AP Computer Science Principles


Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles is an AP Computer Science course and examination offered by the College Board to high school students as an opportunity to earn college credit for a college-level computing course. AP Computer Science Principles is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester course in computing. Assessment for AP Computer Science Principles is divided into two parts, both an end of course exam as well as the creation of artifacts throughout the course.
The AP Computer Science Principles Exam was administered for the first time on May 5, 2017.

Topic Outline

Curriculum Overview
The framework focuses on computational thinking practices which are applied throughout the curriculum. The concept outline included in the curriculum is divided into seven units called "Big Ideas". Each unit contains a series of "Learning Objectives". Each "Learning Objective" is a general benchmark of student performance or understanding which has an associated "Enduring Understanding". An "Enduring Understanding" is a core comprehension which students should retain well after completing the course. Each "Learning Objective" is split into multiple "Essential Knowledge" standards, which are specific facts or content which the student must know to demonstrate mastery of the learning objective when assessed.
Computational Thinking PracticesConcept Outline

  • P1: Connecting Computing
  • P2: Creating Computational Artifacts
  • P3: Abstracting
  • P4: Analyzing Problems and Artifacts
  • P5: Communicating
  • P6: Collaborating
  • Big Idea 1: Creativity
  • Big Idea 2: Abstraction
  • Big Idea 3: Data and Information
  • Big Idea 4: Algorithms
  • Big Idea 5: Computer Programming
  • Big Idea 6: The Internet
  • Big Idea 7: Global Impact

    • Assessment

    Through-Course Assessment
    End-of-Course AP Exam
    Score2017201820192020
    514%14.4%13.6%10.8%
    421.6%21.6%21.1%23.3%
    339%36.7%38.0%36.6%
    218.5%19.7%19.0%17.5%
    16.9%7.6%8.3%11.8%
    % of 3 or Higher74.6%72.7%72.7%
    Mean3.173.113.13
    Number of Students44,33072,18796,105