Advanced Placement Program
The Advanced Placement Program (AP) is an unparalleled academic experience taught in secondary schools in more than 100 countries. AP is recognized in the admissions process by more than 4,000 universities worldwide and can help you earn college credit and placement out of first-year introductory university courses. Outside the U.S., more than 600 universities in more than 55 countries recognize AP Exam scores for credit or advanced placement in the admission process.
AP Exams are available in secondary schools and measure your mastery of university-level course content. The program allows you to develop a global perspective, as well as skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. There are currently 34 AP courses and exams available. Exams are administered in May, and scores can be sent directly to the universities of your choice.
Learn more about AP:
- About the AP Program
- U.S. Colleges and universities with an AP credit policy
- AP International Recognition
How to Register for AP
If you’re interested in taking an AP course and exam, talk to your school’s AP Coordinator about the course you would like to take. Your AP Coordinator can help you register for the exams, order necessary materials and let you know where and when to take the exams.
If you attend a school that does not offer AP, contact AP Services at +1 609 771 7300 or apexams@info.collegeboard.org. For more information on registering for AP Exams, visit Registering for AP Courses and Exams (not in China or India).
To find which schools offer AP in your country, check the AP Course Ledger and begin your search by entering your country in the ‘Ledger Search’ area. The AP Course Ledger is the official record of schools with authorized courses that can use the AP designation on secondary school transcripts. Courses that have not completed the AP Course Audit are not listed in the AP Course Ledger, cannot use the “AP” designation on students’ transcripts, and are not recognized by universities as an AP course.
AP in China
For national Chinese students who currently do not attend a school that offers AP and are interested in taking an AP Course and Exam, please note that the registration window at authorized AP Test Centers in China is now closed. However, students may still register with the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessments Authority (HKEAA) for both the regular and late testing sessions. If travel to Hong Kong is not an option, please email international@collegeboard.org to discuss other possible testing options.
AP in India
Starting in 2012, you have the option to take AP Exams at authorized MeritTrac test centers, regardless if you’re enrolled in any AP courses. If you’re at a school with AP, check with your AP Coordinator first to see if the AP Exams you wish to take are offered at your school.
To register and view exam dates, fees and test centers, visit AP India Exam Registration. The registration window ends in March 2012. Email international@collegeboard.org if you have any questions.
AP International Diploma
If you’ve already enrolled in AP courses and scored well on your AP Exams, you may qualify for the AP International Diploma (APID), a globally recognized certificate awarded to students who display exceptional achievement on AP Exams across a variety of disciplines. To earn an APID, students must earn grades of three or higher on at least five AP Exams in English and other World Languages, an AP Exam offering a global perspective, science and mathematics, or history, social sciences and the arts. Learn more about APID.
If you feel you’ve successfully met the requirements for the AP International Diploma, please email international@collegeboard.org, and we can confirm whether a certificate will be awarded or additional requirements need to be met.