AP Computer Science A, one topic at a time
The exam is the afternoon of Wednesday, May 12, 2027: 42 multiple-choice and 4 free-response questions in 3 hr. Ashore has a short lesson for every topic in all 4 units, each ending with a few questions on what it taught. Practice sets and mock exams for CSA are on the way.
Exam day
May 12
2027 Wednesday · Afternoon
- 42 multiple choice · 90 min
- 4 free response · 90 min
- Scored 1 to 5
What's on the May 2027 exam
How the exam is split, how long each part runs and what you can use.
How students scored in May 2026
| Scored 5 | Scored 4 | Scored 3 | Scored 2 | Scored 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25% | 26% | 15% | 11% | 23% |
Source: College Board score distributions. Compare all 40 AP exams
AP Computer Science A score calculator: enter your section results and see an estimated 1–5 score.
All 4 units
Percentages are the College Board's ranges for how much of the multiple-choice section each unit can be.
Unit 1 · 15–25%
Using Objects and Methods
Introduction to Algorithms, Programming, and Compilers · Variables and Data Types · Expressions and Output · Assignment Statements and Input · Casting and Range of Variables · Compound Assignment Operators · Application Program Interface (API) and Libraries · Documentation with Comments · Method Signatures · Calling Class Methods · Math Class · Objects: Instances of Classes · Object Creation and Storage (Instantiation) · Calling Instance Methods · String Manipulation
Unit 2 · 25–35%
Selection and Iteration
Algorithms with Selection and Repetition · Boolean Expressions · if Statements · Nested if Statements · Compound Boolean Expressions · Comparing Boolean Expressions · while Loops · for Loops · Implementing Selection and Iteration Algorithms · Implementing String Algorithms · Nested Iteration · Informal Run-Time Analysis
Unit 3 · 10–18%
Class Creation
Abstraction and Program Design · Impact of Program Design · Anatomy of a Class · Constructors · Methods: How to Write Them · Methods: Passing and Returning References of an Object · Class Variables and Methods · Scope and Access · this Keyword
Unit 4 · 30–40%
Data Collections
Ethical and Social Issues Around Data Collection · Introduction to Using Data Sets · Array Creation and Access · Array Traversals · Implementing Array Algorithms · Using Text Files · Wrapper Classes · ArrayList Methods · ArrayList Traversals · Implementing ArrayList Algorithms · 2D Array Creation and Access · 2D Array Traversals · Implementing 2D Array Algorithms · Searching Algorithms · Sorting Algorithms · Recursion · Recursive Searching and Sorting
How you'll study CSA
The lessons are live now. The parts marked Coming soon open later.
A lesson for every topic
Each one explains a single idea step by step, then checks it with a few questions.
- Coming soon
Practice on each topic
Questions build from easy to exam level. Any you miss come back as similar ones 1, 3 and 7 days later.
- Coming soon
Free response
Write under the exam timer, then score each answer point by point, the way an AP reader would.
- Coming soon
Mock exams and a predicted score
Same sections, time limits and calculator rules as the May exam. Every set and mock updates your predicted 1 to 5.
Pricing
Start free, then try everything for a week
One plan opens every lesson and question for every AP course and both SAT sections. The starting check is free, and monthly and 3-month plans start with a 7-day free trial.
Recommended
Free
Find where you lose points and get a plan to test day.
$0
No card needed.
- Starting check and full report
- A study plan to your test date
- One free practice day a week: 3 lessons, 60 questions
Monthly
Every lesson and question, month to month.
$99a month
Billed monthly
$0 today, then $99 a month after 7 days, until you cancel.
Everything in Free, plus:
- Every lesson in every course
- Every practice question, no limits
- Every mistake and flashcard, every day
Every 3 months
A steady term of prep, with the SAT score guarantee.
$66a month
Save 33% vs monthly$199 every 3 months
$0 today, then $199 every 3 months after 7 days, until you cancel.
Everything in Free, plus:
- Every lesson in every course
- Every practice question, no limits
- Every mistake and flashcard, every day
Season pass
Everything through test day, in one payment.
$37a month
Save 63% vs monthly$249 once, early price · $299 from Jan 1
One payment, good through Jun 5, 2027. No trial, and it doesn't renew.
Everything in Free, plus:
- Every lesson in every course
- Every practice question, no limits
- Every mistake and flashcard, every day
- No card for the starting check
- 7-day free trial on monthly and 3-month plans, cancel anytime
- Season pass never renews
- SAT score guarantee on the 3-month plan and season pass
More in math and computer science
Start CSA at Unit 1
Free to start, no card. Up to 3 new lessons on your free practice day each week, or every lesson on any paid plan.
Starting check
SAT Math · 1 of 5
Calculator allowed
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