AP educators across the U.S. will soon have to shift gears in preparing their students for AP exams. The College Board® will transition 28 AP exams from paper to digital formats in May 2025. This shift to the Bluebook™ digital testing application calls for a reimagining of test preparation — just as in the case of the College Board's shift to a digital SAT® format.
We're here to help teachers with these 5 practical strategies for engaging and educating AP students and helping them prepare for these high-stakes tests.
Prep Strategy 1: Introduce Students to the New Format
Paper AP Exam: In the past, preparing students for AP exams meant guiding them through printed test booklets, practicing how to fill in bubbles for multiple-choice questions, and coaching them on how to effectively handwrite free-response answers. AP educators instructed students to use physical reference materials, such as periodic tables and formula sheets, and encouraged them to annotate their test booklets with highlighters and pencils.
Digital AP Shift: To prepare your students for the new digital format, familiarize them with online tools and strategies. Encourage practice with features such as digital highlighting, annotation, and flagging questions, while also assisting them in developing time management skills specific to online testing. Introduce integrated tools such as reference materials and built-in Desmos calculators that can simplify problem-solving.
Although the exams will be hosted on the Bluebook app, your preparation should focus on ensuring that students can efficiently navigate and engage with digital content.1 Utilize digital practice tests and assignments to help students build confidence in the format and develop the necessary skills for success.
Prep Strategy 2: Focus on Test-Taking Skills
Paper AP Exam: Historically, educators concentrated on teaching students how to navigate paper exams effectively. This involved eliminating incorrect answer choices with a pencil and marking questions for review. Students also practiced time management specifically suited to the paper exam format while developing strategies for reading long passages that contained multiple related questions.
Digital AP Shift: Concentrate on helping your students develop test-taking skills tailored to an online setting. Emphasize time management techniques, such as pacing through multiple-choice questions and free-response sections, and encourage them to move on from challenging questions to optimize their scoring potential.2
Promote the use of the process of elimination with digital annotation tools. By concentrating on digitally centered test-taking skills, you can help them develop the confidence needed to excel in this new format.
Prep Strategy 3: Utilize AP Resources
Paper AP Exam: In the past, educators heavily relied on printed materials, such as practice tests and workbooks, to prepare students for paper AP exams. These tools required students to answer questions on physical worksheets and consult static resources such as formula sheets and textbooks.
Digital AP Shift: Utilize advanced online resources to enhance your students' preparation in alignment with the exam's format and tools. Platforms such as UWorld's Courses for AP provide a variety of digital tools that replicate the rigor and structure of AP exams. These resources include practice questions with detailed answer explanations, interactive presentations, and pre-built assessments that will save you time while reinforcing key concepts.
Integrated features including guided notes, polls, and real-time performance tracking will allow you to tailor your instruction to meet individual student needs. Incorporating these resources into daily practice can help ensure your students feel well-prepared for the digital testing environment.
Prep Strategy 4: Bring AP Content into the Classroom
Paper AP Exam: For many years, educators prepared students for AP exams by incorporating relevant skills into their regular lessons. English teachers emphasized reading and writing skills, while math and science instructors addressed topics such as algebra, geometry, and experimental analysis. Printed materials, including practice tests and sample questions, were integrated into classroom activities, and some teachers developed their own resources to reinforce key concepts. Additionally, some schools offered extra prep sessions before or after school to provide further support.
Digital AP Shift: Incorporating exam content into the classroom will now be easier than ever. UWorld's Courses for AP equips you with pre-built assignments, instructional presentations, and guided notes that align with the College Board's course structure. You can directly integrate digital practice questions into your lessons, utilize polling tools to assess student understanding in real-time, and assign online resources for independent practice. These tools simplify daily instruction, helping your students master difficult concepts while adjusting to the digital exam format.
Prep Strategy 5: Prepare Students for Test-Day Logistics
Paper AP Exam: Previously, preparing students for AP exam day involved familiarizing them with the logistics of using paper test booklets and bubble sheets. Teachers helped students navigate important processes, such as bringing approved calculators, managing their time across different sections, and accurately filling out answer sheets to prevent mistakes.
Digital AP Shift: Preparation should emphasize the specific logistics of the online testing environment. Ensure that your students understand that approved Mac and Windows computers, iPads, and school-managed Chromebooks must have the Bluebook app installed.
Stress the importance of arriving with fully charged devices and knowing how to access built-in tools such as calculators and reference materials. Assign your students digital practice exams from UWorld to reduce test-day anxiety and ensure a smooth experience.
Bonus: Staying Informed and Flexible
As educators, it's important to stay informed and adaptable to help your students navigate the transition to digital AP exams. Regularly checking AP Central for updates, resources, and announcements is an effective way to remain current on changes and ensure you have the latest information.
Sixteen AP exams — including AP English Literature and Composition, AP Psychology, and AP United States History — will be fully digital, allowing your students to complete multiple-choice and free-response questions online using the Bluebook app. For the other 12 exams, such as AP Biology and AP Calculus AB, your students will answer multiple-choice questions digitally but will handwrite their free-response answers in paper booklets for submission. Some courses, such as AP Art and Design and AP Music Theory, will retain their current formats.
By staying informed and adapting traditional teaching strategies to focus on digital formats, you can help your students feel confident and prepared for success in this evolving testing environment.
References
- College Board. (n.d.). 28 exams go digital in 2025. AP Central. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/exam-administration-ordering-scores/digital-ap-exams/28-exams-digital-2025
- North Avenue Education. (n.d.). 10 AP test-taking strategies. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://northaveeducation.com/blog/10-ap-test-taking-strategies
