How the AP CSA exam is scored
The 2027 AP Computer Science A exam is on Wednesday, May 12, 2027 (Session 2, usually afternoon), and AP scores come out in July.[5][6] AP Computer Science A has a new course and exam description, scored with new rubrics from the 2026 exam. It is fully digital, with 42 multiple-choice questions worth 55% and four free-response programming questions worth 45%.[1]
| Part | Questions / points | Time | Share of score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple choice | 42 questions | 1 h 30 min | 55% |
| Methods and control structures | 7 points | 1 h 30 min for all four | |
| Class design | 7 points | ||
| Data analysis with ArrayList | 5 points | ||
| 2D array | 6 points | 45% for all four |
Under the 2026 scoring guidelines the four questions are worth 7, 7, 5 and 6 points, 25 in all, instead of four 9-point questions in the old format. Because the format is new, 2025 averages do not carry over.[4]
AP CSA score distribution
In 2026, 66% of AP CSA students scored 3 or higher and 25% earned a 5.[2] In 2025 the figures were 67.2% and 25.6%, from 93,217 students with a mean score of 3.18.[3]
| AP score | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 25% | 25.6% |
| 4 | 26% | 21.8% |
| 3 | 15% | 19.8% |
| 2 | 11% | 10.9% |
| 1 | 23% | 22% |
How this AP CSA score estimate works
The 1–5 uses the share of the composite each score needed on College Board’s 2009 AP CSA chart, the last one released.[7] See where the cut points come from.
| AP score | At least |
|---|---|
| 5 | 77.5% |
| 4 | 58.8% |
| 3 | 46.3% |
| 2 | 36.3% |
Example
65% of the multiple choice plus about half the free-response points gives 60.6%: an estimated 4.
CSA results split sharply: 25% earned a 5 in 2026 but 23% a 1. The cut points here come from the 2009 CSA chart, the last one released, which is an older format.
Other AP score calculators
Taking more than one exam? Try the AP CSP score calculator, AP Calc AB score calculator or AP Stats score calculator. Every calculator uses that exam’s own section weights.
Frequently asked questions
How is AP Computer Science A scored now?
42 multiple-choice questions are 55% of the score and four free-response questions (25 points) are 45%.
When is the 2027 AP CSA exam?
Wednesday, May 12, 2027, in Session 2 (usually afternoon).
What percent get a 5 on AP CSA?
25% in 2026; 66% scored 3 or higher.