AP Biology Exam 2024

Published:

Updated:

The 2024 AP exams will take place over a two-week period in May: May 6–10 and May 13–17.

The AP Biology exam for 2024 will be a full-length paper-and-pencil exam that students can take in school only. 

Here is what you need to know to do well in the upcoming AP Biology exam.

Will I get college credit for the 2024 AP Biology exam?

Students who take the 2024 AP Biology exam will be eligible for college credit.

As in previous years, a student must obtain a score of 3, 4, or 5 to be eligible for college credit. 

For tips on getting a perfect AP score, check out this interview with Dawn Mueller, an educational consultant with Tutor Doctor.

And if you’re looking for further insights and resources to help you with your college journey, consider checking out TUN AI. Our ethical, AI-powered platform uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to guide students through the college selection and application process, providing personalized recommendations and valuable insights that help students make informed decisions about their academic future.

Can I take the 2024 AP Biology exam virtually?

In 2024, eight AP exam subjects are available as a digital exam in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. However, the 2024 AP Biology exam is not available as a digital exam.

How long is the 2024 AP Biology exam?

The 2024 AP Biology exam will be 3 hours long. 

What’s the 2024 AP Biology exam date and time?

The 2024 AP Biology exam is scheduled for Thursday, May 15 at 12 PM local time.  

What will be tested on the 2024 AP Biology exam?

The 2024 AP Biology exam will test students on the whole course content, so be prepared to answer questions on these topics:

  • Unit 1: Chemistry of Life
  • Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
  • Unit 3: Cellular Energetics
  • Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
  • Unit 5: Heredity
  • Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation
  • Unit 7: Natural Selection
  • Unit 8: Ecology

What is the AP Biology exam format for 2024?

The 2024 AP Biology exam will be split equally between two sections: multiple-choice and free-response questions. Each section is worth 50 percent of the exam score. 

You will have 1 hour, 30 minutes to answer 60 multiple-choice questions and 1 hour, 30 minutes to answer 6 free-response questions. 

The chart below shows the breakdown of the exam components.

Section# QuestionsTime AllocationExam Weight
I: Multiple Choice601 hour, 30 mins50%
II: Free Response61 hour, 30 mins50%

You may use a 4-function, scientific, or graphing calculator, such as this TI-84 graphing calculator by Texas Instruments, on the exam. You may also use the AP Biology Equations and Formulas Sheet.

Does the College Board offer any free AP Biology exam prep resources? 

The College Board is offering a number of free AP Biology exam resources to students to help them prepare for the exam.

AP Biology Practice Tests

You can get examples of free-response questions from past AP Biology exams for free. You can use these as practice tests to supplement other test prep materials you use.

Check here for free-response questions posed in the 2023 AP Biology exam. 

And check here for free-response questions from the 1999-2022 AP Biology exams.

AP Biology Courses

The College Board’s AP YouTube channel gives students access to APLive classes and recordings delivered by AP teachers from across the country. Additionally, to help students review course content and skills before their exam, the College Board gives students access to the AP Daily: Live Review sessions for the 2024 AP Biology exam.

What are my other options for preparing for the 2024 AP Biology exam?

If you don’t have an AP Biology review book already, consider getting one sooner than later to help you prepare for the 2024 AP Biology exam. You can find popular review books published by Barron’s, The Princeton Review, and others at Amazon

The AP Biology Premium, 2024: Comprehensive Review With 5 Practice Tests + an Online Timed Test Option (Barron’s AP Prep), for example, costs just $19.59 (at the time of writing of this article).

The Princeton Review AP Biology Premium Prep, 26th Edition: 6 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (2024) (College Test Preparation), which is ranked at 4.9 stars, costs just $15.66 (at the time of writing of this article).

And the 5 Steps to a 5: AP Biology 2024 Elite Student Edition, which aims to “help you make the most efficient use of your study time, is available for $26.40 (at the time of writing of this article). 

If you prefer to study using flashcards, consider the AP Biology Flashcards, Second Edition: Up-to-Date Review: + Sorting Ring for Custom Study (Barron’s AP), which costs $29.99 (at the time of writing of this article). 

There are also online resources that you can use to help you prepare for the 2024 AP Biology exam. 

Khan Academy 

In partnership with the College Board, Khan Academy provides an official AP Biology course that comes with free instructional videos, articles, and practice exercises created by current and former AP teachers. In addition, Khan Academy offers free exam skills and strategies.

If you’re taking more than one AP exam in 2024, check TUN’s AP Exam Review for details on other AP exams.

FREE 6-month trial

Then, enjoy Amazon Prime at half the price – 50% off!

TUN AI – Your Education Assistant

TUN AI

I’m here to help you with scholarships, college search, online classes, financial aid, choosing majors, college admissions and study tips!

The University Network