The AP CSP exam format
AP Computer Science Principles has two parts that combine into one 1–5 score:
- The end-of-course exam (in Bluebook, 70%): 70 multiple-choice questions in 120 minutes, each with four options. 57 are single-select, 5 are based on a reading passage about a computing innovation, and 8 are multiple-select where you choose two answers.
- The Create performance task (30%): you build a program in class (9 hours of class time), submit the program code, a video and a Personalized Project Reference through the AP Digital Portfolio by the deadline, then answer two written-response questions about your own code on exam day, using your Personalized Project Reference.
In the 2026 scoring guidelines, the Create task section is scored on six 1-point rows: video, program requirements, written response 1, and written responses 2(a), 2(b) and 2(c).
| Section | Scored out of | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| End-of-course exam: Multiple choice (70 questions) | 70 questions | 70% |
| Create performance task and written responses (0–1 each) | 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 pts | 30% |
How this AP CSP score estimate works
End-of-course exam: points ÷ 70 × 70 Create performance task and written responses: points ÷ 6 × 30 Composite = sum of the lines above (0–100)
By our estimate a 5 takes about 77 composite points, which an even performance reaches with 54 of 70 multiple-choice questions and 5 of 6 Create task points. A 3 takes about 48: 34 of 70 multiple-choice questions and 3 of 6 Create task 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 | 77–100 |
| 4 | 63–76 |
| 3 | 48–62 |
| 2 | 35–47 |
| 1 | 0–34 |
Worked example
Omar answers 50 of 70 multiple-choice questions correctly. His video and program requirements both earn their points, and he gets 2 of the 4 written-response points, for 4 of 6.
Multiple choice: 50 ÷ 70 × 70 = 50.0
Create task: 4 ÷ 6 × 30 = 20.0
Composite: 70.0 → estimated 4
Each Create point is worth 5% of the composite, the same as five multiple-choice questions. That makes the two program-based points (video and program requirements, which you control before exam day) the cheapest points on the whole exam.
AP CSP scores in 2026
CSP had one of the lowest 5 rates in 2026 at 10%, with 63% scoring 3 or higher. The multiple-choice section carries most of the weight.
Tips for a higher AP CSP score
- Lock in the video and program-requirement points early. Your program needs a student-developed procedure with a call to it, a list that is actually used, selection and iteration. Check them against the rubric before you submit.
- Make your Personalized Project Reference useful. Include the procedure and the list code clearly; you will rely on it for the written responses.
- Practise the written-response prompts. They ask about your own code: how an algorithm works, how you would test it, and how a procedure or list manages complexity.
- Read multiple-select questions twice. You must choose both correct answers to earn the point.
Questions students ask
How much is the AP CSP Create task worth?
30% of your AP score. It is scored on six 1-point rows covering your video, program requirements and four written-response prompts answered on exam day.
When is the AP CSP Create task due?
For the May 2027 exam, all three components must be submitted as final in the AP Digital Portfolio by April 30, 2027, 11:59 p.m. ET.
How many questions are on the AP CSP exam?
70 multiple-choice questions in 120 minutes, plus two written-response questions (four prompts) about your Create task.
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.