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AP World History: Modern

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About the Exam

The AP World History: Modern Exam will test your understanding of the historical concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to analyze primary and secondary sources and identify patterns and connections that can support a historical interpretation.

Thu, May 8, 2025

12 PM Local

AP World History: Modern Exam

This is the regularly scheduled date for the AP World History: Modern Exam.

Exam Components

Section ia: multiple choice.

55 questions 55mins 40% of Score

The questions in the multiple-choice section come in sets of usually 3–4 questions based on the same stimulus. The questions will include one or more sources to respond to such as primary and secondary texts, images (for example, artwork, photos, posters, cartoons), charts, and maps.

You'll be asked to:

Analyze the provided sources
Analyze the historical developments and processes described in the sources

Section IB: Short Answer

3 questions 40mins 20% of Score

In the short-answer section, you’ll write answers to questions in your test booklet. Some questions include texts, images, graphs, or maps.

Question 1  is required, includes 1 or 2 secondary sources, and focuses on historical developments or processes between the years 1200 and 2001.
Question 2   is required, includes 1 primary source, and focuses on historical developments or processes between the years 1200 and 2001.
You can choose between  Question 3   (which focuses on the period from 1200 to 1750) and  Question 4   (which focuses on the period from 1750 to 2001) for the last question. No sources are included for either  Question 3  or  Question 4 .
Analyze historical developments and processes described in the sources
Put those historical developments and processes in context
Make connections between those historical developments and processes

Section II: Free Response

2 questions 1hr 40mins 40% of Score

In the free-response section, you'll write answers to questions in your test booklet. There are two questions: one document-based question and one long essay.

Document-Based Question Recommended Time: 60 Minutes (includes 15-minute reading period) | 25% of Score The 60-minute recommended time for this section includes a 15-minute reading period.

You'll be presented with seven documents that give various perspectives on a historical development or process.
You’ll be asked to develop and support an argument based on these documents and other evidence from your own knowledge.
The topic of the document-based question will include historical developments or processes between the years 1450 and 2001.

Long Essay Question 40 Minutes | 15% of Score

You'll have a choice of three questions; you’ll pick one to answer.
Each tests the same skills but the questions focus on different historical time periods (either the period from c. 1200–1750, from c. 1450–1900, or from c. 1750–2001).
You'll be asked to develop and support an argument based on evidence.

Exam Essentials

Exam preparation, ap classroom resources.

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Free-Response Questions and Scoring Information

Go to the Exam Questions and Scoring Information section on the AP World History: Modern Exam page at AP Central to review the latest released free-response questions and scoring information.

Past Exam Free-Response Questions and Scoring Information

Go to AP Central to review free-response questions and scoring information from past AP World History: Modern exams. 

AP World History: Modern Course and Exam Description

This is the core document for the course. It clearly lays out the course content and describes the exam and the AP Program in general.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for accommodations for the through-course assessment and the end-of-course exam. If you’re using assistive technology and need help accessing the PDFs in this section in another format, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 212-713-8333 or by email at [email protected] . For information about taking AP Exams, or other College Board assessments, with accommodations, visit the Services for Students with Disabilities website.

Credit and Placement