AP Environmental Science Study Hub
Master environmental science concepts—ecosystems, energy, pollution, global change, and more. Explore full APES notes, flashcards, and quizzes for every unit. All you need to excel on the AP exam!
Study by Unit
Ecosystems
Biodiversity
Populations
Earth Systems & Resources
Land & Water Use
Energy Resources
Atmospheric Pollution
Aquatic & Terrestrial Pollution
Global Change
📖 Essential APES Resources
📘 Complete Exam Guide
Comprehensive 2026 exam strategies, scoring breakdowns, formulas, study tips, and unit weightings to maximize your score.
View Exam Guide📄 Quick Reference Cheatsheet
Essential formulas, key concepts, and must-know information condensed into one handy reference guide for rapid review.
Get Cheatsheet📅 Upcoming AP Environmental Science Exam Dates
2026 Exam Date
Exam Duration
Exam Fee (2026)
🗓️ Important Registration Deadlines for 2026
📋 APES Exam Format
Section I (90 minutes, 60% of score): 80 multiple-choice questions including individual, set-based, and quantitative questions covering all major environmental topics
Section II (70 minutes, 40% of score): 3 free response questions: (1) Design an investigation, (2) Analyze environmental problem with solution, (3) Data analysis and application
🎓 College Credit & Placement
Most colleges give credit or advanced placement for qualifying AP Environmental Science scores. Check institutional policies for details.
| AP Score | Qualification | College Credit Potential |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely Well Qualified | Credit at most colleges (3–8 semester hours) |
| 4 | Well Qualified | Credit at many colleges (3–6 semester hours) |
| 3 | Qualified | Credit at some colleges (varies widely) |
| 2 | Possibly Qualified | Rarely qualifies for credit |
| 1 | No Recommendation | No credit awarded |
💡 Pro Tip: Check your target college's AP credit policy. Many top universities require 4 or 5; some accept 3 for credit or placement.
✨ Important Course Information
- Course Prerequisites: None required, but biology and algebra recommended
- Recommended Preparation: Successful completion of environmental science or earth science
- Course Level: College-level environmental science, one semester equivalent
- Typical Credit: 3-8 semester hours (depends on institution)
- Scientific Practices: Focus on experimental design, analysis, mathematical modeling, and environmental problem solving
- Thematic Units: Nine major units including ecosystems, biodiversity, populations, earth systems, land/water use, energy resources, atmospheric/aquatic/terrestrial pollution, and global change
- Data Analysis: Practice with data sets, graphs, and scenario-based applications
- Writing Requirements: Free response answers—design investigations and propose solutions
- Study Time: Expect 4-6 hours homework per week outside class
- Success Rate (2025): Around 69% of students scored 3 or above on APES exam