How to Register for AP Exams 2026: Step-by-Step Guide & Deadlines

What are AP Exams?

AP exams stand for Advanced Placement exams. The College Board offers them and covers a wide range of subjects like math, science, history, and more. What makes them exciting is that if you do well on these exams, you can actually earn college credit or demonstrate your knowledge to colleges. It's a chance to explore subjects you're passionate about at a deeper level and experience college-level coursework while you're still in high school. Additionally, it's a fantastic way to stand out on your college applications.

Registration Process for AP Exams 2026

Registration for AP Exams 2026 opens in August 2025. The AP Exams are scheduled to take place in May 2026, from May 4–8 and May 11–15 for Regular Testing and May 18–22 for Late Testing. Students must note that each school or test center has its own registration and payment instructions.

Students should always be sure to check with their school’s AP coordinator to avoid missing out on deadlines. So, get ready to bring your A-game during those weeks! If you want to start with your AP Prep Classes, check out TutelaPrep’s AP Study Resources.

Students must finalize their registration and payment with their school, typically from August to mid-November 2025, to secure a spot for the exam. The final exam ordering deadline for schools is November 14, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET). Late registrations or changes up to March 13, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET), incur a $40 late fee per exam. Fee reductions are available for eligible low-income students, with updates due by April 30, 2026.

Here’s a summary of key deadlines for AP Exams 2026:

Note: Fees are $101 per exam in the U.S., with a $40 late fee for changes after November 14. Fee reductions reduce costs to $15–$40 for eligible students.

Step-by-Step Process for AP Exams 2026 Registration

With the entire process being so daunting, here’s a step-by-step AP registration guide.

• Step 1: Create or sign in to your College Board account at myap.collegeboard.org. Use the same account as for SAT or PSAT. If new, use a personal email (e.g., Gmail) for future access.
• Step 2: Navigate to the AP Students section in My AP.
• Step 3: Accept the terms and conditions as prompted.
• Step 4: Join a course or exam by entering the unique join code provided by your teacher or AP coordinator. Codes are specific to your school and testing period (regular or late). Contact your coordinator if you don’t have a code.
• Step 5: If your school requires it, click the "Register for Exam" button in your class section to confirm your intent. This notifies your AP coordinator to order the exam. Registrations after November 14, 2025, may incur a $40 late fee, except for spring courses or transfers.
• Step 6: Contact your school’s AP coordinator to pay exam fees. Payment is handled by the school (e.g., via MySchoolBucks or check), not online. Fees are $101 per exam; confirm payment deadlines with your coordinator.

• Step 7: Review your registration details in My AP. The exam date/time will appear in your course card. Your coordinator will provide an admission ticket (required on exam day) and testing location. Bring a valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport).

   

How to Find the Enrollment Code for AP Subjects?

Join codes are provided by your teacher or AP coordinator for each class section or exam. These are unique to your school and link you to the correct exam in My AP. If your school doesn’t offer AP or you’re homeschooled, search the AP Course Ledger to find authorized test centers. Contact their AP coordinator early (before November 14, 2025) to get join codes and arrange testing. Updates to the Ledger occur in November. For example, a school might provide codes like DWJ443 for AP Biology Regular; always verify with your coordinator.

After accessing the code, follow these steps to complete registration:

1. Select and copy the join code and paste it into My AP. Verify the exam name, date, and test center.
2. Click "Yes" to fill in personal information (e.g., name, email, AP ID) sent to the school.
3. Submit the information to complete registration with the College Board.

Visual Description: Joining a Course in My AP
In the My AP dashboard, locate the “Join a Course or Exam” field under your profile. Paste the join code (e.g., DWJ443) into the text box and click “Submit.” The screen will display the course (e.g., AP Biology), testing period (Regular or Late), and test center details for confirmation.

Visual Description: Entering Student Information in My AP
After entering the join code, a form appears in My AP asking for your name, email, date of birth, and AP ID (if available). Fill out each field accurately, as this information is sent to your school or test center for exam registration.

Visual Description: Enrollment Confirmation in My AP
Upon submitting your details, My AP shows a confirmation message like “You have successfully joined [Course Name] for [Exam Date] at [Test Center].” Your course card will update with the exam details and status.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.) Can I register for an AP Exam if I don’t live in the United States?
Yes, but U.S. students typically test at their school. If unavailable, search the AP Course Ledger to find authorized test centers and contact their coordinator.

2.) Can I take the AP Exam if I haven’t taken an AP course?
Yes, the AP course is recommended but not required—study using the course descriptions on AP Students. Arrange testing at a local school.

3.) I’m homeschooled/my school doesn’t administer AP Exams. How can I take an AP Exam?
Search the AP Course Ledger for nearby authorized schools. Contact their AP coordinator early (before November 14, 2025) to arrange testing.

4.) The AP Exam I want to take isn’t offered at my school. What should I do?
Arrange to test at a nearby authorized school via the AP Course Ledger. Contact the coordinator before November 14, 2025.

5.) What if two exams I want to sign up for are scheduled for the same date and time?
Ask your AP coordinator about taking one during late testing (May 18–22, 2026). You can register for both.

6.) I have a disability. Can I use accommodations when I take an AP Exam?
Yes, if documented. Request via SSD Online by January 16, 2026. Contact your coordinator.

7.) Can I sign up to retake an AP Exam?
AP Exams are offered once a year in May, but you can retake them in subsequent years. Both scores are reported unless withheld or canceled.

Get in touch with us

For expert guidance on AP Exams 2026 preparation, explore TutelaPrep’s AP Study Resources to access tailored study plans and practice materials. Boost your confidence with tools designed to navigate the 2026 AP season successfully. Get in touch with us today!

Source: The College Board