Not a Student?
Go to AP Central for resources for teachers, administrators, and coordinators.
About the Course
If you’ve ever been curious about how the websites and apps you love are built, this introductory computer science course is for you. You don’t need a coding background to succeed, and your school will provide the computer. In AP Computer Science Principles, you’ll learn how computers and technology impact our daily lives by examining the apps we use, how our personal data is collected, and how technology can have positive and negative consequences.
Skills You'll Learn
Making connections between concepts in computing
Designing a program to solve a problem or complete a task
Applying abstractions in computation and modeling
Analyzing computational work
Communicating ideas about technology and computation
Working collaboratively to solve problems
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
A first-semester introductory college course in computing
Recommended Prerequisites
High school algebra course
Exam Dates
Course Content
Big Idea 1: Creative Development
You’ll learn how important collaboration is in developing programs and how to use an iterative process in your work.
Topics may include:
- Collaboration
- Program design and development
On the Exam
10%–13% of exam score
Big Idea 2: Data
You’ll explore how computers handle data and how data can be used to produce new information and solve problems.
Topics may include:
- Data compression
- Extracting information from data
On the Exam
17%−22% of exam score
Big Idea 3: Algorithms and Programming
You’ll learn how to use algorithms and abstractions to create programs that solve problems or to express your own creativity.
Topics may include:
- Developing algorithms
- Simulations
- Algorithmic efficiency
On the Exam
30%−35% of exam score
Big Idea 4: Computer Systems and Networks
You’ll explore how computer systems and networks work and how using multiple computers to divide tasks can speed up processes.
Topics may include:
- The Internet
- Parallel and distributed computing
On the Exam
11%−15% of exam score
Big Idea 5: Impact of Computing
You’ll examine the effects computing has had on societies, economies, and cultures and consider the legal and ethical responsibilities of programmers.
Topics may include:
- The digital divide
- Computing bias
- Safe computing
On the Exam
21%−26% of exam score
Credit and Placement
Search AP Credit Policies
Find colleges that grant credit and/or placement for AP Exam scores in this and other AP courses.
Course Resources
More About Your Course
See Where AP Can Take You
AP Computer Science Principles can lead to a wide range of careers and college majors
FAQs
Do I have to know how to code to take AP Computer Science Principles?
No previous experience with coding is required. While programming is taught in the course, it’s only one of the many aspects of computing that you’ll learn.
What if I know some coding before taking AP Computer Science Principles?
Great! You can build on the skills that you already have and apply them to exciting and relevant projects.
What do I need to take the AP Computer Science Principles class?
Successful completion of Algebra I is recommended, but not required. A home computer is not needed, and schools are required to provide students with access to computing devices to complete the course. You don't need to have prior computer science knowledge or experience.
What will I do in the AP Computer Science Principles class?
In this course, you will learn the computing skills needed to collaborate with peers to create projects you're passionate about—from simple games and apps to programs that can analyze large data sets or inspire the creation of visual art and music. You'll be able to use your creativity to develop these projects at several points during the course. Also, the AP CSP Exam will include a performance task, in addition to an end-of-course exam, that you’ll work on throughout the school year. The Create performance task will count toward your AP score—so you’ll be able to demonstrate what you’ve learned in multiple ways.
Will colleges and universities accept AP Computer Science Principles scores for credit and placement?
Over 950 colleges and universities offer credit and placement for AP CSP. The AP Program is actively working with institutions to develop and publish their credit and placement policies for AP CSP.
While we make every effort to keep our records up to date, colleges and universities develop and publish new policies according to their own often varying schedules, so you should always contact an institution you’re interested in directly (by phone or email) if you can’t find a published credit policy.
What can I do if my school doesn’t offer AP Computer Science Principles, or if I decide to study independently without taking an AP CSP course?
If your school is not planning to offer AP CSP next year, talk to your counselors and teachers to advocate for the course.
You can study independently to take the AP CSP Exam, but due to the nature of the course and the exam, we recommend, if possible, that you find another high school in your area or an online program that will enroll you in its AP CSP course. You can complete the required components of the course by submitting the Create performance task in the AP Digital Portfolio and taking the end-of-course exam.
If you plan to study independently instead of enrolling in an AP CSP course, we recommend that you take these steps.
- Confirm that the AP coordinator at your school or a participating AP school:
- Will provide you with all the necessary information and directions for enrollment and submission of work in the AP Digital Portfolio
- Will order and administer the end-of-course exam
- Review the course page to understand what you need to know to perform well in on the AP CSP Exam, including all course content, skills, and exam components.
- If possible, find a teacher who is familiar with the course who can mentor you throughout your studies.