Can You Retake an AP Exam?

Every year, thousands of students finish an AP exam feeling like they could have done better. Maybe you blanked on the free response questions, ran out of time on the multiple choice, or simply did not study enough. The good news is that retaking an AP exam is straightforward, and with the right preparation, many students significantly improve their scores on a second attempt. This guide covers exactly how the retake process works, what it costs, and how to decide whether retaking is the right move for you.

How Retaking Works

Retaking an AP exam follows the same registration process as taking it for the first time. There is no special retake registration — you simply sign up for the exam again during the next exam cycle. Here is what to know:

• Register for the exam again the following year. Talk to your school's AP coordinator in the fall to sign up. If you are no longer enrolled in the AP course, you can still register to take the exam.
• Pay the full exam fee. As of 2026, the standard AP exam fee is approximately $98 per exam, or approximately $146 for students testing internationally. There is no discounted retake price.
• Take the exam during the regular May testing window. AP exams are administered once per year in May, with late-testing dates available for scheduling conflicts.
• You cannot retake an exam in the same year. If you take an AP exam in May 2026, the earliest you can retake it is May 2027.

You do not need to retake the AP course to retake the exam. Many students self-study using prep books and practice exams, which can be just as effective as sitting through the class a second time.

Score Reporting and Retakes

You have full control over which AP scores colleges see, which makes retaking a low-risk decision. College Board's score-reporting system lets you choose exactly which scores to send:

• You can withhold any scores you do not want colleges to see. If you scored a 2 the first time and a 4 the second time, send only the 4.
• Colleges cannot see withheld scores. There is no asterisk, no note, and no indication that you took the exam more than once.
• You can also cancel a score entirely. Score cancellation permanently deletes the score from your record. This must be done by the deadline College Board sets each year (typically mid-June for that year's exams).
• Withholding is free during the score-send process. You simply choose which scores to include when you send your score report.

For more details on score reporting strategy, see our guide on what counts as a good AP score.

When Should You Retake an AP Exam?

Retaking makes sense in specific situations, but it is not always the best use of your time and money. Here is how to decide:

A retake is worth it if:

• You scored a 2 or 3 and need a 4 or 5 for credit at your target school. Check your school's AP credit policies to see exactly what score you need.
• The subject is important for your intended major. Earning credit for an introductory course in your major field can save significant time and money.
• You understand what went wrong the first time. If you can identify specific weaknesses — whether in multiple choice, free response, time management, or content knowledge — you can target those areas.
• The potential college credit savings justify the cost. A single college course can cost $1,200 at a state school to $6,000 or more at a private university.

A retake is probably not worth it if:

• You already passed and your college accepts the score. If you have a 3 and your school grants credit for 3s, there is no benefit to retaking.
• You do not plan to study differently. Taking the same exam with the same preparation will likely produce a similar result.
• You have too many other commitments. Senior year is busy — weigh the time commitment against other priorities like college applications, other AP exams, and extracurriculars.

How to Improve Your Score on a Retake

Students who improve most on AP retakes are those who diagnose their specific weaknesses and study strategically. Here is a step-by-step approach:

1. Analyze what went wrong. Use our score calculators (like the AP Biology calculator or AP Calculus AB calculator) to estimate where you lost the most points. Was it multiple choice or free response? Which content areas were weakest?
2. Focus your study on weak areas. Do not re-study the entire course. Zero in on the topics and question types where you lost the most points.
3. Take full practice exams under timed conditions. Simulating real exam conditions is one of the most effective ways to improve. Time management is often a major factor in AP scores.
4. Consider a prep book or course. Resources like Barron's, Princeton Review, and 5 Steps to a 5 are designed for targeted review. Online platforms like UWorld and Fiveable offer practice questions with detailed explanations.
5. Review your FRQ technique. Free response scoring is formulaic — learn exactly what graders look for. College Board publishes scoring guidelines and sample responses for past exams on AP Central.

For a comprehensive study plan, see our guide on how to study for AP exams.

Cost of Retaking an AP Exam

The cost of retaking an AP exam is the same as taking it for the first time: approximately $98 per exam as of 2026. Here is the full cost picture:

• Standard fee: ~$98 per exam (2026 pricing)
• International fee: ~$146 per exam for students testing outside the U.S.
• Fee reductions: Students with demonstrated financial need may qualify for a College Board fee reduction, which lowers the cost by approximately $36 per exam. Ask your school counselor about eligibility.

When weighing the cost, consider the return on investment. A single college course typically costs between $1,200 (in-state public university) and $6,000+ (private university). Spending $98 on a retake that earns you college credit is one of the best educational investments you can make.

Score Cancellation vs. Score Withholding

These are two different options, and it is important to understand the distinction before making a decision.

• Score withholding hides a score from specific colleges but keeps it on your College Board record. You can un-withhold a score later if you change your mind. Withholding is free when you select which scores to send during the score-reporting process.
• Score cancellation permanently deletes the score from your record. Once cancelled, the score cannot be recovered. You must request cancellation by College Board's deadline (typically mid-June for that year's exams).

In most cases, withholding is the better choice because it is reversible. Cancellation is only necessary if you want the score completely removed from your personal College Board record, which is rarely needed since you control what colleges see through withholding.

Frequently Asked Questions

This guide is based on publicly available College Board policies as of early 2026. AP exam fees, score cancellation deadlines, and withholding policies may change. Visit AP Students for the most current information. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by College Board.