What’s New in Advanced Placement (AP) in 2025 and beyond

The Advanced Placement (AP) program is undergoing significant transformations to align with the evolving educational landscape and workforce demands. From introducing career-oriented courses to expanding digital exam offerings, these changes aim to provide students with relevant skills and streamlined assessment methods.

Career-Oriented AP Courses: Bridging Education and Industry

Recognizing the importance of practical skills in today's job market, the College Board is launching the AP Career Kickstart initiative. This program introduces courses that blend academic rigor with real-world applications, preparing students for high-demand careers.

• AP Cybersecurity: A two-year pathway covering networking fundamentals and cybersecurity principles. Students will engage in hands-on activities, learning to protect systems against cyber threats.

• AP Business Principles/Personal Finance: This course offers insights into business operations and personal financial management, equipping students with essential life skills.

These courses are set to launch nationally in the 2026–2027 academic year, with pilot programs commencing in select schools during the 2025–2026 school year.

Embracing Digital: The Shift in AP Exam Administration

To modernize the testing experience and enhance accessibility, the College Board is transitioning many AP exams to a digital format. Starting in May 2025, 28 AP exams will be administered digitally, including subjects like AP English Language and Composition, AP Psychology, and AP Computer Science Principles.

The digital exams will be conducted through the Bluebook application, offering features such as built-in calculators and annotation tools. This shift aims to streamline the testing process while maintaining the integrity and rigor of AP assessments.

Updates to Existing Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

In addition to new course offerings, several existing AP courses are undergoing revisions to stay current with academic and industry standards:

• AP Biology: The course framework is being updated to provide clearer guidance on essential content and to enhance student engagement with biological concepts.

• AP Physics: Revisions across all AP Physics courses aim to standardize exam formats and improve coherence in content delivery.

These updates are scheduled for implementation in the 2025–2026 academic year.

Looking Ahead: Potential New Courses

The College Board is exploring the development of additional AP courses to meet the growing interest in fields like health sciences and information technology. While specific details are forthcoming, these prospective courses reflect the program's commitment to expanding educational opportunities in emerging disciplines.

What Students Should Expect

• Enhanced Career Preparation: The introduction of career-focused courses provides students with practical skills applicable to various industries.

• Modernized Testing Experience: The shift to digital exams offers a more streamlined and accessible assessment process.

• Updated Curriculum Content: Revisions to existing courses ensure that content remains relevant and aligned with current academic standards.

FAQ

Q: When will the new AP Career Kickstart courses be available?

A: Pilot programs for AP Cybersecurity and AP Business Principles/Personal Finance will begin in the 2025–2026 school year, with full national implementation in 2026–2027.

Q: Which AP exams will/have transitioned to digital format in 2025?

A: Starting in May 2025, 28 AP exams, including AP English Language and Composition, AP Psychology, and AP Computer Science Principles, will be administered digitally.

Q: Are there plans for additional AP courses in other fields?

A: The College Board is considering developing new AP courses in areas such as health sciences and information technology, though specific timelines have not been announced.