 2 (e.g., fluid dynamics) have been added.

• Expect more integrated questions that combine rotational and translational motion.

Exam Format Changes:

• MCQ: Reduced from 50 to 40 questions; 90 minutes → 80 minutes

  • The “select two answers” format has been eliminated.

• FRQ: Reduced from 5 to 4 questions; 90 minutes → 100 minutes

Although there are fewer FRQs, additional time suggests a modest increase in complexity. To prepare, focus especially on practicing past FRQs #2 and #3.

Updates to AP Physics 2 and AP Physics C

AP Physics 2:

• MCQ: 50 → 40 questions; 90 → 80 minutes

• FRQ: 5 → 4 questions; 90 → 100 minutes

AP Physics C: Mechanics & E&M:
Previously among the shortest AP exams, Physics C has now expanded:

• MCQ: 35 → 40 questions; 45 → 80 minutes

  • Choice options reduced from five to four

• FRQ: 3 → 4 questions; 80 → 100 minutes

• Total Duration: Now a full-length 3-hour exam

These changes make Physics C more demanding overall, although the shift to four-choice MCQs may slightly ease the difficulty of guessing.

 

Digital Shift in AP English Exams

AP English Language & Composition

• MCQ: 60 minutes

• FRQ: 2 hours 15 minutes

• Now fully digital

• MCQs reduced to four answer choices

AP English Literature & Composition

• MCQ: 60 minutes

• FRQ: 2 hours

• Also fully digital

• MCQs now feature four answer choices

Reducing from five to four choices improves odds for educated guessing, which could contribute to the expected increase in the percentage of students scoring a 5 in 2025.

 

Exams Still Using Five-Choice MCQs

While most AP exams are transitioning to four-choice MCQs, a few still retain the five-choice format:

• AP Macroeconomics

• AP Microeconomics

• AP Human Geography

• AP Statistics

• AP Computer Science A

For these subjects, the probability of guessing correctly remains at 20%, compared to 25% for four-choice exams.

 

Understanding Digital vs. Hybrid AP Exams

With many exams moving online, it’s important to understand the two digital formats:

• Fully Digital Exams: Both MCQ and FRQ sections are completed online (e.g., AP English, AP History).

• Hybrid Digital Exams: MCQs are taken online, but FRQs are handwritten (e.g., AP Math, AP Physics).

The distinction is based on exam content. Subjects requiring complex calculations or symbolic notation continue to use handwritten FRQs to ensure clarity.

To confirm your format, visit your course page on AP Central.

We've launched a demo version of our AP MCQ practice tool on ETT-TEST.COM. This resource is designed especially for international students, including those in South Korea, to prepare effectively for May’s exams.

Each subject will feature authentic-style MCQs to complement your FRQ prep and simulate the real testing experience.

Key Takeaways for AP Students in 2025

✅ AP Physics 1 now includes an eighth unit and adjusted exam structure.
✅ AP Physics C has been extended to a full 3-hour test with more questions.
✅ AP Lang & AP Lit are fully digital with four-answer MCQs—expect higher scores.
✅ Most AP subjects now use four-choice MCQs, though a few retain five-choice formats.
✅ Free AP MCQ resources is available at ETT-TEST.COM.

Stay updated, study smart, and take advantage of every resource available to maximize your performance.

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