The Advanced Placement Biology exam is a standardized test that is administered by the College Board. The exam is designed to assess students’ knowledge of the content of an introductory college-level biology course. In 2025, the AP Biology exam will be given on Tuesday, May 12.
The AP Biology exam is one of the most popular AP exams, with over 250,000 students taking the exam each year. The exam is a multiple-choice exam that consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and 6 free-response questions. The exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with a score of 3 or higher considered to be passing.
Students who score well on the AP Biology exam can earn college credit for their work. Many colleges and universities accept AP exam scores for placement into introductory biology courses. Earning college credit through AP exams can save students time and money in college. In addition, students who score well on AP exams may be eligible for scholarships and other financial aid opportunities.
AP Biology Exam 2025: What to Expect
Exam Overview
The AP Biology exam is a college-level exam administered by the College Board. It tests students’ knowledge of biology, including topics such as cell biology, genetics, and ecology. The exam is typically taken by high school seniors who are planning to major in biology or a related field in college.
Exam Format
The AP Biology exam is divided into two sections: a multiple-choice section and a free-response section.
The multiple-choice section consists of 60 questions, each worth one point. The free-response section consists of six questions, each worth a total of 10 points.
Students are given 90 minutes to complete the multiple-choice section and 90 minutes to complete the free-response section.
Exam Content
The AP Biology exam covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Cell biology
- Genetics
- Evolution
- Ecology
- Molecular biology
The exam is designed to test students’ understanding of these topics, as well as their ability to apply their knowledge to new situations.
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit | Points Possible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice | 60 | 90 minutes | 60 |
| Free Response | 6 | 90 minutes | 60 |
| Total | 66 | 180 minutes | 120 |
AP Biology Exam 2025: Registration Process
The College Board has yet to release the official registration process for the 2025 AP Biology exam. However, based on previous years, students can expect the following steps:
1. Create a College Board Account
Create a free account on the College Board website. Ensure you provide accurate personal and contact information.
2. Join Your School’s Exam Coordinator List
Inform your AP Biology teacher or guidance counselor that you intend to take the exam. They will add you to a list of students registered for the exam.
3. Pay for the Exam
The cost of the AP Biology exam is $99. Students can pay online through their College Board account or mail a check or money order to College Board.
4. Register for the Exam
Once the registration window opens (typically in the fall), students can register for the exam through their College Board account. Detailed instructions will be provided by the College Board.
Exam Registration Timeline
The following table provides an approximate timeline for the 2025 AP Biology exam registration process:
| Event | Approximate Date |
|---|---|
| Registration window opens | October/November 2024 |
| Registration deadline | March 1, 2025 |
| Late registration deadline (with additional fee) | March 15, 2025 |
It’s crucial to note that these dates are subject to change. Students should check the College Board website for updates and adhere to all deadlines.
AP Biology Exam 2025: Study Resources
Official College Board Resources
The College Board provides a wealth of free resources, including:
- The AP Biology Course and Exam Description (CED)
- The AP Biology Exam website
- Sample questions and practice exams
Textbooks
There are several excellent AP Biology textbooks available, such as:
- Campbell Biology, 12th Edition
- Biology, 11th Edition
- Modern Biology, 12th Edition
Online Resources
There are numerous free and paid online resources available, including:
- Khan Academy
- Crash Course
- Bozeman Science
Private Tutors
Private tutors can provide personalized instruction and support. However, they can be expensive.
Study Groups
Joining a study group can be a great way to collaborate with other students and learn from each other.
6. Practice Tests and Review
Practice tests are essential for success on the AP Biology exam. They allow you to identify areas where you need more practice and to become familiar with the format of the exam. There are several ways to obtain practice tests:
| Source | Number of Tests |
|---|---|
| The College Board | 2 |
| Princeton Review | 5 |
| Kaplan | 4 |
| Barron’s | 3 |
It is also important to review your notes and textbooks regularly. This will help you to retain information and to identify areas where you need further understanding.
AP Biology Exam 2025: Test Day Logistics
Test Day Schedule
The 2025 AP Biology Exam is scheduled for Monday, May 5, 2025. The exam will consist of two sections: a multiple-choice section and a free-response section. The multiple-choice section will be administered from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and the free-response section will be administered from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM (all times are local).
What to Bring
Students should bring the following items to the exam:
- A valid photo ID
- A No. 2 pencil
- A calculator (graphing calculators are not permitted)
- A ruler
- A protractor
- A compass
Test Day Accommodations
Students with disabilities who require accommodations should contact their school’s disabilities coordinator to make arrangements. Accommodations must be approved by the College Board at least 30 days prior to the exam.
Security Measures
The College Board implements several security measures to ensure the integrity of the exam. These measures include:
- All students will be required to pass through a metal detector before entering the exam room.
- All electronic devices must be turned off and stored in a designated area.
- Students may not bring any food or drinks into the exam room.
Test Day Tips
Here are some tips to help students prepare for and perform their best on the AP Biology Exam:
- Get a good night’s sleep before the exam.
- Eat a healthy breakfast on the morning of the exam.
- Arrive at the exam room early.
- Read the instructions carefully before beginning the exam.
- Pace yourself and don’t spend too much time on any one question.
- Guess on any questions that you don’t know the answer to.
- Check your work carefully before submitting your exam.
AP Biology Exam Scoring
The AP Biology Exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 5. A score of 3 or higher is considered passing. The exam is divided into two sections: multiple-choice and free-response. The multiple-choice section is worth 60% of the total score, and the free-response section is worth 40% of the total score.
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely well qualified |
| 4 | Well qualified |
| 3 | Qualified |
| 2 | Possibly qualified |
| 1 | No recommendation |
AP Biology Exam 2025: Score Reporting
Score Availability
AP Biology exam scores will be available online in July 2025 through the College Board website. Students will receive an email notification when their scores are available.
Score Reporting Options
Students can choose to receive their scores in one of the following ways:
- Online through the College Board website
- By mail (results will be sent to the schools of your choice)
Score Format
AP Biology scores are reported on a scale of 1 to 5. The following table shows the score ranges and their corresponding interpretations:
| Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely well qualified |
| 4 | Well qualified |
| 3 | Qualified |
| 2 | Possibly qualified |
| 1 | No recommendation |
Score Use and Interpretation
AP Biology scores are used by colleges and universities to place students in appropriate courses and determine eligibility for advanced standing or credit.
Score Verification
Students can request a score verification if they believe there was an error in their scoring. Score verifications take approximately two weeks to process.
Score Cancellation
Students can choose to cancel their scores within a few days after the exam has been administered. Cancelled scores will not appear on transcripts or be available to colleges or universities.
Score Retakes
Students can retake the AP Biology exam as many times as they wish. The highest score earned will be the one that is used by colleges and universities.
Score Confidentiality
AP Biology scores are confidential and will only be released to students and the colleges or universities they choose to designate.
AP Biology Exam 2025: Post-Exam Options
Exam Date
The AP Biology exam will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
Post-Exam Options
1. Review Your Exam Results
After taking the exam, you will have the opportunity to review your results online. This will allow you to see how you performed on each section of the exam and identify areas where you need to improve.
2. Request a Rescore
If you are not satisfied with your exam score, you can request a rescore. The College Board will review your exam and make any necessary corrections.
3. Take the Exam Again
If you do not pass the exam, you can retake it the following year. The College Board offers multiple testing dates throughout the year.
4. Enroll in an AP Biology Course
You can enroll in an AP Biology course at your high school or local community college. This course will provide you with a more in-depth understanding of the material covered on the exam.
5. Study Independently
You can also study for the AP Biology exam independently using textbooks, online resources, and practice tests.
6. Seek Help from a Tutor
If you are struggling with the material, you can seek help from a tutor. A tutor can provide you with personalized instruction and support.
7. Join a Study Group
Joining a study group can be a great way to prepare for the AP Biology exam. You can work with other students to review the material and quiz each other.
8. Take Practice Tests
Taking practice tests is a great way to get familiar with the format of the AP Biology exam and identify areas where you need to improve.
9. College Credit and Placement
Depending on your score, you may be able to earn college credit or placement in a higher-level biology course at the college of your choice.
| AP Biology Score | College Credit/Placement |
|—|—|
| 5 | 8-12 semester hours of college credit or placement in a second-year biology course |
| 4 | 6-8 semester hours of college credit or placement in a second-semester biology course |
| 3 | 4-6 semester hours of college credit or placement in a first-semester biology course |
| 2 | 2-4 semester hours of college credit or placement in an introductory biology course |
| 1 | No college credit or placement |
AP Biology Exam 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the AP Biology Exam in 2025?
The AP Biology Exam will be administered on Monday, May 12, 2025.
What time does the AP Biology Exam start?
The exam begins at 8:00 AM local time.
How long is the AP Biology Exam?
The exam is 3 hours long.
What is the format of the AP Biology Exam?
The exam consists of two sections:
- Section I: Multiple Choice (60%)
- Section II: Free Response (40%)
What topics are covered on the AP Biology Exam?
The exam covers a wide range of topics in biology, including:
- Cells
- Genetics
- Evolution
- Ecology
What is the passing score for the AP Biology Exam?
The passing score varies each year but is generally around 60%.
How can I prepare for the AP Biology Exam?
There are a number of ways to prepare for the exam, including:
- Take a preparatory course
- Use study guides
- Practice taking practice exams
What are some tips for taking the AP Biology Exam?
Here are some tips for taking the exam:
- Be well-rested
- Eat a good breakfast
- Arrive at the testing center early
- Pace yourself
- Guess if you don’t know the answer
What is the AP Biology Exam Fee?
The AP Biology Exam fee is $97.
AP Biology Exam Dates and Times
The following table provides a summary of the AP Biology Exam dates and times in 2025:
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday, May 12, 2025 | 8:00 AM local time |
AP Biology Exam Date 2025
The Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Exam will be administered on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
Students should use this date to plan their studies and ensure that they have ample time to prepare for the exam. The AP Biology Exam is a demanding assessment that requires students to demonstrate their understanding of the core principles and concepts of biology.
People Also Ask About AP Biology Exam Date 2025
What is the format of the AP Biology Exam?
The AP Biology Exam is a three-hour, 15-minute exam that consists of two sections:
- Multiple-choice section: 63 questions, 90 minutes
- Free-response section: 6 questions, 75 minutes
What topics are covered on the AP Biology Exam?
The AP Biology Exam covers the following topics:
- Cells
- Cell processes: Energy and communication
- Genetics
- Information storage and transmission
- Biological evolution
- Ecology
How can I prepare for the AP Biology Exam?
Here are some tips for preparing for the AP Biology Exam:
- Start studying early. The AP Biology Exam is a challenging test, and it takes time to learn the material and develop the skills you need to do well.
- Make use of resources. There are a variety of resources available to help you prepare for the AP Biology Exam, including textbooks, online courses, and practice tests.
- Get help from a tutor or teacher. If you are struggling with any of the material, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from a tutor or teacher.
- Practice, practice, practice. The best way to prepare for the AP Biology Exam is to practice taking practice tests. This will help you get used to the format of the exam and identify areas where you need to improve.
