The College Board offers several awards to selected students who take Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
Each year, the AP program recognizes students who have performed exceptionally well on AP examinations. Exams are taken in May and awards are usually granted in July. The following designations can be earned:[1]
| Designation | Criteria |
|---|---|
| AP Scholar | Scores of 3 or better on three or more AP exams |
| AP Scholar with Honor | Scores of 3 or better on four or more AP exams and an average of 3.25 on all* AP exams taken |
| AP Scholar with Distinction | Scores of 3 or better on five or more AP exams and an average of 3.5 on all AP exams taken |
| National AP Scholar* | Scores of 4 or better on eight or more AP exams and an average of 4 on all AP exams. Must be a student in the United States. |
| National AP Scholar (Canada)* | Scores of 4 or better on five or more AP exams and an average of 4 on all AP exams taken. Must be a student in Canada. |
| National AP Scholar (Bermuda)* | Scores of 4 or better on five or more AP exams and an average of 4 on all AP exams taken. Must be a student in Bermuda. |
Previously, State AP Scholar Awards were distributed to the top male and female student of each state. However, the State AP Scholar awards were discontinued as of the May 2020 administration.
*The National AP Scholar Awards were also discontinued following the May 2020 administration.[2]
Note':' "All AP exams taken" refers to all AP exams taken in any year. It is not restricted to the year in which the award is issued.
The AP program also awards the AP International Diploma (APID) for overseas study to students who have applied to colleges outside of the United States that have completed a sequence of AP exams with satisfactory scores. Prior to May 2006, a student had to earn a score of three or better on five or more AP exams in three of the five subject areas shown in the table below, with certain subject area requirements. As of May 2006, the College Board had implemented new requirements for awarding the AP International Diploma.[3]
| Course area | Exams |
|---|---|
| Languages |
|
| Sciences |
|
| Mathematics |
|
| Social Studies |
|
| Fine Arts |
|
