How many multiple choice questions do I need to get right on the AP CSP exam?

The AP CSP multiple choice section has 70 questions. For an estimated 3: approximately 35–40 correct (50–57%). For a 4: approximately 45–52 correct (64–74%). For a 5: approximately 52–60+ correct (74%+). These estimates assume a Create Task score of 4–5 out of 6. If your Create Task score is higher (5–6/6), you need fewer multiple choice correct to achieve the same overall AP score. If your Create Task score is lower (2–3/6), you need more correct multiple choice answers to compensate.

What programming language should I use for the AP CSP Create performance task?

College Board accepts any programming language for the AP CSP Create task — Python, JavaScript, Java, Scratch, MIT App Inventor, AppLab (Code.org), or any other language. Use whatever language you're most comfortable with, as the rubric assesses your programming concepts (algorithms, abstraction, data) not your syntax choices. Python and JavaScript are the most popular among AP CSP students because they're widely taught, have readable syntax, and large online communities for help. Avoid using block-based languages (Scratch) for complex programs — they can be harder to screenshot legibly for submission.

Is AP Computer Science Principles harder or easier than AP Computer Science A?

AP CSP is generally considered less technically rigorous than AP Computer Science A (AP CS A). AP CS A focuses specifically on Java programming, object-oriented design, and is more mathematically demanding. AP CSP covers broader computing concepts (internet, data, impacts of computing, algorithms) with less emphasis on one specific language's syntax. Mean exam scores: AP CSP ≈ 2.88 vs. AP CS A ≈ 3.0 — very similar. However, AP CS A has significantly more specific college credit acceptance (typically counts for intro CS courses at competitive schools) while AP CSP credit acceptance varies more widely.

Does the Create performance task need to be a partner project?

As of the 2021–2022 academic year, College Board changed the Create Task to be an individual project — collaboration with partners is no longer required or allowed for the submitted work. You may seek help for debugging and understanding concepts, but the program code, video, and written responses must be entirely your own individual work. Earlier versions of the AP CSP exam allowed and required collaborative components, but those were discontinued. Submit your program code, video, PDF written responses, and digital artifacts through the AP Digital Portfolio system before the May submission deadline.

AP CSP Score Calculator: Multiple Choice, Performance Task, and 1–5 Grade Conversion

Understand how AP Computer Science Principles scores combine the multiple choice exam and Create performance task. Estimate your AP grade from raw section scores.

Related Calculators

AP CS Principles Score Calculator
Estimate an AP Computer Science Principles composite and practice score from 70 multiple-choice questions, Create task points, and editable cutoffs.

AP Computer Science Principles Exam Structure

AP CSP has two scored components:

1. End-of-Course Exam (70% of composite score) - Multiple choice: 70 questions, 2 hours - Questions cover: computing systems, networks, algorithms, programming, data, impacts

2. Create Performance Task (30% of composite score) - Individual programming project submitted prior to the exam - Students write a program, create a video demonstration, and write a written response - Scored by College Board readers on a 6-point scale

Score Calculation Overview

Composite score = (Exam raw score × 70%) + (Performance Task score × 30%)

*Exact conversions are not published by College Board, but approximate scale:*

Section	Points Available	Weight
Multiple choice (70 questions)	70 points raw	70%
Create Task	6 points raw	30%
Composite	~100 scaled	100%

Approximate 1–5 Grade Cutoffs (Historical Estimates)

AP Score	Approx. Composite %	Meaning
5	~75–100%	Extremely well qualified
4	~60–74%	Well qualified
3	~44–59%	Qualified
2	~28–43%	Possibly qualified
1	~0–27%	No recommendation

*These are estimates based on available data — exact cutoffs are set annually by College Board.*

Historical AP CSP Score Distribution

Score	% of Students (2023)
5	15.5%
4	25.8%
3	25.0%
2	18.5%
1	15.2%
Mean	2.88

AP CSP has higher passing rates than many STEM AP exams, reflecting the course's broader accessibility and problem-solving orientation.

Create Performance Task Scoring Rubric

Criterion	Points	What Is Evaluated
Program Design	1	Explains program development and iterations
Algorithm	1	Demonstrates algorithm with sequencing, selection, iteration
Abstraction	1	Identifies function/procedure and explains abstraction
Data	1	Explains how data is stored and represented
Video	1	Video shows program running with input/output
Written Response	1	Explains personal contribution to collaborative development

Maximum Create Task score: 6 points

Common Misconceptions About AP CSP

"You need to know a specific programming language": AP CSP accepts Python, JavaScript, Scratch, App Lab, or any language. The focus is on computational thinking concepts.
"It's only for future CS majors": AP CSP is designed for all students — it meets the AP computer science requirement at most colleges.
"The Create Task is easy points": Many students lose points by not meeting all 6 rubric criteria; read requirements carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many multiple choice questions do I need to get right on the AP CSP exam?: The AP CSP multiple choice section has 70 questions. For an estimated 3: approximately 35–40 correct (50–57%). For a 4: approximately 45–52 correct (64–74%). For a 5: approximately 52–60+ correct (74%+). These estimates assume a Create Task score of 4–5 out of 6. If your Create Task score is higher (5–6/6), you need fewer multiple choice correct to achieve the same overall AP score. If your Create Task score is lower (2–3/6), you need more correct multiple choice answers to compensate.
What programming language should I use for the AP CSP Create performance task?: College Board accepts any programming language for the AP CSP Create task — Python, JavaScript, Java, Scratch, MIT App Inventor, AppLab (Code.org), or any other language. Use whatever language you're most comfortable with, as the rubric assesses your programming concepts (algorithms, abstraction, data) not your syntax choices. Python and JavaScript are the most popular among AP CSP students because they're widely taught, have readable syntax, and large online communities for help. Avoid using block-based languages (Scratch) for complex programs — they can be harder to screenshot legibly for submission.
Is AP Computer Science Principles harder or easier than AP Computer Science A?: AP CSP is generally considered less technically rigorous than AP Computer Science A (AP CS A). AP CS A focuses specifically on Java programming, object-oriented design, and is more mathematically demanding. AP CSP covers broader computing concepts (internet, data, impacts of computing, algorithms) with less emphasis on one specific language's syntax. Mean exam scores: AP CSP ≈ 2.88 vs. AP CS A ≈ 3.0 — very similar. However, AP CS A has significantly more specific college credit acceptance (typically counts for intro CS courses at competitive schools) while AP CSP credit acceptance varies more widely.
Does the Create performance task need to be a partner project?: As of the 2021–2022 academic year, College Board changed the Create Task to be an individual project — collaboration with partners is no longer required or allowed for the submitted work. You may seek help for debugging and understanding concepts, but the program code, video, and written responses must be entirely your own individual work. Earlier versions of the AP CSP exam allowed and required collaborative components, but those were discontinued. Submit your program code, video, PDF written responses, and digital artifacts through the AP Digital Portfolio system before the May submission deadline.

Last updated 8/25/2026