The Ultimate Guide to AP Computer Science Principles
What to Know, How to Prepare & Free Study Resources
AP Computer Science Principles is designed to be the "big picture" computer science course. While AP CSA dives deep into Java programming, CSP takes a broader approach — covering how the internet works, how data is represented and analyzed, the impact of computing on society, and the fundamentals of programming and algorithms.
It's one of the most beginner-friendly AP courses. You don't need prior coding experience, and the course can be taught in any programming language (Python, JavaScript, Scratch, or others). If you're curious about technology and its role in the world, CSP is a great starting point.
Here's everything you need to know about the AP CSP exam.
What Does AP CSP Cover?
The course is organized around 5 Big Ideas:
| Big Idea | Topics | Exam Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Creative Development | Program design, collaboration, iterative development, documentation | 10–13% |
| 2: Data | Binary, data compression, metadata, data collection & analysis, cleaning data | 17–22% |
| 3: Algorithms & Programming | Variables, conditionals, loops, functions, lists, algorithms, debugging | 30–35% |
| 4: Computing Systems & Networks | Internet protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS), fault tolerance, parallel/distributed computing | 11–15% |
| 5: Impact of Computing | Digital divide, bias in algorithms, crowdsourcing, legal/ethical issues, cybersecurity | 21–26% |
Big Idea 3 (Algorithms & Programming) dominates at up to 35% of the exam. You need to read, trace, and understand code — even if you don't write it during the MC section. Big Idea 5 (Impact of Computing) is the second-largest section, and it covers the societal and ethical dimensions of technology.
The Exam Format
The AP CSP exam has two components:
End-of-Course Exam (70% of score)
- 70 multiple-choice questions in 120 minutes
- Includes single-select and multiple-select questions
- Questions use a pseudocode reference (not any specific programming language)
- Covers all 5 Big Ideas with emphasis on programming logic and data analysis
Create Performance Task (30% of score)
- Completed during class time (minimum 12 hours)
- You build a program that includes: an input, a list, a procedure with a parameter, an algorithm with sequencing/selection/iteration, and output
- You submit: your program code, a video demo, and written responses about your development process
- This is done before the exam and submitted to College Board
The Create Task is a significant part of your score. Don't treat it as an afterthought — plan it carefully and make sure it meets every requirement.
Study Tips That Actually Work for AP CSP
1. Learn to Read Pseudocode Fluently
The entire MC section uses College Board's pseudocode, which looks different from Python or JavaScript. Practice reading pseudocode blocks, especially ones involving lists, loops, and conditionals. The AP CSP reference sheet is available on College Board's website — study it.
2. Understand Binary and Data Representation
Questions about binary numbers, data compression (lossy vs. lossless), overflow errors, and how data is stored come up frequently. Practice converting between binary and decimal, and understand how images, sounds, and text are represented digitally.
3. Know How the Internet Works
You don't need to be a network engineer, but you do need to understand: how data travels in packets, what TCP/IP and HTTP do, how DNS resolves domain names, what makes the internet fault-tolerant, and the difference between the internet and the World Wide Web.
4. Think Critically About Computing's Impact
Big Idea 5 questions ask about real-world implications: algorithmic bias, the digital divide, data privacy, intellectual property, and cybersecurity. These aren't just opinion questions — the exam expects you to analyze trade-offs and identify specific consequences.
5. Start Your Create Task Early
Don't wait until the last week. Plan your program, make sure it includes all required components (especially the procedure with a parameter and the algorithm), and test thoroughly. Your written responses matter as much as the code itself.
6. Practice Multiple-Select Questions
Unlike most AP exams, CSP includes questions where you must select two correct answers. These are trickier than they look — practice identifying all correct options, not just the most obvious one.
Get Your Free AP Computer Science Principles Vocabulary Guide
We created a comprehensive AP Computer Science Principles Vocabulary & Key Concepts Guide for the exam, and it's completely free.
Here's what's inside:
- 60+ essential terms covering all 5 Big Ideas
- Clear definitions written for students, not engineers
- Key details and examples connecting abstract concepts to real-world technology
- Big Idea weight breakdowns so you know where to focus
- Exam format guide including Create Performance Task requirements
- Pseudocode tips to help you read and trace code on exam day
From binary to TCP/IP to algorithmic bias — every concept the AP CSP exam tests is covered.
🎀 [Download the Free AP Computer Science Principles Vocabulary Guide]
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