AP Computer Science A

What Students Learn

Using Java, students study variables and expressions and control program behavior through conditionals and loops. Class design and the use of arrays and ArrayList develop code tracing and algorithm implementation, alongside responsible computing.

Course Units

The units and learning focuses below follow the official AP course framework.

Unit 1: Using objects and methods

Unit 2: Selection and iteration

Unit 3: Class creation

Unit 4: Data collections

AP Assessment

The digital AP exam includes 42 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, worth 55%, and four free-response questions in 90 minutes, worth 45%. Multiple choice assesses code comprehension and program behavior. Written coding tasks cover methods and control structures, class design, ArrayList data analysis, and two-dimensional arrays.

References (2026–2027): College Board course framework; assessment information