Updated: Tuesday, April 7, 2026

How Do You Self-Register for AP Exams?

Are you planning to take AP Exams this May? For most students, if your school offers AP courses, you will have an AP coordinator who will handle exam registration, fee collection, and notify you of where to be and when for your exams. However, if you are registered solely in an online school, are homeschooled, or self-studied because your school does not administer AP Exams, you have the option to register for an AP exam independently.

AP Exam Self-Registration Instructions

If you plan to register independently for an AP exam, you will work directly with the College Board’s AP Services as well as local testing sites and coordinators. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:

Prior to contacting AP Services, it’s important to compile a list of all the AP Exams for which you would like to register. That way, when you reach out to the local testing sites, you are able to confirm they can provide all the examinations for which you are planning to test.
Contact AP Services in January of the year you plan to take the test, so you can register and find AP testing sites near you. We encourage students to reach out in January because registration at testing sites is on a first come, first served basis. Starting early ensures you can find a local testing site that meets your needs. AP Services will provide you with info on testing centers and coordinators you will need to reach out to in order to arrange for your test. You must reach out to testing coordinators no later than March 15.

What to Tell AP Coordinators When Registering

When you reach out to the AP coordinator, be sure to have all the information they’ll need handy. In addition to the test you plan to take, you also need to:

Inform them you are looking to register as an outside student to take the AP exam at their location.
Notify the coordinator of any testing accommodations that you are approved to receive.
Agree to use the state homeschool code provided by the coordinator on the day of the exam, if applicable.

Once you are registered with your AP testing site, the AP coordinator will take care of ordering AP exam materials and letting testers know where they need to report for testing. The coordinator will also be responsible for collecting registration fees and coordinating accommodations that have been approved by the College Board.

AP Exam Fees

Once you are registered, your coordinator will collect the AP exam fees from you. Students with significant financial need may be eligible for a $37 College Board fee reduction per AP exam. Your state may also be able to supplement the fee reduction with additional funding. Check with your AP coordinator for more information.

Getting Your AP Exam Score

AP exam scores are typically released in early to mid-July. To check your score, visit the College Board website. If you want to learn more about what your scores mean, be sure to check out our guide to understanding AP exam scores.

What Happens if You Miss the AP Exam Registration Deadline?

Students should avoid missing the AP Exam registration at all costs. The College Board charges a $40 late fee for students who fail to register by the November 14 deadline. Similarly, there is a $40 cancellation fee for those who register but then opt not to take the exam.

Can You Self-Study for an AP Exam?

Yes, you can! Studying on your own for an AP exam is possible, but you need to make sure you have an AP exam study plan that will set you up for success. If you’re wondering how to self-study for AP exams, you should start by choosing your exam wisely, reviewing the content you will be assessed on, and compiling a study schedule to stay on top of your self-learning and avoid cramming during the weeks before the exam.

Looking for More AP Exam Practice?

At IvyWise, we help students choose the right classes and find alternatives if advanced course options are not available. We also provide tutoring and test prep services to help students master their AP material, whether in a course at school or self-studying for exams. Learn more about our tutoring and test prep services.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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