College Board Advanced Placement (AP) 2021 Updates
The College Board has officially announced three testing windows for the May 2021 Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, these updates are designed to provide more flexibility for students and schools. Depending on local health conditions, AP exams may be administered in-person with paper tests, digitally at school, or digitally at home.
AP Testing Windows for May & june 2021
The May and June 2021 AP exams will be in traditional paper-format for students taking them at school or designated test centers. Digital AP exams may be completed at home for students who are unable to complete them on campus. College Board has divided exam dates into three (3) Administration sections.
Administration 1 (In School):
Monday, May 3, 2021 to Friday, May 7, 2021
Monday, May 10, 2021 to Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Friday, May 14, 2021
Monday, May 17, 2021
Note: No AP exams are scheduled for Thursday, May 13, 2021
Administration 2 (In School and At Home):
Tuesday, May 18, 2021 to Friday, May 21, 2021
Monday, May 24, 2021 to Friday, May 28, 2021
Administration 3 (In School and At Home):
Tuesday, June 1, 2021 to Friday, June 4, 2021
Monday, June 7, 2021 to Friday, June 11, 2021
Each school decides which exams to offer and when, so students must check with their school coordinators for exact dates and formats.
Register now for AP tutoring and prep.
Know Your Test Dates and Locations Now
Many students mistakenly wait until the last minute to check their AP exam dates and locations. Do not make this mistake. Students must confirm the exact dates, times, and locations of their AP exams as soon as possible. This information should be clearly communicated by school administrators or AP coordinators.
If you're unsure, contact your school right away. Some schools hold exams in classrooms, while others may use auditoriums or off-campus testing centers. You may also need to arrive earlier than you think—especially if ID checks, seating, or digital setup are involved.
The earlier you confirm your testing details, the more mentally prepared you’ll be. Reducing uncertainty helps ease test-day nerves and allows you to focus on what really matters: doing your best.
Digital vs. Paper Exams
Digital exams have become a viable alternative, especially with unpredictable public health conditions. While not all subjects offer digital formats, most major AP subjects now do. Students taking digital exams at home or in school should ensure they have a reliable internet connection, a compatible device, and a quiet testing environment. Unlike in 2020, these digital exams will now include both multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and free-response questions (FRQs), making them more closely resemble the traditional paper format.
Notable differences in the digital format:
Testing is synchronous. All students testing digitally must begin at the same time, regardless of time zone.
Scratch paper is permitted. Students may use scratch paper, but it must be kept off-camera when testing at home.
Copy-paste and spell-check are disabled. Students must carefully proofread their written responses.
Be Proactive with Prep
With changes in format and scheduling, students must adapt their study strategies. It’s no longer enough to simply review notes and practice content. Students need to:
Practice typing essays and free-response questions.
Familiarize themselves with digital tools like College Board’s Bluebook software.
Simulate testing conditions at home—including time limits and distractions.
Review past AP exam questions and scoring rubrics.
These efforts will help students feel more confident on test day, regardless of whether their exam is on paper or digital.
Security Warnings for Digital AP Exams
Students taking digital AP exams must not open new tabs nor browsers during the test. College Board monitors online activity, and even the slightest digital misconduct may be flagged as cheating. Students are strictly prohibited from accessing other websites, using secondary devices, or switching screens during the exam.
Once the digital test begins, students must remain in the exam window for the full duration unless instructed otherwise. Any unusual behavior may lead to disqualification or cancellation of scores.
Students should also remember that College Board can track IP addresses, keystrokes, and activity logs. Simply put, students must treat the digital AP exam with the same level of seriousness and integrity as the paper exam. There are no shortcuts.
Students Must Start Adjusting Their Sleep Schedules Now
No matter which test window students receive, they must be prepared for early morning exams. Testing will begin at the same time across the same time zones. This means students cannot request to start the exam later in the day. Regardless of time zone, AP exams must begin at designated times to protect the integrity of the testing process.
Unfortunately, many students have unhealthy sleep cycles because of irregular school schedules or online learning. However, students must start resetting their internal clocks now. They must get used to waking up early and staying alert for morning exams.
Preparing the body to focus in the early morning takes time. Students must train their brains and bodies to focus at the same time they’ll be expected to perform on the AP exams. Cramming the night before or pulling all-nighters will be a huge mistake.
Anticipate Technology Problems
Students taking digital AP exams must be prepared for unexpected technical issues. From weak internet connections to software crashes, anything can happen on test day. That’s why it’s essential for students to anticipate technology-related problems and know how to respond calmly and effectively.
Before test day, students should verify that their device meets all College Board requirements. This includes making sure the software is updated, the testing app is properly installed, and the device is fully charged. Whenever possible, students should also test the system on the same Wi-Fi network and device they plan to use on exam day.
Even if the internet disconnects mid-exam, students should remain calm. College Board has stated that student responses are automatically saved and encrypted. Most importantly, students must reconnect to the internet before the end of the exam to ensure successful submission.
Always have a backup plan. This could mean having access to a second device, an alternate Wi-Fi source, or contact information for school IT support. Being mentally prepared for tech issues—and knowing what to do if they arise—can make all the difference.
Practice Makes Perfect
Students must begin preparing now. Reviewing the materials covered in the AP course is essential, but equally important is practicing under exam conditions.
This means simulating test environments, managing time effectively, and reviewing both MCQ and FRQ formats. It also means adjusting sleep habits, increasing reading stamina, and sharpening writing skills.
Presidio Education® offers guided AP practice with diagnostic exams and feedback. Our faculty will help students train efficiently — whether they’re testing on paper or digitally.
