How Much Does an AP Exam Cost?
Discover how much an AP exam costs in 2025–26. Standard exams are $99 in the U.S. and $129 internationally. Learn about late fees, cancellation fees, and how financial aid can reduce costs.
Understanding the AP exam cost is an important part of preparing for high school and college. As of the 2025–26 school year, the standard AP exam fee is $99 for students in the U.S., U.S. territories, Canada, and Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools. For international students taking the test outside these regions, the fee is generally $129 per exam. Courses like AP Capstone Seminar and AP Research follow the same pricing structure.
Pricing Overview
- Standard exam (U.S. locations): $99 per exam
- International exam: $129 per exam
- AP Capstone exams: Same cost as other AP exams, depending on location
Additional Fees to Note
- Late-order fee: $40 per exam if ordered after the regular deadline, usually in November.
- Unused or canceled exam: $40 fee if you cancel after the deadline or do not take an exam you registered for.
Financial Aid & Fee Reductions
- College Board fee reduction: Eligible students can receive $37 off per exam.
- School or state subsidies: Many schools or districts cover additional costs, sometimes reducing the total fee to as little as $10 per exam.
- Eligibility: Fee reductions are often based on family income, participation in free or reduced-price lunch programs, or similar financial assistance qualifications.
Price Variations by Context
| Location / Exam Type | Baseline Fee | Possible Reductions / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U.S., territories, Canada | $99 | Eligible students may pay significantly less |
| International Exam | $129 | Same pricing for Capstone, shipping costs may apply |
| Late Order Penalty | +$40 | Applies if ordered after the deadline |
| Cancelled/Unused Exams | $40 | Charged for canceled or skipped exams |
| Fee-Reduced Students | Varies | Can lower cost to $10 or less in some cases |
The AP exam cost varies by location, exam type, and registration timing. Most students in the U.S. pay $99, while international students pay $129. Late registration or cancellations can increase expenses, but fee reductions and subsidies allow many students to pay much less—sometimes as low as $10 per exam.