AP Statistics exam 2027: the new format explained
Of all the AP maths and science courses we teach, AP Statistics changes the most this year: a revised five-unit course and a new exam from May 2027. Here is the format, what changed, and how to prepare.
On this page
The May 2027 exam at a glance
| Section | Questions | Time | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| I: Multiple choice | 42, with 4 answer choices each | 1 hour 30 minutes | 50% |
| II: Free response | 4, worth 10 points each | 1 hour 30 minutes | 50% |
From May 2027 the exam is fully digital in the Bluebook app. A graphing calculator is allowed throughout, and you get a printed reference information booklet, which is also available in Bluebook.
What changed
| Up to 2026 | From May 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple-choice questions | 40, with 5 answer choices | 42, with 4 answer choices |
| Free-response questions | 6, worth 4 points each | 4, worth 10 points each |
| Delivery | Hybrid digital | Fully digital |
| Course structure | 9 units | 5 units |
The four free-response questions each have a clear focus:
- one on formulating questions and collecting data (study design);
- one on analysing data and interpreting results;
- one on inference;
- one that combines several practices and content areas.
Four topics have been removed from the course: combining random variables, the geometric distribution, the chi-square goodness-of-fit test and inference for slopes. See the five AP Statistics units for the full new structure.
What it means for your timing
- Multiple choice: about 2 minutes 9 seconds a question. Four answer choices instead of five makes elimination more powerful: always cross out what you can rule out.
- Free response: about 22 minutes a 10-point question. These are longer, connected questions, so read every part before you start and keep each answer in context.
How to prepare
- Learn the five units in order, with the four-step inference structure (state, plan, do, conclude) from Unit 3 onwards. Our hypothesis testing guide walks through it.
- Use older past papers carefully. Most questions still match the course; skip the removed topics. Our AP Statistics past papers page has every public free-response question.
- Practise typing your answers. The exam is fully digital, so practise writing clear statistical explanations on a keyboard, not only on paper.
Common mistakes
- Revising removed topics, such as the geometric distribution, from older books.
- Treating a 10-point free-response question like four separate small ones: the parts build on each other.
- Forgetting context: every conclusion must mention the variables and the population.
Frequently asked questions
Is the AP Statistics exam changing in 2027?
Yes. It becomes fully digital, with 42 multiple-choice questions (4 choices each) and 4 free-response questions worth 10 points each.
How many units are in the new AP Statistics course?
Five: one-variable data and collecting data, probability, inference for proportions, inference for means, and regression analysis.
Is there still an investigative task?
The old sixth question, the investigative task, is replaced by the new structure of 4 questions worth 10 points each, including one that combines several content areas.
Can I use a calculator?
Yes, a graphing calculator is allowed throughout the exam.
Key takeaways
- Fully digital from May 2027: 42 multiple choice (4 choices), 4 free response (10 points each).
- Five units, with four topics removed.
- Practise typing statistical explanations, in context.
Source: College Board, AP Central exam pages and the Clarifications and Exam Updates for 2026-27, checked 20 October 2026.