AP World History Exam Format

Learn about the AP World History exam format, including the multiple-choice and free-response sections, timing, scoring, and preparation strategies.

The AP World History: Modern exam in 2025 is a comprehensive, 3 hour 15 minute test covering historical developments from circa 1200 CE to the present.

The exam format is similar to previous years in structure, but starting in 2025 it is administered fully digitally via the College Board's Bluebook application. Below is a detailed breakdown of the exam's sections, including timing, question types, scoring weight, and the key skills each section assesses, followed by study tips and strategies – from document analysis practice to time management – tailored to this 2025 format.

Exam Structure and Timing Overview

The AP World History: Modern exam is divided into two sections: Section I (multiple-choice and short-answer questions) and Section II (free-response questions). All answers – both multiple-choice and written responses – are entered in the digital testing app. The table below summarizes the structure:

Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes (excluding breaks). In the digital format, all responses are automatically submitted at the end of the allotted time.

Section I: Multiple-Choice and Short-Answer

Section I lasts 95 minutes in total and is split into Part A (multiple-choice) and Part B (short-answer). This section accounts for 60% of your exam score (40% from Part A and 20% from Part B).

Part A: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Format: 55 multiple-choice questions in 55 minutes. Questions are grouped in sets of usually 3–4 questions that all relate to a given stimulus or source. Each stimulus could be a primary/secondary text excerpt, image (e.g. artwork or political cartoon), map, or chart, accompanied by several questions.

• What's Tested: These questions assess your ability to analyze historical sources and apply your knowledge of world history. You will need to interpret the provided sources and understand the historical developments or processes illustrated by them. For example, you might examine a passage from a historical document or a data graph and answer questions about its significance or context.

• Scoring: Each MCQ is worth one raw point, and only correct answers count (there is no penalty for guessing). The total from this section makes up 40% of your exam score. It's essential to answer all 55 questions, using the process of elimination on tough questions since blank answers and wrong answers have the same effect (no points awarded or deducted).

Part B: Short-Answer Questions (SAQs)

• Format: 3 short-answer questions to be answered in 40 minutes. SAQs require concise written responses (typically a few sentences per part). Question 1 and Question 2 are required: Q1 provides one or two secondary source excerpts, and Q2 provides one primary source – both will ask about historical developments or processes between 1200 and 2001. Question 3 and Question 4 offer a choice: you will answer either Q3 or Q4. These have no source stimulus; Q3 focuses on the period 1200–1750, and Q4 on 1750–2001.

• What's Tested: SAQs assess your skill in analyzing sources and historical scenarios succinctly. For the source-based questions (Q1 & Q2), you might be asked to identify and explain the author's point of view, purpose, or historical situation of the excerpt provided. For the no-source question (Q3 or Q4), you'll draw on your knowledge to explain historical examples or trends. Common tasks include putting developments in context and making connections (such as comparing different regions or time periods). Each SAQ typically has 2–3 parts (labeled a, b, c) that you must address with specific evidence or examples.

• Scoring: Each SAQ is scored on a 0–3 point scale, based on how well you answer all parts of the question with accurate and relevant information. Across the three SAQs, you can earn up to 9 raw points total, which corresponds to 20% of the exam score. To score full points, be direct and specific: address every part of the prompt, use evidence, and avoid generalities. Partial credit is possible (e.g. you might get 2/3 points if you answer two parts correctly but not the third).

Section II: Free-Response (DBQ and LEQ)

Section II lasts 1 hour 40 minutes and consists of two essay questions: one Document-Based Question (DBQ) and one Long Essay Question (LEQ). This section as a whole contributes 40% of the exam score (25% DBQ and 15% LEQ). You will type your essays into the Bluebook application's text boxes, rather than handwrite, so practice planning and typing your essays within the time limits.

Document-Based Question (DBQ)

• Format: 1 DBQ in 60 minutes (including a recommended 15-minute reading period). The DBQ provides seven historical documents (which may include texts, images, charts, etc.) that offer different perspectives on a certain historical development or process. You must write an essay that incorporates evidence from these documents and your own knowledge of history. The DBQ on the AP World History exam will focus on a topic within the period c. 1450 to c. 2001.

• What's Tested: The DBQ evaluates your ability to analyze and synthesize historical evidence and formulate a coherent argument. You'll need to examine each document's content and context (who wrote/created it, when and why) and use them to support an original thesis responding to the prompt. In your essay, expect to "develop and support an argument based on these documents and other evidence from your own knowledge". Key skills include understanding the point of view or purpose of documents, grouping them in meaningful ways, and bringing in relevant outside information not contained in the docs. This question heavily tests document analysis, contextualization, and argumentation skills in tandem.

• Scoring: The DBQ is scored with a 7-point rubric. Points are typically awarded for a clear thesis/claim, use of context, use of evidence from documents (and effectively explaining how the evidence supports your argument), sourcing of documents (explaining author's perspective or purpose), use of outside evidence beyond the docs, and demonstration of a complex understanding of the topic. Earning all 7 points requires a well-organized essay that uses the majority of the documents effectively and includes insightful analysis. The DBQ score comprises 25% of your total exam score.

Long Essay Question (LEQ)

• Format: 1 long essay in 40 minutes. You will have a choice among three LEQ prompts and must choose one to answer. All three questions measure the same reasoning skills, but each focuses on a different time range: one will cover c. 1200–1750, another c. 1450–1900, and another c. 1750–2001. For example, one prompt might ask about causes of a phenomenon in the early modern period, another about changes and continuities in the 19th century, and another about comparisons in the modern era.

• What's Tested: The LEQ assesses your ability to craft a historical argument in essay form, using evidence from your knowledge (no documents provided). You must develop a thesis in response to the question and support it with specific examples. The skills emphasized include argumentation (making a defensible claim and supporting it) and historical reasoning – for instance, you might be asked to explain causes and effects, compare different regions or periods, or discuss patterns of continuity and change over time. Essentially, the LEQ tests how well you can explain and analyze significant issues in world history, backed by evidence. It's crucial to stay focused on the exact prompt and frame your essay with proper context and analysis rather than just narrating events.

• Scoring: The LEQ is scored with a 6-point rubric. Typically, the rubric awards points for a clear thesis, contextualization (setting the stage for your argument), use of evidence (specific facts) to support your claims, analysis and reasoning (explaining how the evidence supports the argument, addressing the prompt's specific skill like comparison/causation/continuity and change), and demonstrating complexity (such as considering counterarguments or multiple variables). A strong essay that addresses all parts of the question and provides well-explained evidence can earn the full 6 points. The LEQ score makes up 15% of the exam score.

Key Skills Assessed by the Exam

The AP World History: Modern exam is designed to gauge not just factual recall, but a range of historical thinking skills. Throughout all sections of the test, students are expected to demonstrate the following core skills:

• Analyzing Historical Sources: You will examine primary and secondary sources (texts, images, data) for their content, point of view, purpose, and reliability. This includes interpreting evidence and identifying the author's perspective or bias in documents.

• Developing Historical Arguments: The exam tests your ability to craft and support an argument about the past. Both the DBQ and LEQ explicitly require a clear thesis and supporting evidence, but argumentation is also present in SAQs when explaining significance. You must logically organize information and draw conclusions about historical questions.

• Making Connections (Contextualization and Synthesis): Successful answers will connect specific events or sources to broader historical contexts and themes. You should be able to place developments in context and make connections across time and place – for example, linking an event to regional or global trends, comparing different societies, or identifying cause-and-effect relationships. This encompasses skills of comparison (similarities/differences), causation (causes and consequences), and continuity and change over time.

• Using Reasoning Processes: The exam assesses reasoning related to comparison, causation, and continuity/change as distinct skills. You may be asked to compare societies, explain why an event occurred (causal analysis), or analyze what changed and what stayed the same over a period. These reasoning skills often underpin the essay prompts and even some multiple-choice and short-answer questions.

• Synthesis and Complexity: Especially in the essays, high-scoring responses demonstrate a complex understanding – for instance, recognizing nuance, exploring multiple perspectives, or linking a specific topic to other historical periods or themes. This skill is reflected in the highest rubric points for DBQ/LEQ and shows that you can think like a historian, not just memorize facts.

By practicing these skills, you prepare yourself to tackle any question type on the exam. The AP World History course and exam put emphasis on critical thinking and historical analysis over rote memorization.

Study Tips and Strategies for the 2025 Exam

Preparing effectively for the AP World History exam requires combining content knowledge with skill practice. Here are some study tips and tricks tailored to the 2025 exam format:

• Get Familiar with the Digital Format: Because the 2025 exam is delivered via Bluebook, practice with the testing application beforehand. If possible, take a practice exam or write sample essays in the Bluebook interface (or a similar word processor) to get used to reading sources and typing under timed conditions. The College Board recommends that students "familiarize themselves with the Bluebook testing application before the exam". This will help you avoid technical hiccups and make you comfortable with features like highlighting text on screen or navigating between questions.

• Practice Document Analysis: Since the DBQ and many Section I questions involve documents, work on your ability to quickly analyze written and visual sources. Take practice DBQs from previous exams and spend time examining each document's historical context, author's point of view, purpose, and audience. Try summarizing the main idea of a source and explaining how it relates to a historical development. Strengthening your document analysis techniques will pay off on the DBQ and even in source-based multiple-choice or short-answer questions. A good exercise is to take a primary source and ask yourself: "What is the author's claim, and what does this tell me about the historical situation?"

• Develop DBQ Essay Skills: When practicing DBQs, focus on organization and evidence usage. Always spend the first ~15 minutes of the DBQ time reading the documents and planning: outline your thesis and decide which documents will support each part of your argument. As you write, cite or refer to all or most of the documents to back up your points, and bring in at least one piece of relevant outside knowledge not found in the docs (for that extra evidence point). Make sure you also provide reasoning for why the evidence supports your thesis. For instance, don't just quote a document – explain what it shows and how it proves your argument. Practicing under timed conditions is key; review the scoring rubric to understand how points are awarded for thesis, evidence, sourcing, and complexity. Over time, aim to write DBQ essays that you can self-check against the 7-point rubric.

• Master the Long Essay (LEQ): For the LEQ, practice outlining and writing essays for a variety of prompts (comparative, causation, continuity/change). Plan your answer before writing: quickly brainstorm your thesis and the 3–4 strongest pieces of evidence or examples you can recall for that prompt. Make sure your essay has a clear structure: an intro with thesis, body paragraphs each making a distinct point with evidence, and a brief conclusion. Focus on directly answering all parts of the question – if the prompt says "evaluate the extent of change," ensure you address what changed and what stayed the same. Use specific historical examples (names, dates, events) to support general statements. Practicing past LEQs and reviewing high-scoring sample responses can show you how to earn points on the 6-point rubric. Over time, this will help you develop well-structured historical arguments for the LEQ.

• Manage Your Time During the Exam: Time management is critical in a lengthy exam. During Section I, pace yourself on the multiple-choice – roughly 1 minute per question on average. If a question is taking too long, make your best guess and move on (you can flag it in the digital app and come back if time allows). For the 3 short-answer questions, try to spend about 12–13 minutes per SAQ, budgeting a few minutes to think and then roughly 3-4 minutes to write each part (a, b, c). In Section II, use the recommended 15-minute reading period for the DBQ to read documents and outline your essay before writing in the remaining 45 minutes. Keep an eye on the clock so you don't spend so much time on the DBQ that you can't complete the LEQ. Aim to start the LEQ with at least 40 minutes left. As the College Board advises, "Monitor your time carefully. Make sure not to spend too much time on any one question so that you have enough time to answer all of them." Finishing all parts of the exam is crucial – a blank essay or unanswered SAQ will cost you more points than a rushed conclusion.

• Use Practice Exams and Feedback: Take full-length practice exams periodically to build endurance and identify areas for improvement. After each practice test, review your answers – figure out why you missed questions and how to improve. For essays, compare your responses with the scoring guidelines and sample high-scoring essays (available on AP Central). This will help you gauge if you're providing enough analysis and evidence. Consistent practice will also make you faster and more confident on exam day. Teachers and prep books often have practice questions that mimic the AP format; use these to drill both content and skills. Over the year, regular practice and reflection will enhance your analytical skills and boost your overall confidence.