Life can be unpredictable, and despite your best intentions, you might end up missing your AP exam. Since AP tests are costly and often align closely with the material you’ve studied all year, missing one can feel stressful. In this guide, we’ll explain what to do if you anticipate missing your exam, what happens in an emergency, how AP late testing works, and your options if you can’t make up the test.
What to Do If You Know in Advance You’ll Miss Your AP Exam
Sometimes, conflicts come up months after you’ve registered for the AP test. If you realize ahead of time that you won’t be able to attend your exam, the first step is to contact your school’s AP coordinator immediately.
Your AP coordinator will explain whether late testing is possible and outline when, where, and how it will happen. If you don’t know who your AP coordinator is, ask someone in your school office, a counselor, or a teacher.
When arranging late testing in advance, there are two types of conflicts to consider: unavoidable and avoidable.
Unavoidable Conflicts
If your conflict is considered unavoidable, you can take a late AP exam at no extra cost. Common unavoidable conflicts include:
- Two AP exams scheduled at the same time
- An IB, state, or national exam on the same day
- Language lab scheduling issues
- Academic competitions (Quiz Bowl, math meets)
- Athletic meets or games
- Religious holidays
- School closure due to elections or national holidays
- Pre-arranged accommodations issues
Avoidable Conflicts
If the conflict is avoidable, you can still take a late AP exam but must pay a $40 fee (waived for students eligible for financial assistance). Avoidable conflicts include:
- School holidays (non-national)
- Non-emergency family commitments
- Scheduling conflicts with regular class exams (though it might be better to reschedule the class test instead)
Your AP coordinator will determine whether your situation qualifies for free or paid late testing.
What to Do If You Miss the AP Exam Unexpectedly
Emergencies happen. If something unforeseen prevents you from attending your AP exam, notify your AP coordinator as soon as possible. They will assess the situation and determine whether you’re eligible for late testing.
Emergencies that generally qualify for free late testing include:
- Unexpected issues with accommodations
- Bomb scares, fire alarms, or school emergencies
- Natural disasters
- Labor strikes
- Serious injury, illness, or family tragedy
If you’re sick but can still perform reasonably well, it’s better to attempt the exam. However, if you’re severely ill, it’s better to miss the exam and coordinate for late testing.
For non-emergency reasons, such as sleeping through an alarm or minor mishaps, your AP coordinator has discretion over whether to allow you to take a late test. Always be honest and reach out quickly.
What Happens When You Take a Late AP Exam?
If your AP coordinator approves late testing, you will take your AP exam on the College Board’s designated late testing dates. You’ll be given a different version of the test—called an “alternate form”—to maintain test security.
Aside from the different questions, the experience will be similar to the regular AP exam. Keep in mind:
- Once you start an AP exam, you cannot switch to late testing if something happens during the test.
- You must follow the late testing schedule set by the College Board.
2025 AP Late Testing Dates
Here are the designated late testing dates for 2025:
| Date | 8 AM Local Time | 12 PM Local Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, May 19 | Comparative Government and PoliticsEuropean HistoryWorld History: Modern | English Literature and CompositionHuman GeographyLatin |
| Tuesday, May 20 | Japanese Language and CultureUnited States Government and PoliticsAfrican American Studies | United States History |
| Wednesday, May 21 | Computer Science AMicroeconomicsStatistics | BiologyChemistryFrench Language and CultureMacroeconomics |
| Thursday, May 22 | Chinese Language and CultureEnglish Language and CompositionMusic Theory | Physics C: Electricity and MagnetismPrecalculusArt HistoryCalculus ABCalculus BCSpanish Literature and CulturePhysics C: Mechanics |
| Friday, May 23 | Environmental ScienceItalian Language and CulturePhysics 1: Algebra-Based | SeminarSpanish Language and CultureComputer Science PrinciplesGerman Language and CulturePhysics 2: Algebra-BasedPsychology |
What If You Can’t Make Up Your AP Exam?
If your AP coordinator does not approve late testing, or if you miss the late testing window, there are still some things to keep in mind:
- You will not receive a score report for the missed exam.
- Colleges won’t know you missed the exam unless you choose to tell them.
- Missing an AP exam will not impact your high school transcript.
- You can retake the AP exam the following year if you choose.
While you might lose the money you paid for the exam, it won’t have a lasting impact on your college applications if handled responsibly.
Conclusion: Missing an AP Exam Isn’t the End of the Road
Missing an AP exam can be stressful, but by acting quickly and working with your AP coordinator, you may still have the opportunity to complete a late exam. Even if you can’t make up the test, it won’t appear on your record, and your academic goals remain within reach.
At Ascend Now, we guide students through every step of their academic journey—from AP course planning to test preparation. Our team is here to help you navigate any bumps along the way, ensuring that unexpected setbacks don’t stand in the way of your success. If you need support preparing for AP exams or managing your academic plan, connect with Ascend Now today!
