The AP CSA exam format
AP Computer Science A was revised for the 2025–26 school year and is now fully digital: you type both the multiple-choice answers and your Java code in Bluebook during a 3-hour exam. A Java Quick Reference is provided.
Section I has 42 multiple-choice questions worth 55% of the score, mostly tracing or completing code. Section II has four free-response questions worth 45%, each with a fixed focus. In the 2026 scoring guidelines, Question 1 (methods and control structures) and Question 2 (class design) were worth 7 points each, Question 3 (data analysis with an ArrayList) 5 points, and Question 4 (2D arrays) 6 points, 25 points in total.
| Section | Scored out of | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Section I: Multiple choice (42 questions) | 42 questions | 55% |
| Section II: Free response (4 questions) | 7 + 7 + 5 + 6 pts | 45% |
How this AP CSA score estimate works
Section I: points ÷ 42 × 55 Section II: points ÷ 25 × 45 Composite = sum of the lines above (0–100)
By our estimate a 5 takes about 75 composite points, which an even performance reaches with 32 of 42 multiple-choice questions and 19 of 25 free-response points. A 3 takes about 46: 19 of 42 multiple-choice questions and 12 of 25 free-response points. These lines are educated guesses rather than published cut scores (why), so a result within two or three points of one could go either way.
| AP score | Estimated composite |
|---|---|
| 5 | 75–100 |
| 4 | 60–74 |
| 3 | 46–59 |
| 2 | 35–45 |
| 1 | 0–34 |
Worked example
Sofia gets 30 of 42 multiple choice and 5, 5, 3 and 4 on the four free-response questions (17 of 25).
Multiple choice: 30 ÷ 42 × 55 = 39.3
Free response: 17 ÷ 25 × 45 = 30.6
Composite: 69.9 → estimated 4
Free-response points are expensive: each is worth 1.8% of the composite, more than two multiple-choice questions (1.3% each). Two more points, say on the 2D-array traversal, would push Sofia close to a 5.
AP CSA scores in 2026
CSA’s 2026 results were polarised: 51% scored a 4 or 5, but 23% scored a 1. Students who keep up with coding practice tend to do very well.
Tips for a higher AP CSA score
- Write something for every part. Points are awarded per algorithm step, such as a correct loop over all elements or a correct condition, so partial code earns partial credit.
- Assume earlier parts work. If part (b) asks you to use the method from part (a), call it as specified even if your part (a) is wrong. You won’t lose part (b) points.
- Know ArrayList removal. Removing while traversing forward skips elements; traverse backward or adjust the index.
- Trace on paper first. Many multiple-choice questions ask for output after a loop. Writing the variable values for two iterations prevents off-by-one mistakes.
Questions students ask
How many points is the AP CSA free response?
In 2026 the four questions were worth 7, 7, 5 and 6 points, 25 in total, and the section counts for 45% of the score.
Is AP Computer Science A on paper or digital?
Fully digital. Both sections, including writing Java code, are completed in the Bluebook app.
What changed in the revised AP CSA course?
The 2025–26 revision changed the exam to 42 multiple-choice questions (55%) and four free-response questions (45%) with fixed topics, delivered entirely in Bluebook.
Sources
Checked: November 2026
Results are estimates for planning. Your school, college or testing organization calculates your official numbers. UpMyGPA is not affiliated with College Board, ACT, LSAC or the AAMC.