A breadth-first computing course with a Create Performance Task, not a traditional exam-only structure.
AP Computer Science Principles is structured very differently from CSA: students complete a Create Performance Task (a programming project submitted by April 30) that contributes ~30% of the AP score, plus a 70-question MCQ exam in early May. Many students focus on the exam and underprepare for the CPT — leaving easy points on the table.
Our coverage is split clearly between the Big Ideas (data, algorithms, programming, computer systems and networks, impact of computing) and a separate CPT preparation track that walks through the written response prompts and the program-purpose / development-process expectations.
Master AP CS Principles
Interactive lessons on computing, data, algorithms, the internet, and the impact of technology on society.
Start here
Take the free AP CS Principles diagnostic
It finds what you already know and builds your study plan: the topics to clear first, each a short lesson plus an exit quiz.
Take the free diagnosticInteractive Lessons
Step-by-step lessons covering every AP CSP unit with practice problems and exit quizzes.
Diagnostic Test
Quick assessment across all units to identify your strengths and weak areas.
Unit Tests
Drill a single AP unit at a time. 5 units · 4 different variations each — perfect for end-of-unit review.
Flashcards
Review key terms and concepts with spaced-repetition flashcards.
Daily question
A fresh question every day covering different units. Build consistency with daily practice.
Study schedules
Structured 4, 10, or 16-week study schedules tailored to your timeline.
Score Predictor
Estimate your AP score based on your practice performance and study habits.
Practice Exam
Full-length, timed simulation: 70 multiple-choice questions in 120 minutes, modeled on the in-school portion of the AP CSP exam (revised 2024–25 format).
What's Covered
Big Idea 1: Creative Development
- Collaboration
- Program Design
- Program Development
- Identifying Errors
Big Idea 2: Data
- Binary & Data
- Data Compression
- Information Extraction
- Data Analysis
Big Idea 3: Algorithms & Programming
- Variables & Control
- Procedures & Parameters
- Lists
- Algorithms
Big Ideas 4–5: Systems & Impact
- Computing Systems
- Internet & Networks
- Digital Divide
- Safe Computing
About the AP CS Principles Exam
Format
- • Create Performance Task: 12 hours (30% of score)
- • End-of-Course Exam: 70 MCQs in 120 minutes (70% of score)
- • Single-select and multiple-select questions
- • Total exam: 2 hours + Create Task
Scoring
- • Score range: 1–5
- • 5 = Extremely well qualified
- • ~12% of students score a 5
- • No penalty for guessing
- • Most colleges accept 3+