📊 AP CSP Score Calculator
Estimate your AP Computer Science Principles exam score instantly
📝 Multiple Choice Section
💻 Create Performance Task
The Create Task is scored on 6 criteria, each worth 0-1 points. Enter your estimated or actual score for each:
Your Estimated AP Score
5
Multiple Choice Raw Score:
0/70
MC Weighted Score (70%):
0
Create Task Raw Score:
0/6
CPT Weighted Score (30%):
0
Total Composite Score:
0
Understanding the AP Computer Science Principles Exam
The AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) exam is designed to assess your understanding of computing concepts, computational thinking, and your ability to create computational artifacts. Unlike traditional AP exams, AP CSP includes both an end-of-course exam and a through-course performance task component.
Exam Structure and Format
The AP CSP exam consists of two major components that combine to determine your final score:
- Multiple Choice Section (70% of total score): 70 questions to be completed in 2 hours. Questions cover all five Big Ideas of the course curriculum.
- Create Performance Task (30% of total score): A programming project completed during the school year, evaluated on 6 specific criteria worth 1 point each.
How AP CSP Scoring Works
Your AP CSP score is calculated using a weighted formula that combines your performance on both sections:
Scoring Formula:
Composite Score = (MC Correct ÷ 70 × 0.70) + (CPT Points ÷ 6 × 0.30)
This composite score is then converted to an AP score of 1-5.
Composite Score = (MC Correct ÷ 70 × 0.70) + (CPT Points ÷ 6 × 0.30)
This composite score is then converted to an AP score of 1-5.
Create Performance Task Scoring Criteria
The Create Task is scored by AP readers on these six criteria, each worth 0 or 1 point:
- Program Purpose and Function: Your written response accurately describes the program's purpose, function, and demonstrates the program running.
- Data Abstraction: You demonstrate use of a list (or other collection type) and explain how it manages complexity.
- Managing Complexity: You explain how your list manages complexity in your program.
- Procedural Abstraction: You create and call a student-developed procedure with parameters that affect functionality.
- Algorithm Implementation: Your procedure includes sequencing, selection, and iteration.
- Testing: You describe two calls to your procedure with different arguments and their results.
AP Score Cutoffs (Estimated)
Based on historical data, here are the approximate composite score ranges for each AP score:
| AP Score | Composite Score Range | Qualification | Typical % of Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 0.75 – 1.00 | Extremely Well Qualified | ~12% |
| 4 | 0.60 – 0.74 | Well Qualified | ~23% |
| 3 | 0.45 – 0.59 | Qualified | ~30% |
| 2 | 0.30 – 0.44 | Possibly Qualified | ~20% |
| 1 | 0.00 – 0.29 | No Recommendation | ~15% |
💡 Pro Tip: Score cutoffs vary slightly each year based on exam difficulty and student performance. These estimates are based on historical trends and may not reflect exact cutoffs for your exam year.
Tips to Maximize Your AP CSP Score
For the Multiple Choice Section:
- Master pseudocode reading: Many questions present code in AP's pseudocode format. Practice interpreting loops, conditionals, and procedures.
- Understand binary and data representation: Know how to convert between number systems and understand data compression concepts.
- Review the Big Ideas: Creative Development, Data, Algorithms and Programming, Computer Systems and Networks, and Impact of Computing.
- Practice with past exams: College Board releases practice questions that mirror actual exam format.
For the Create Performance Task:
- Start early: You have 12 hours of in-class time to complete this project. Use it wisely.
- Use a list meaningfully: Your list should store related data that your program actually uses, not just arbitrary values.
- Create a substantive procedure: Your procedure should have parameters, use sequencing, selection (if statements), and iteration (loops).
- Document thoroughly: Written responses should be clear, specific, and directly address each scoring criterion.
- Test with different inputs: Show that your procedure handles various cases correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a penalty for wrong answers on the AP CSP exam?
No, there is no penalty for incorrect answers on the multiple choice section. You should answer every question, even if you need to guess.
Can I use any programming language for the Create Task?
Yes, you can use any text-based or block-based programming language. Popular choices include Python, JavaScript, Java, and Scratch (for block-based). The AP Program does not require a specific language.
What if I get a 0 on one of the Create Task rows?
Each row is scored independently. Getting a 0 on one row doesn't affect your other rows. However, some rows are interconnected—for example, you need a working procedure for Row 4 to potentially earn Row 5.
How accurate is this AP CSP score calculator?
This calculator provides an estimate based on the known weighting of exam components (70% MC, 30% CPT) and historical score cutoffs. Actual cutoffs vary each year, so your real score may differ by ±1 point from the estimate.
Do colleges accept AP CSP credit?
Many colleges grant credit or placement for AP CSP scores of 3 or higher, though policies vary. Some computer science programs may require a score of 4 or 5. Always check with your specific college's AP credit policy.
Sample Score Calculation
Let's walk through an example calculation:
Example Student:
– Multiple Choice: 52 correct out of 70
– Create Task: 5 points out of 6
Calculation:
MC Weighted = (52 ÷ 70) × 0.70 = 0.743 × 0.70 = 0.520
CPT Weighted = (5 ÷ 6) × 0.30 = 0.833 × 0.30 = 0.250
Composite Score = 0.520 + 0.250 = 0.770
Result: With a composite score of 0.770 (77%), this student would likely earn an AP score of 5.
– Multiple Choice: 52 correct out of 70
– Create Task: 5 points out of 6
Calculation:
MC Weighted = (52 ÷ 70) × 0.70 = 0.743 × 0.70 = 0.520
CPT Weighted = (5 ÷ 6) × 0.30 = 0.833 × 0.30 = 0.250
Composite Score = 0.520 + 0.250 = 0.770
Result: With a composite score of 0.770 (77%), this student would likely earn an AP score of 5.
Prepare for Success
The AP Computer Science Principles exam tests your understanding of fundamental computing concepts and your ability to create programs that solve problems. By understanding the scoring system and focusing on both the multiple choice content and Create Task requirements, you can maximize your chances of earning a high score.
Use this calculator throughout your preparation to set goals and track your progress. Remember that consistent practice with both coding and conceptual review is the key to AP CSP success!