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Intro to AP Computer Science Principles
AP Computer Science Principles is a broad, accessible introduction to the ideas that power computing and the internet — algorithms, data, networks, cybersecurity, and the societal impact of technology.
How does the internet actually work? How is data stored, transmitted, and compressed? What makes an algorithm efficient, and how can it fail?
AP CSP teaches computational thinking skills across multiple programming contexts — not locked into one language — and includes a creative performance task where you design and build your own program.
The AP CSP Exam is May 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM. The Create PT deadline is April 30, 2026.
AP CSP has two components: a written Exam (70% of score) and a Create Performance Task you submit before the exam (30% of score). Both are required for your final AP score.
Thea AP CSP Study Kits.
Below, you'll find Thea's Study Kits for the AP Computer Science Principles Exam. Unit 3 — Algorithms & Programming — is the heaviest unit at 33% of the written exam. Unit 5 (Impact of Computing) and Unit 2 (Data) together add another 44%.
Remember: the Create PT is due April 30 and counts for 30% of your total score. Don't leave it until the last week.
Build your study plan.
AP CSP has two deadlines to track: the April 30 Create PT deadline and the May 14 exam. Start your Create PT early — it's a third of your score.
🍂 Fall–Winter — Start Your Create PT
Begin developing your Create Performance Task program as soon as you have the skills. Choose a topic you care about — you'll be writing about it and responding to questions about your code. Document your program's purpose, function, and the algorithm it uses.
🌸 March–April — Finalize Create PT
Submit your Create PT as final by April 30 at 11:59 PM ET. Your teacher sets the internal deadline — likely earlier than April 30. The AP Program does not accept late submissions. Once submitted as final, no revisions are possible without teacher intervention.
📅 2 Weeks Before Exam
Focus on the written exam content. Unit 3 (Algorithms & Programming) is the biggest section — practice tracing through code blocks in the exam's pseudocode style. Review binary, data compression, the internet protocol stack, and cybersecurity basics.
☀️ Night Before
Light review of vocabulary and key concepts. The exam is at 12 PM. Rest well — and remember that the Create PT is already locked in and counting for 30% of your score.
What to know before exam day.
Create Performance Task (30% of score) — Due April 30
You design and build a program that solves a problem or fulfills a purpose you've identified. You submit the program code and a written response explaining how it works, the data it uses, and the algorithm it implements. Submitted as final through the AP Digital Portfolio — no late submissions accepted.
Written Exam (70% of score) — May 14, 12 PM
The written exam is fully digital in Bluebook. It consists of 70 multiple-choice questions across 120 minutes. Questions use the AP CSP reference pseudocode (not a specific language like Python or Java). No programming environment is needed on exam day.
What to Bring on Exam Day
- A device with Bluebook installed and your College Board login memorized
- A pen or pencil for scratch work
- A valid photo ID if required by your school
How the exam is scored.
AP exams are scored on a 1–5 scale. A score of 3 or higher is generally considered qualifying for college credit, though policies vary by institution.
Scores are released in July 2026 via the College Board website.
AP Computer Science Principles FAQ.
The Create PT is a project you build yourself — a program of your own design — and submit through the AP Digital Portfolio. You write the code and submit a written response explaining what your program does, the data it uses, and how it implements an algorithm. It's worth 30% of your total AP score and is due April 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
AP CSP is not tied to a single language. Your school may use Python, JavaScript, Snap!, MIT App Inventor, or another language for the Create PT and coursework. The written exam uses a standardized AP pseudocode that isn't a real language but tests algorithmic thinking — so your exam performance doesn't depend on which language your class used.
AP CS A is a programming course in Java focused on object-oriented design, data structures, and algorithms. AP CSP is a conceptual course covering a much broader range of computing topics — including the internet, data, cybersecurity, and societal impact — with less emphasis on language-specific syntax. AP CSP is generally considered more accessible; AP CS A is more rigorous for students who want a programming foundation.
Register, or confirm your registration.
Once you've joined your class section, check My AP for a Register button — clicking it tells your coordinator to order your exam. No button visible means you're already registered automatically.
Registering after November may carry a late fee, handled through your coordinator. If you transferred schools or started late, your coordinator can usually still order your exam without the late charge.
Fees aren't paid on this site — your AP coordinator collects them directly. See 2026 AP Exam Fees for current pricing.
Once registered, your exam date and time appear on your course card in My AP. Check the exam schedule and contact your AP coordinator with any questions — they'll let you know when and where to report.
Visit the AP College Board Website for the full registration walkthrough.
Exam Day!
Your Create PT is already submitted — now it's all about the written exam. Review pseudocode, algorithms, and computing impact concepts the night before, and get a good night's sleep. The exam is at 12 PM!
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