Each AP exam costs $99
The College Board charges $99 for each AP exam taken in the US, US territories, Canada and DoDEA schools, including AP Seminar and AP Research. Schools outside those places pay $129. Exams ordered late cost $40 more, and an exam that is ordered but not taken costs $40. Students with financial need get a $37 fee reduction on each exam.
AP exam fees for 2026-27
| AP exam, US, US territories, Canada, DoDEA | $99 |
|---|---|
| AP exam, schools outside those places | $129 |
| Late order or late testing | +$40 per exam |
| Ordered but not taken (unused or canceled) | $40 per exam |
| College Board fee reduction for students with need | $37 off each exam |
| Part of the fee schools may keep (rebate) | $9 per exam |
| 3 AP exams in the US | $297 |
|---|---|
| One exam with the $37 fee reduction | $62 |
You usually pay your school, not the College Board, and your school decides how and when to collect. Schools may choose not to collect the $9 rebate, so some charge $90. Many states add extra help for students who get the fee reduction. For 2026-27, the unused exam fee is waived for the new AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity courses. Sources: College Board, 2026-27 Quick Reference Guide (AP exam fees); AP Central, State AP Exam Fee Assistance.
What this price covers
The $99 covers one exam in one subject. Taking 3 subjects means 3 fees. The $9 rebate is part of the $99 that schools may keep to help run the exams.
What changes your price
- Where your school is. $99 in the US and Canada, $129 in most other places.
- Timing. Late orders add $40 per exam.
- Skipping an exam. An ordered exam you do not take costs $40.
- Financial need. Eligible students get $37 off, and many states cut the price more.
Ways to pay less
- Ask your AP coordinator about the fee reduction before the fall ordering deadline.
- Decide early which exams you will take, so you are not charged $40 for one you skip.
- Check if your state pays part of the fee for students with need.
How we got these numbers
Every fee on this page comes from the group that runs the test or sets the fee, taken from its own website. Where we show a total, we only add up that group's own fees so you can see the full amount in one place. We do not add our own guesses, and we do not use prices from test prep blogs. Fees can change, so check the official page before you pay. We last checked on September 26, 2026.
Common questions
How much does an AP exam cost?
$99 in the US for the 2026-27 school year.
Is there a fee if I do not take my AP exam?
Yes, $40 per unused exam.
Can I get a discount on AP exams?
Yes. Students with financial need get $37 off each exam.
How much are AP exams outside the US?
$129 at most schools outside the US and Canada.