AP Environmental Science

Exam questions assess the course concepts and skills outlined in the course framework. For more information, download the AP Environmental Science Course and Exam Description (CED).

Encourage your students to visit the AP Environmental Science student page for exam information.

The AP Environmental Science Exam has question types and point values that will remain stable and consistent from year to year, so you and your students know what to expect on exam day.

Section I: Multiple Choice

80 Questions | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | 60% of Exam Score

• Individual questions
• Set-based questions
  • 3–4 sets include quantitative data, such as data tables, charts, or graphs. These questions primarily assess Practice 5, but can also assess Practices 1, 4, 6, or 7.
  • 3–4 sets include qualitative data or information, such as models, representations, or maps. These questions primarily assess Practice 2, but can also assess Practices 1, 4, or 7.
  • 2 sets include text-based sources. These questions primarily assess Practice 3, but can also assess Practices 1, 6, or 7.

Section II: Free Response

3 Questions | 1 Hour 10 Minutes | 40% of Exam Score

• There are 3 free-response questions.:
  • Question 1: Design an investigation presents students with an authentic environmental scenario accompanied by either a model/visual representation or quantitative data.
  • Question 2: Analyze an environmental problem and propose a solution presents students with an authentic environmental scenario accompanied by either a model/visual representation or quantitative data.
  • Question 3: Analyze an environmental problem and propose a solution doing calculations presents students with an authentic environmental scenario.

A four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is allowed on both sections of the exam.