How long is the AP Physics C Mechanics exam?
The AP Physics C: Mechanics exam is 3 hours long. Section I has 42 multiple-choice questions in 85 minutes, and Section II has 4 free-response questions in 95 minutes. Each section is worth 50% of your score. In 2027 the exam is on Monday, May 3, in Session 1, and it is a hybrid digital exam: multiple choice in the Bluebook app, free responses handwritten in a paper booklet.
In more detail
The format changed for May 2027: College Board updated the number of multiple-choice questions and the timing of each section. If a practice test you find online shows different numbers, it follows the older format, so adjust your timer to 85 and 95 minutes.
Section I gives you about 2 minutes per question (85 minutes for 42). Questions are single questions or sets that share a stimulus or data set. Section II gives you about 24 minutes per question (95 minutes for 4). You get one question of each type: mathematical routines, translation between representations, experimental design and analysis, and qualitative/quantitative translation. Calculators are permitted.
You answer multiple choice in Bluebook and read the free-response questions there, but you write your free responses by hand in a paper booklet, so practice full handwritten solutions with units and a clear line of reasoning. Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is a separate exam, on Wednesday, May 5, in Session 2. Check-in and instructions come on top of the 3 hours, and your AP coordinator tells you when and where to report.
AP Physics C: Mechanics exam timing (College Board, May 2027)
| Section | Questions | Time | Share of score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section I: multiple choice (in Bluebook) | 42 | 1 h 25 min | 50% |
| Section II: free response (handwritten) | 4 | 1 h 35 min | 50% |
| Total | 46 | 3 h | 100% |
Step by step
- 1
Take one full practice exam in one sitting: 85 minutes of multiple choice, then 95 minutes of free response. If your practice exam uses the old format, adjust the timer.
- 2
Pace multiple choice at about 2 minutes per question and flag the ones you guessed.
- 3
Give each free-response question about 24 minutes. Plan your approach and write the equation before you calculate.
- 4
Write your free responses by hand, since that is how you answer on exam day.
- 5
Practice each of the four free-response types, so none of them is new on exam day.
- 6
Score yourself with the official scoring guidelines and review the topics behind your misses.
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See also
More questions
How many questions are on the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam?
46 in total in the May 2027 format: 42 multiple-choice questions and 4 free-response questions.
Can you use a calculator on the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam?
Yes. Calculators are permitted, and the College Board publishes a list of approved models in its calculator policy.
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