In contrast to 2020 and 2021, when the pattern of AP exam was modified due to interruption happened by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 AP exams had the real and original pattern came back. This year, the AP exams were held for two weeks in the month of May: first 2nd may to 6th may and then may 9th to may 13th. Given below is an article that well explains the AP Chemistry exam format for AP exam 2023!

Why take the AP Chemistry exam?

Advanced Placement Chemistry, or AP Chemistry, is a chemistry course and test conducted by the College Board in the United States. The college board administers this AP Chemistry test to assist high school students across America and Canada. Clearing this exam enables students to stand out on college applications and earn college credit. 

Visit College Board’s AP chemistry dashboard >>>

Syllabus of AP chemistry 2023

This exam of AP chemistry examines your expertise in basic theories of chemistry, comprising of atomic structure, states of matter, chemical reactions and intermolecular forces. Apart from this, the exam analysis your capability to examine data and use the scientific method.

The AP Chemistry syllabus involves nine critical units of study:

Format of the AP Chemistry exam 2023

The AP Chemistry exam has compatible types of questions, weightage, and scoring instructions every year.

Section I consists of Multiple-Choice types of questions. AP Chemistry multiple choice consists of 60 questions that students must complete in 1 hour and 30 minutes. Students have to obtain 50% of exam scores. Questions are either separate or in sets, in which students are provided with a set of data and a sequence of related questions. Unlike the past, the upcoming 2023 AP exam allows a calculator in Section I.  

Section II consists of free response questions (7 questions to be completed within 1 hour 45 minutes). Students have to get 50% of the exam score. It consists of three long-answer, which are of 10 points each, and four short-answer questions, which are of 4 points each. The questions in section 2 assess all six of the course skills, namely models and representations, question, and method, representing data and phenomena, model analysis, mathematical routines, and argumentation. A scientific or graphing calculator is allowed for use in Section II.

Download the detailed AP Chemistry Course and Exam Description – Effective Fall 2022 >>>

FAQs Regarding the AP exam format

1. What are the timings to AP chemistry exam in 2023? 

The time duration of the exam in 2023 is 3 hours & 15 minutes.

2. What will the question pattern of the AP Chemistry test?

The test will have 2 sections, first will a MCQ section and other one will be written section.

3. What is the latest update on AP Calculator Policy?

As per 2023, calculators are allowed for both the sections of the exam, initiating with the AP exam 2023, according to latest AP Exam Calculator Policy 2023. 

Special cases: If a student doesn’t want to use a calculator whilst the exam or using a calculator isn’t practicable, the student can appear without a calculator. In this case, you have to sign the Calculator Release Statement on the day of the exam.

For detailed calculator policy guidelines, check here!

4. What does the AP exam administrating facility provide?

Sheets containing commonly used equations and constants in chemistry are provided. And you can use them in both sections viz multiple-choice and free-response. In addition, AP students are equipped with a periodic table of elements.

5. How are AP scores evaluated?

The score of AP exam range on the scale of 1 to 5. Universities normally demand for a score from of 4 to 5. But there are some colleges that give credit for score of 3. Every test is curved, so marks may vary every year.

Is 5 your AP score? –> Extremely qualified

Is 4 your AP score? –> Well qualified

Is 3 your AP score? –> Qualified 

Is 2 your AP score? –> Possibly qualified 

Is 1 your AP score? –> No recommendation 

For essential tips on obtaining a perfect AP score, check out the interview with Dawn Mueller, a Ph.D.-holding educational consultant.

Does Chemistry Bench provide any free AP Chemistry exam prep resources

The Chemistry Bench is offering students several free resources to help them get ready for the exam. 

Stay tuned for AP Chemistry practice (multiple choice) tests!

You can avail of our one-on-one AP Chemistry Online course that will help you develop the skills required for the AP exam. No matter if you work full time, you can learn from the recourses that we provide anytime, anywhere. Apart from this if you require any particular needs or preferences, we can customize the sessions according to you. Also, Chemistry Bench conducts group classes for AP Chem exam preparation. Indeed, it is one of the best online chemistry tutoring platforms for students.

Get a one-on-one FREE AP demo class now!

So, I hope that all your doubts regarding the format of AP chemistry exam for 2023 have been solved. If you felt that this blog was helpful, please leave your wonderful comment!

Best Wishes,
Chemistry Bench