AP Physics 1 vs 2 vs C

Choosing between the four AP Physics exams is one of the most common questions high school students face when planning their course schedule. The decision comes down to your math background, your intended college major, and how much physics credit you want to earn. This guide compares all four exams side by side so you can make the right choice.

At a Glance: All Four AP Physics Exams

The four AP Physics exams split into two tracks: algebra-based (Physics 1 and 2) and calculus-based (Physics C: Mechanics and C: E&M). Here is how they compare:

Physics 1 and Physics C: Mechanics cover many of the same core topics — forces, energy, momentum, rotation — but Physics C uses calculus to derive and solve problems, going deeper into the math behind the physics. Physics 2 and Physics C: E&M overlap in their electricity and magnetism content, but again, Physics C applies calculus throughout.

Exam Format

All four AP Physics exams share the same basic structure: 40 multiple choice questions and 4 free response questions, lasting 3 hours total, with each section weighted at 50%. The multiple choice section is 90 minutes and the free response section is 90 minutes.

One important scheduling detail: Physics C: Mechanics and Physics C: E&M are administered on the same day. Mechanics is the morning session and E&M is the afternoon session, so you can take both in a single day. Many schools teach both Physics C courses as a single year-long class, with Mechanics in the fall and E&M in the spring.

Score Distributions (2025)

The pass rates across all four Physics exams are closer than you might expect, largely because Physics C attracts more math-confident students. Here are the 2025 score distributions:

Physics 1 has the lowest pass rate at 68%, not because the content is harder than Physics C, but because it has the largest and most diverse test-taking population. Physics C exams have higher pass rates because the students who choose them tend to be stronger in math and more motivated. Use our AP Physics 1, Physics C: Mechanics, or Physics C: E&M score calculators to predict where you stand.

Which Path Should You Take?

Your ideal AP Physics path depends on your math level, your intended major, and how much credit you want to earn. Here are the three most common approaches:

• Path A — Algebra-based (pre-med, non-STEM): Take AP Physics 1 junior year, then AP Physics 2 senior year. This sequence covers the full introductory physics curriculum without requiring calculus. It is ideal for students planning to study biology, pre-med, or any non-engineering field. Many medical schools accept algebra-based physics to fulfill their prerequisite.
• Path B — Calculus-based (engineering, physical sciences): Take AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: E&M in the same year, ideally while enrolled in AP Calculus BC or after completing AP Calculus AB. This is the most efficient path for engineering-bound students and earns the most valuable college credit.
• Path C — Maximum preparation: Take AP Physics 1 junior year for a strong conceptual foundation, then take both Physics C exams senior year. Physics 1 is not a prerequisite for Physics C, but the exposure to physics concepts can make the transition to calculus-based physics smoother.

A common misconception is that you must take Physics 1 before Physics C. You do not. If you are comfortable with calculus and want to pursue engineering, you can go directly to Physics C: Mechanics without any prior AP Physics coursework.

College Credit Differences

The type of college credit you earn differs significantly between the algebra-based and calculus-based exams. This is one of the most important factors in choosing your path:

• Engineering programs almost universally require calculus-based physics. Most engineering schools do not accept AP Physics 1 or 2 for credit toward their required physics sequence. A 4 or 5 on Physics C: Mechanics earns credit for the first semester of engineering physics, and a strong score on Physics C: E&M covers the second semester.
• Pre-med and liberal arts programs typically accept AP Physics 1 and 2 for their introductory physics requirements. Since medical schools generally require algebra-based physics, scores on Physics 1 and 2 are perfectly adequate.
• STEM majors outside engineering (biology, chemistry, computer science) vary by school. Some accept Physics 1 while others prefer Physics C. Check your target school's AP credit policies to be sure.

Who Should Take Each Exam

Each AP Physics exam serves a different type of student. Here is a quick profile for each:

• AP Physics 1 is best for students taking their first physics course who have completed algebra and basic trigonometry. It is the most popular AP Physics exam and works well for any student who wants a rigorous science credit without calculus.
• AP Physics 2 is best for students who have completed Physics 1 and want to continue with the second semester of algebra-based physics. It covers thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics.
• AP Physics C: Mechanics is best for students who are currently taking or have completed AP Calculus AB and plan to major in engineering, physics, or a physical science. It covers the same mechanics topics as Physics 1 but with calculus-based derivations and problem-solving.
• AP Physics C: E&M is best for students who have completed or are concurrently taking AP Calculus BC and are serious about engineering or physics. It is the most mathematically demanding AP Physics exam and covers electrostatics, circuits, magnetism, and electromagnetic induction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Score distributions are based on 2025 College Board data. Exam format details are sourced from College Board's AP course descriptions. College credit policies vary by institution and change frequently — always verify directly with your target school's registrar or admissions website. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by College Board.