can you retake ap exams
Yes—usually not in the sense of “re-sit the same AP exam to replace your score.” AP exams are offered once a year, and College Board says you can’t simply sign up to retake an AP Exam in the same way you might retake a class test.
What you can do
- You can take the AP exam again in a future year if your school offers it and you’re still eligible to register.
- You can also take a different AP exam in a later year if you want another score in the same subject area, but that is not the same as an official “score replacement” policy.
- Most colleges look at your highest AP score they have on file, but policies vary by school.
Important catch
- AP exam scores are not typically “forgiven” by retaking unless the college or program you’re applying to explicitly says otherwise.
- If you were hoping for a better score, your best option is usually to prepare for the next exam administration rather than count on a retake after the fact.
Common confusion
- Retake for a higher score: generally not available as an automatic do-over policy.
- Take the exam again next year: sometimes possible, depending on access and registration.
- Cancel or withhold a score: that is different from retaking and depends on College Board rules.
Student takeaway
If your goal is college credit, the key question is less “Can I retake?” and more “Will my target college accept the score I already have?” AP policies and college policies are not the same.
TL;DR
You generally cannot retake an AP exam just to replace a score in the usual test-retake sense, though you may be able to take the exam again in a later year under normal AP registration rules.