AP Chemistry - Exam Overview - Test Day Guide

Sep 20, 2026

AP Chemistry Exam Overview explains the exam’s focus on understanding course scientific concepts and the ability to design and describe chemical experiments. The guide covers recommended calculator use starting with the 2023 exam, provided periodic table and formula sheet, and detailed exam logistics including duration, start time, door opening rules, and test-day student policies. It also specifies what to bring, what is prohibited, exam sections and scoring distribution, and essential exam fee payment procedures.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

About the Exam

Exam Overview

Exam Duration

What to Bring on AP Exam Day

What NOT to Bring

Exam Components

Exam Fees

AP Chemistry About the Exam Exam Overview The AP Chemistry Exam will test your understanding of the scientiﬁc concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to design and describe chemical experiments. Starting with the 2023 exam, a scientiﬁc or graphing calculator is recommended for use on both sections of the exam. You will be provided with a periodic table and a formula sheet that lists speciﬁc and relevant formulas for use on the exam. Exam Duration 3hrs 15mins--This does not include proctor instruction, which adds about an extra hour to the day. Monday, May 6, 2024 @ 12:00 PM (Door opens at 11:45 AM) Location: Auditorium The door will open as soon as the AP US Gov & Politics Exam concludes. Please do not enter, if the door is closed. Students will be excused from all classes on test day. Students that arrive late will not be allowed to take the exam and will have to pay the restock fee. What to Bring on AP Exam Day What to Bring: ● An acceptable calculator if your AP Exam allows the use of a calculator. ● A watch that does not have internet access, does not beep or make noise, and does not have an alarm. ● Chromebook with charger for AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam. ● Although the following will be provided for you. You are welcome to bring your own. ● No. 2 pencils (No mechanical pencils) ● Pens with black or dark blue ink What NOT to Bring: ● Electronic equipment including phones, smartwatches, ﬁtness trackers, wearable technology, cameras, recording or listening devices, or any other type of electronic or communication device. ● Chromebooks are allowed only for the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam. ● Books, reference guides, notes, compasses, protractors, mechanical pencils, pencils that are not No. 2, correction ﬂuid, dictionaries, highlighters, or colored pencils. ● Scratch paper: Students are prohibited from bringing scratch paper to the AP Exam. For AP Chinese and AP Japanese Exams, scratch paper will be provided. ● Watches that beep, make a noise, or have an alarm. ● Computers or calculators that are not approved. ● Reference guides, keyboard maps, or other typing instructions. ● Ear plugs. ● Clothing or shoes with subject-related information. ● Food or drink. ● You are not permitted to eat while testing. Students will not be released during the 1st lunch and might be late for 2nd lunch. You are able to eat in the designated area during the 10-minute break between Sections 1 and 2 of the exam. You can have a water bottle with you while testing, just do not drink over the booklets. ● Clipboards. A student observed with any of these prohibited items during testing or breaks may be dismissed from the exam, the device may be conﬁscated, the student’s score may be canceled, and no retest may be permitted. Follow any speciﬁc health and safety protocols for the exam room that your school may have in place. AP policies allow you to bring hand sanitizer to the room, but it must be placed under the desk, not on the desk. You may use any other PPE (such as masks) following your school’s current requirements. Exam Components Section I: Multiple Choice 60 questions | 1hr 30 min | 50% of Exam Score The multiple-choice section includes individual, single questions as well as sets of questions that refer to the same diagram or data presentation. Questions will test your ability to: ● Explain, analyze, and interpret models and representations of chemical properties or phenomena ● Design experiments and procedures to test a prediction or theory ● Solve problems using mathematical relationships ● Make or justify a scientiﬁc claim and support it with evidence and/or reasoning ● A scientiﬁc or graphing calculator is recommended for use on Section I Section II: Free Response 7 questions | 1hr 45min | 50% of Exam Score The free-response section includes three long essay questions (worth 10 points each) and four short-answer

FAQs

What skills does the AP Chemistry exam test?

The exam tests understanding of course scientific concepts and the ability to design and describe chemical experiments. It also assesses explaining, analyzing, interpreting, and making or justifying scientific claims with evidence or reasoning.

How long is the AP Chemistry exam and how is it divided?

The exam duration is 3 hours 15 minutes, split into Section I (Multiple Choice) and Section II (Free Response). Section I is 1 hour 30 minutes (50% of the score) and Section II is 1 hour 45 minutes (50% of the score).

What are key restrictions on test day items and devices?

Students may not bring electronic equipment such as phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, cameras, or other communication devices. Scratch paper is prohibited for the AP Chemistry exam, watches must not beep or alarm, and students cannot use unapproved computers or calculators.

Sep 20, 2026

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