AP Calculus AB

AP Calculus AB is equivalent to a one-semester college calculus course covering differential and integral calculus.

Total score	1–5
Total testing time	3 hours 15 minutes
Adaptive?	No
Calculator	Graphing calculator required for some parts; not permitted on others (see sections below)

Units

Unit	Title	Exam weight
1	Limits and Continuity	10–12%
2	Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties	10–12%
3	Differentiation: Composite, Implicit, and Inverse Functions	9–13%
4	Contextual Applications of Differentiation	10–15%
5	Analytical Applications of Differentiation	15–18%
6	Integration and Accumulation of Change	17–20%
7	Differential Equations	6–12%
8	Applications of Integration	10–15%

Section	Questions & time	Content covered
Section I: Multiple Choice — Part A (no calculator)	30 questions in 60 min	All course content; 5-answer multiple choice; 33.33% of score
Section I: Multiple Choice — Part B (calculator required)	15 questions in 45 min	All course content; 5-answer multiple choice; 16.67% of score
Section II: Free Response — Part A (calculator required)	2 questions in 30 min	Multi-part questions with written answers; 16.67% of score
Section II: Free Response — Part B (no calculator)	4 questions in 60 min	Multi-part questions with written answers; 33.33% of score

Identify / Find / Determine: Provide information without elaboration.
Justify your answer: Provide a logical reason for how you reached your answer.
Show that…: Make a mathematically sound argument proving a specified conclusion.
Approximate: Find an inexact answer using a specified method or procedure.

How often can students take the test?

Once per year, typically offered in early May.

How long does it take to get scores back?

Typically released around July 5th.

For how long are scores valid?

AP scores remain valid until the student starts college. Scores are archived after 4 years but can still be sent to schools.

Is a reference sheet provided?

No.

Is the exam adaptive?

No.

Zinkerz Syllabus: Link to be added.