Did you receive an AP exam score you’re not happy with? Or perhaps you’ve moved to a college that only awards credit for a score of 4 instead of 3. If so, you’re not alone in asking whether it’s possible to retake an AP exam—and if doing so is really worth it.
The simple answer is yes. You can retake an AP exam in a future year. However, deciding whether to do so depends on your academic goals, your college’s credit requirements, and the time and effort you’re willing to dedicate to preparing again.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know, including how to register, important deadlines, and how colleges typically view AP exam retakes.
Can You Retake an AP Exam?
Yes. The College Board allows students to retake AP exams as many times as they want. They are offered annually in May, and you must wait until the next year and pay the fee again. Both scores will appear on your report unless you pay for withholding or request a cancellation.
When you retake, you’ll complete the entire exam again, including all sections, essays, and free-response questions.
Reasons Students Retake AP Exams
There are many reasons why students decide to retake an AP — but here are the most common situations:
Low Scores or Missed Credit Thresholds
Many colleges award credit starting at a score of 3 or 4, but more selective universities often require a 4 or 5.
- Example: You scored a 3 on AP Calculus AB, but your target university only grants credit for a 4 or higher. Retaking could save you from retaking a calculus course in college.
Underperformance Due to Circumstances
Many students can feel that illness, stress, or scheduling conflicts had a negative impact on their scores. Retaking can give you the opportunity to do your abilities justice.
Strengthening an Admissions Profile
Scores of 4 or 5 can help bolster an application, especially when applying for very competitive programs. Higher scores can help illustrate your academic strength in a key subject area.
How to Register to Retake an AP Exam
Because AP exams are only offered once per year, you’ll need to plan early. Here’s how:
- Contact your AP Coordinator at your old school or participating school or test centreby September or October. If your old school doesn’t allow external candidates, ask your local district or visit the AP Course Ledger on the College Board website to find open sites.
- Register and pay exam fees— typically by November 14, 2025, for the May 2026 exams. This typically costs around $99 but some schools may charge extra. There may also be an extra charge for late registration.
- Receive your exam schedule and entry ticketfrom the coordinator.
- Prepare for the full exam again. You can’t retake only one section; all multiple-choice and free-response sections are required.
What Happens to Your Old AP Score?
Your old score doesn’t disappear — it remains in your permanent College Board record, visible to you in your AP account.
However:
- When sending scores to colleges, you can choose which year’s results to include.
- If you prefer, you can cancel your older score or withhold it from colleges (for a fee) The deadline for submitting a request to withhold a score is 15th June for that year’s exam.
This means colleges only see what you want them to see.
Is Retaking an AP Exam Worth It?
This comes down to your individual circumstances. Here is how to decide whether a retake is for you:
When Retaking Makes Sense
- Your target college requires a higher score for credit or placement.
- You scored a 2 or 3 but know you can perform better with better preparation.
- You plan to major in the subject and want to show improvement.
- You experienced illness or external stress during your first exam.
When Retaking Might Not Be Worth It
- You already earned college credit with your existing score.
- You’re applying to colleges that don’t emphasise AP results.
- You’re short on time, and preparing for a retake would have a negative impact on your current coursework or exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retake more than one AP exam?
Yes. You can retake multiple AP exams in the same year, as long as you register and pay for each separately. Just be mindful of your workload, exam schedule and the financial implications.
Do I need to cancel my old AP score before retaking?
No. You don’t have to cancel it, but your old score stays on your permanent record. Cancelling is optional and irreversible.
