Free AP World History Practice Test : Exam Questions & Study Guide
Ace your AP World History exam with our comprehensive AP World History test prep resources. The Advanced Placement World History course challenges students to analyze global historical patterns, from 1200 CE to the present. Our free tools, including realistic practice questions and a detailed study guide, are designed to help you master the material.
Whether you are reviewing for the AP World History Modern exam or looking for specific AP World History Review materials, our guide covers essential themes like trade networks, empire building, and revolutions. Start your preparation today to achieve a top score on test day.
Note: The AP World History Exam evaluates your ability to analyze historical evidence and identify global trends. A score of 3 or higher is typically required for college credit. Use our free resources to prepare effectively.
Free AP World History Practice Exams
Prepare for your exam with our free AP World History Practice Test modules. These quizzes cover key historical periods and themes found on the actual test.
AP World History Flashcards
Top exam questions to help you review key concepts.
AP World History Study Guide
Our AP World History Study Guide covers every section of the modern curriculum. Click the tabs below to explore the exam basics, format, registration details, results process, and study tips.
| What is the AP World History Modern course? | The AP World History Modern course explores significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from 1200 CE to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians. |
| Who should take AP World History? | High school students interested in history, humanities, or social sciences should take the AP World History course. It offers the opportunity to earn college credit and prepares students for upper-level college courses. |
| What topics are covered in AP World History? | The AP World History curriculum is divided into 9 units, including the Global Tapestry, Networks of Exchange, Land-Based Empires, Transoceanic Interconnections, Revolutions, Consequences of Industrialization, Global Conflict, Cold War and Decolonization, and Globalization. |
| Is the AP World History exam hard? | The AP World History Exam is considered challenging due to the breadth of content and the skills required. The pass rate is typically around 60%, meaning preparation and practice are essential for success. |
| How many questions are on the AP World History exam? | The AP World History Exam consists of 55 multiple-choice questions, 3 short-answer questions (SAQ), 1 document-based question (DBQ), and 1 long essay question (LEQ). |
| How long is the AP World History exam? | The total time for the AP World History Exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes. This includes 55 minutes for MCQs, 40 minutes for SAQs, 60 minutes for the DBQ (including reading period), and 40 minutes for the LEQ. |
| What is the DBQ in AP World History? | The Document-Based Question (DBQ) on the AP World History Exam requires students to analyze 7 historical documents and write an essay that develops an argument based on the evidence provided. |
| What is the LEQ in AP World History? | The Long Essay Question (LEQ) on the AP World History Exam asks students to explain and analyze significant issues in world history and develop an argument supported by historical evidence, choosing one of three prompts. |
| How do I register for the AP World History exam? | Most students register for the AP test world history exam through their high school's AP coordinator. You can also sign in to your College Board account to join your AP class section online. |
| What is the cost of the AP World History exam? | The fee for the AP World History Exam is typically $98 for students in the U.S. and Canada. International exams cost $128. Fee reductions are available for eligible students. |
| When is the AP World History exam date? | The AP World History Exam is administered annually in May. Check the College Board website for the specific date for the current academic year. |
| Can I retake the AP World History exam? | Yes, you can retake the AP World History Exam the following year if you are not satisfied with your score, but you must register and pay the exam fee again. |
| What is a good score on the AP World History exam? | A score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP World History Exam is considered passing. Many colleges grant credit or advanced placement for scores of 3 or higher, though more selective institutions may require a 4 or 5. |
| When are AP World History scores released? | AP World History scores are typically released by the College Board in early to mid-July. You can access your scores online through your College Board account. |
| How is the AP World History exam scored? | The AP World History Exam score is a weighted combination of your results on the multiple-choice and free-response sections. The final score is reported on a 5-point scale. |
| Do colleges see my AP World History score? | You can choose to send your AP World History scores to colleges. If you score well, it can strengthen your college application and earn you college credit. |
| How should I study for AP World History? | Effective studying for AP World History involves reviewing key themes, practicing with past exam questions, using our free practice tests, and focusing on writing skills for the DBQ and LEQ. |
| What are the AP World History themes? | The major AP World History Themes include Humans and the Environment, Cultural Developments and Interactions, Governance, Economic Systems, Social Interactions and Organization, and Technology and Innovation. |
| Are flashcards good for AP World History? | Yes, using AP World History Flashcards is an excellent way to memorize key terms, events, and figures, helping you recall information quickly during the exam. |
| What is the best AP World History review book? | Top resources often cited include the Princeton Review and Barron's guides, but using our free AP World History Study Guide and practice questions provides a comprehensive and accessible way to prepare. |
AP World History Test Format
The AP test world history format is divided into two main sections: Multiple Choice and Free Response. Understanding this structure is crucial for time management and success.
Questions are based on primary and secondary sources, images, graphs, and maps.
- Topics: All Units (1-9)
- Questions: 55 Questions (55 Mins)
Students analyze historians' interpretations, historical sources, and propositions about history.
- Topics: Units 1-9
- Questions: 3 Questions (40 Mins)
Students formulate a thesis and support it with evidence from provided documents.
- Topics: Units 3-9
- Questions: 1 Question (60 Mins)
Students select one question from three options and develop an argument supported by historical evidence.
- Topics: All Units
- Questions: 1 Question (40 Mins)
The content is organized into nine units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course.
- Topics: 1200 CE - Present
- Questions: Covered in All Sections
The total duration of the exam includes breaks between Section I and Section II.
- Topics: Entire Course
- Questions: 3 Hours 15 Minutes
Focus on the Historical Thinking Skills: Developments and Processes, Sourcing and Situation, Claims and Evidence in Sources, Contextualization, Making Connections, and Argumentation. These are critical for the DBQ and LEQ sections of the AP World History Exam.
AP World History Score Calculator
Estimate your AP World History score based on the number of correct multiple-choice questions. This is an approximation.
AP World History Score Interpretation
Understanding your AP World History score is crucial for college credit planning. Scores range from 1 to 5.
| Score | Qualification | College Credit? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely Well Qualified | Yes (Most Colleges) | Excellent |
| 4 | Well Qualified | Yes (Many Colleges) | Strong |
| 3 | Qualified | Yes (Some Colleges) | Passing |
| 2 | Possibly Qualified | Rarely | Study More |
| 1 | No Recommendation | No | Retake |
To achieve a 5 on the AP World History Exam, focus on mastering the DBQ rubric and practicing high-level historical argumentation.
AP World History Registration Process
Follow this timeline to ensure you are ready for the AP World History Exam in May. Preparation is key to success.
- Enroll in Course - Sign up for the AP World History Modern course at your high school.
- Join AP Class Section - Use the join code from your teacher to enroll in My AP on the College Board website.
- Register for Exam - Confirm your exam registration by the fall deadline (usually November).
- Complete Units - Study Units 1-9 throughout the academic year.
- Begin Review - Start intensive review in March using study guides and flashcards.
- Take Practice Tests - Use full-length practice exams to simulate test day conditions.
- Take the Exam - Arrive prepared on the scheduled May test date.
AP World History Test Costs
Understanding the costs associated with the AP World History Exam helps in planning. Fee reductions may be available.
Budget approximately $98 for the exam, plus any optional study materials. Check with your school for fee waivers.
AP World History Career Paths
Skills from AP World History apply to many fields.
AP World History Testing Contacts
For official information, registration, and scores, contact the College Board.
Website: Your School
Services: Exam Sign-up
Contact: Guidance Office
Contact your AP teacher or school's AP coordinator for specific questions about testing locations and times.
AP World History Test Day Checklist
Ready to Pass the AP World History Exam?
Join thousands of students using our AP World History test prep to improve their scores.
START FREE PRACTICE TESTAP World History Exam Questions and Answers
The AP World History Modern exam covers global history from 1200 CE to the present. It assesses students' understanding of cultural, economic, political, and social developments.
The AP World History exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long. It includes multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, a document-based question, and a long essay question.
A score of 3 or higher is generally considered passing. A score of 4 or 5 demonstrates strong mastery and is often required for college credit at selective universities.
There are 9 units in the AP World History course, ranging from the Global Tapestry (1200-1450) to Globalization (1900-present).
The pass rate for the AP World History exam typically hovers around 60-65%. Thorough preparation using practice tests can significantly improve your chances.
You can find comprehensive AP World History test prep materials here on our site, as well as on the College Board website, Khan Academy, and in review books like Princeton Review.
Many students find AP World History challenging due to the large amount of content and the writing skills required. Consistent study and practice are key.
The AP World History DBQ (Document-Based Question) is an essay that requires you to analyze historical documents and construct an argument based on a specific prompt.
The AP World History test date is usually in early May. Check the College Board's official schedule for the exact date and time.
Some schools may offer digital testing options for the AP World History exam. Check with your school's AP coordinator for availability.