You waited weeks for your AP scores to come in… and now you’re staring at a number that’s not what you hoped. Maybe you got a 3 when you were aiming for a 5. Maybe you were just one point away. Whatever the case — you’re not alone.
Here’s the good news: you can retake an AP exam.
But here’s what most students don’t know — there’s a right way and a wrong way to approach a retake. In this guide, we’ll cover:
- ✅ Whether it’s actually worth retaking your AP exam
- 📅 How retakes work (timing, cost, score reporting)
- 📚 The best prep resources for a second try
- 🎯 Smart study strategies that work for retakers
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Quick Tip: Already thinking about retaking?
Check out this top-rated 2025 AP prep book on Amazon to start fresh with focused practice.
Let’s break down what to do — and how to bounce back stronger.
Quick Answer: Can You Retake AP Exams? Should You?
Can you retake an AP exam?
Yes, students can retake AP exams, but they’re only offered once a year in May. You’ll need to re-register and pay the exam fee again. Both your original and retake scores will be available in your College Board account, unless you request to cancel or withhold one. Most colleges consider your highest score when awarding credit.
Should I retake the AP exam?
You should consider retaking an AP exam if your score doesn’t meet your college or major’s credit requirements, or if you believe you can significantly improve. However, if you already earned a 3 or higher and your target colleges accept that score, retaking may not be necessary.
Can You Retake an AP Exam?
Yes — if you’re not satisfied with your AP exam score, you can retake the exam. But there are a few important things to keep in mind:
Before you decide, make sure you’re not repeating history. Learn the biggest mistakes students make on AP exams — and how to avoid them this time around.
📅 AP Exams Are Only Offered Once a Year
AP exams are administered just once annually during May. If you’re planning to retake, you’ll need to wait until the next AP testing cycle and plan ahead for registration and prep.
How do You retake an AP test?
You’ll Need to Register Again and Pay the Full Fee. You must re-register for the AP exam — either through your school’s AP coordinator or independently if you’ve already graduated. The fee is generally around $98 per exam, though fee reductions may be available.
🔁 There’s No Limit on How Many Times You Can Retake
There’s no official limit to how many times you can take an AP exam. However, you’ll need to pay and prepare for each attempt.
🧾 From College Board:
“You may retake an AP Exam in a subsequent year. If you do, both scores will be reported unless you request that one be withheld or canceled.”
— CollegeBoard.org
📊 Both Scores Will Be Reported (Unless You Cancel One)
When you retake an AP exam, both scores remain on your record — unless you submit a request to cancel or withhold one. Colleges typically only consider your highest score for credit and admissions.
⚖️ Should You Retake the AP Exam?
Just because you can retake an AP exam doesn’t always mean you should. Before you dive into study mode again, take a step back and ask: Will retaking help you reach your goals — or stretch you too thin?
Let’s break it down.
✅ When Retaking Makes Sense
You might benefit from a retake if:
- You need a 4 or 5 for college credit.
Some universities only award credit or advanced placement for scores of 4 or higher — especially in competitive programs like STEM or business. - You underperformed due to external factors.
Illness, test anxiety, or unexpected life events can throw off your performance. If your score doesn’t reflect your actual ability, a retake could be a second chance to show what you know. - You’re reapplying to competitive schools.
If you’re taking a gap year or applying to highly selective colleges, a strong AP score can give your academic profile an edge.
❌ When a Retake Might Not Be Worth It
Retaking might not be the best use of your time if:
- You already met your college’s AP requirements.
Some schools accept a 3 for credit — or may not require the AP course at all. Double-check what your target colleges actually require. - You’re shifting focus to new APs next year.
If you’ve got multiple APs on your plate in the upcoming school year, adding an extra exam can overload your schedule and create burnout.
Wondering if your AP score is good enough? This guide to AP exam scoring and its impact on your GPA breaks it down by college credit standards.
🎯 Smart Move? Prep Smarter.
🎯 Thinking of a do-over?
Prep smarter with these high-yield AP review books on Amazon or tap into affordable online AP tutors for expert guidance. A strategic retake can lead to a score boost without the burnout.
If you’re retaking the exam solo, check out our step-by-step self-study guide to scoring a 5 on the AP exam — perfect for students who want to take control of their prep the second time around.
🛠️ How to Retake an AP Exam (Step-by-Step)
Retaking an AP exam isn’t complicated — but it does require planning. Here’s how to do it the right way without scrambling last-minute.
🔁 Step 1: Decide Early
The College Board only offers AP exams once a year in May, so mark your calendar. Decide by fall or early winter if you’re serious about retaking — especially if you’re no longer in school and need to test as an independent student.
✅ Pro Tip: If you’re taking a gap year or switching schools, check early if your new school offers AP registration for former students.
📝 Step 2: Register for the Exam
Retaking students must register again through:
- Your current school’s AP coordinator, or
- A local school that accepts external test-takers (check with the AP Program directly)
The AP exam fee is typically around $98, plus possible admin fees for late registration or non-students.
📚 Step 3: Create a Focused Study Plan
This time, study with purpose. Focus on:
- Topics where you lost points last time
- High-weight units in the AP Course & Exam Description
- Practice tests that simulate real exam conditions
Ready to study smarter?
Try this AP exam self-study bundle on Amazon — includes a prep book, flashcards, and practice tests tailored for retakers. Or explore online crash courses and tutoring for more structured support.
🧠 Step 4: Practice Under Exam Conditions
Once you’re reviewing regularly, start simulating the real thing:
- Take full-length timed practice tests
- Review released FRQs from past exams
- Use scoring rubrics to self-evaluate
This helps build confidence and reduce anxiety — especially if test-day stress affected your original score.
📤 Step 5: Confirm Score Reporting & Cancellation (Optional)
If you don’t want colleges to see both AP scores, you can:
- Cancel a score (permanently deleted)
- Withhold a score (temporarily hidden)
These requests must be submitted through the College Board by June 15 of the exam year.
📚 Best AP Retake Resources
A smart retake starts with the right materials. Whether you’re self-studying or getting extra help, here are the best tools to raise your score with less stress.
🧠 1. High-Yield AP Prep Books (Updated for 2025)
Not all prep books are created equal. For retakers, you want materials that:
- Focus on practice questions and test strategies
- Include updated content for 2025
- Offer full-length practice tests and detailed answer breakdowns
🛒 Top Pick on Amazon:
🔹 Princeton Review Cracking the AP Exam 2025 (All Subjects Available)
🔹 Barron’s AP Series – Best for In-Depth Content
🔹 5 Steps to a 5 – Great for Last-Minute Review
💻 2. Online AP Courses & Crash Reviews
Need structure or feel overwhelmed with self-study? Consider budget-friendly online help:
- AP Daily Videos (free on AP Classroom)
- Fiveable – Live cram sessions + replays
- Khan Academy – Free courses for major AP subjects
- Outschool AP Tutors – Personalized help in small group settings
- Wyzant Tutors – 1-on-1 expert tutoring based on your subject and schedule
✅ Tip: Pair a course with a prep book to stay accountable.
🗂️ 3. Flashcards & Practice Apps
Repetition is key — especially for memorizing vocab, formulas, and processes.
- 📱 Quizlet – Digital decks and games
- 🃏 Barron’s or Kaplan Flashcards – Physical flashcard packs
- 🎮 UWorld or Albert.io – Interactive AP-style question banks
🖥️ 4. Free Practice from the College Board
Don’t forget the official source:
- Released FRQs and MCQs from past exams
- Scoring rubrics to grade yourself like an AP reader
- Exam guides and sample questions per subject
Visit apstudents.collegeboard.org → Choose your subject → Click “About the Exam”
Don’t miss these last-minute AP exam cram tips that can give you a final boost.
📦 Build Your Retake Toolkit
- Top-rated AP Prep Books on Amazon
- Affordable Online Tutors
- Flashcards & Study Apps
Choose the tools that match your learning style — and make this next attempt your best yet.
✅ Final Thoughts: Should You Go for That AP Retake?
Retaking an AP exam is a bold move — and sometimes, it’s the smartest one.
If your score is holding you back from college credit, placement, or confidence, it’s worth stepping up and giving it another shot. The key is to prep with purpose, using resources that actually match your learning style.
You’ve already taken the test once — now you know the format, the pressure, and the pace. That makes your second try a lot less scary.
🎯 Ready to retake with confidence?
Build your study plan with top-rated AP review books, affordable tutoring help, and flashcard bundles — and crush that score goal in May.
Boosting your GPA with a retake? Make sure you understand how GPA works in high school by reading our full GPA guide for students and parents.
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions About AP Retakes
🔄 Is it worth retaking an AP exam?
If you need a higher score for college credit, competitive applications, or personal goals — yes. Especially if you got a 2 or 3 and know you can do better with focused prep.
🧾 Will colleges see both AP exam scores?
Yes, unless you request to cancel or withhold one. Most colleges consider your highest score, but check with each school’s AP credit policy just to be sure.
💸 Do I have to pay again to retake an AP exam?
Yes. Each retake requires a new registration fee (around $98 per subject), even if you’ve taken the test before.
📅 Can I retake an AP exam right away?
No — AP exams are only given once a year, in May. If you’re retaking, you’ll have to wait until the next year’s testing window.
🚫 What if I got a 1 or 2 — should I cancel it?
If you’re not submitting that score to colleges, you can cancel or withhold it. But keep in mind — colleges often only count your best score anyway.
❓Can you retake an AP exam in the same year?
No. AP exams are only administered once a year in May. If you want to retake, you’ll need to wait until the next May testing cycle.
❓Will colleges see both AP scores if I retake?
Yes — unless you request to cancel or withhold one of the scores. Most colleges will focus on your highest score, but policies may vary.
❓Do you have to pay again to retake an AP test?
Yes, you must pay the full AP exam fee again (typically $98 per exam in the U.S.). There’s no discount for retakes.
❓Should I cancel my AP score if I got a 1 or 2?
If you’re not submitting that score to colleges, you might consider canceling it. That said, most colleges only consider your highest score, and a low score generally won’t hurt your chances if it’s not required.
A second chance isn’t a step back — it’s a smarter comeback.
Nawab, an educator with a decade of K-12 teaching, holds a graduate degree and a diploma in elementary education. He has also been blogging for four years, sharing insights for educators and parents.