AP Computer Science Principles has two assessed components: the Create Performance Task (30%) submitted before the exam, and the End-of-Course Exam (70%) which includes selected-response and written-response questions.
Create Performance Task (30% of score)
The Create PT requires a program of at least 13 lines of code, a video demonstration, and a written response. It is scored on 6 rubric rows, each worth 1 point:
- Row 1: Program demonstrates a purpose or function.
- Row 2: Code includes input from the user, a device, or online data.
- Row 3: Program includes at least one list (or collection type) and uses it meaningfully.
- Row 4: A student-developed procedure with a parameter that affects program behavior.
- Row 5: Written response explains an algorithm implemented in the procedure.
- Row 6: Testing — two calls to the procedure with different argument values, plus description of the expected results.
End-of-Course Written Responses
The exam includes written-response questions about data, computing innovations, and the impacts of computing. These require concise written answers — 1-3 sentences per subpart — not essays. Identify the innovation, explain how it uses data, and address a beneficial and harmful effect.
AP CSP Practice · AP CSP Study Guide · How to Get a 5 on AP CSP
What AP Computer Science free response rewards
AP CSA free response is four code-writing questions — methods and control structures, classes, array/ArrayList, and 2D arrays. The rubric awards points for correct logic even with minor syntax slips, so attempting every part and following the given method signatures exactly matters more than perfect compilation. AP CSP's written responses center on explaining your Create performance-task program plus exam questions on algorithms and data.
The mistakes that cost the most points
- Not matching the required method signature or return type.
- Off-by-one and boundary errors on array traversal.
- Leaving parts blank — partial logic still earns rubric points.
- CSP: describing what the code does instead of how the algorithm works.
AimFive grades your free-response answers point-by-point on the official rubric with published accuracy data — write one and see exactly which points you earned. Start practicing free.
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