What is the AP United States History Exam?

The AP United States History Exam is a standardized test administered by the College Board as part of the Advanced Placement (AP) program. It is designed to assess high school students' understanding of U.S. history from the pre-Columbian period to the present. Success on this exam can earn students college credit and/or advanced placement in college history courses.

Exam Format

The exam consists of two main sections: Multiple Choice/Short Answer and Free Response.

Section I: Multiple Choice and Short Answer

• Part A: Multiple Choice

  • Number of Questions: 55
  • Time Allotted: 55 minutes
  • Weight: 40% of Exam Score

  This section assesses students' ability to analyze historical texts, interpretations, and evidence. Questions are grouped into sets of two to five, each based on primary or secondary sources, including excerpts from historical documents, images, maps, and charts.

• Part B: Short Answer

  • Number of Questions: 3
  • Time Allotted: 40 minutes
  • Weight: 20% of Exam Score

  Students are required to answer three short-answer questions. The first two are mandatory, while students can choose between two options for the third question. These questions assess students' ability to analyze historical sources, interpretations, and propositions.

Section II: Free Response

• Part A: Document-Based Question (DBQ)

  • Number of Questions: 1
  • Time Allotted: 60 minutes (including a 15-minute reading period)
  • Weight: 25% of Exam Score

  The DBQ requires students to develop an argument supported by an analysis of historical evidence. Students must incorporate and analyze documents provided during the exam to construct their response.

• Part B: Long Essay Question

  • Number of Questions: 1 (choice between two prompts)
  • Time Allotted: 40 minutes
  • Weight: 15% of Exam Score

  Students choose one of two prompts to demonstrate their ability to develop a historical argument. The essay should showcase their skills in argumentation and use of evidence.

Exam Preparation

To prepare effectively for the AP U.S. History Exam:

• Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Format: Understand the structure and types of questions you will encounter.
• Review Key Historical Themes and Periods: Study the major themes and time periods outlined in the course framework.
• Practice Regularly: Engage with both multiple-choice questions and free-response prompts to build proficiency.
• Develop Analytical Skills: Focus on analyzing primary and secondary sources, and constructing well-supported arguments.
• Utilize Official Resources: Access AP Classroom for updated progress checks, topic questions, and AP Daily videos.

For additional study resources and practice questions, explore our AP U.S. History question bank.

Prepare for the AP U.S. History Exam with Practice Questions

Achieving a high score on the AP U.S. History Exam requires effective preparation and familiarity with the exam format. Start practicing today with our comprehensive question bank.