AP Computer Science Principles is designed for students with no programming background and is the introductory AP in computer science. The course covers five units: creative development, data, algorithms and programming, computer systems and networks, and impact of computing. Algorithms and programming carries 30% to 35% and impact of computing carries 21% to 26%; these are the two highest-weighted units.
The AP Computer Science Principles Exam and Create Task
The score has two parts: a 3-hour written exam in May, and the Create Performance Task completed in class. For the task, each student independently develops a program and submits the code, a video demonstration, and written responses. The College Board requires at least 9 class hours for the task. The written responses must explain the algorithm’s logic and the use of abstraction. This is the focus of scoring, and it is also where students most often write too little.
Where Students Struggle in AP Computer Science Principles
- Written explanation: Both the free response on the written exam and the written responses for the Create task require students to explain how a program works in precise terms. Students who can write code but cannot explain it do not score well.
- Broad conceptual coverage: Networks, data compression, encryption, and the social impact of computing have little to do with programming. Students need to learn and understand them separately.
- Score distribution: The share of 5s is relatively low among AP exams. The reason is the writing demand of the Create task and the free response, not the difficulty of the programming.
How EDUBUS Teaches AP Computer Science Principles
The course moves unit by unit, and programming starts from zero with no prior experience assumed. The Create task receives separate coaching. Students move step by step from choosing a topic and designing features to writing the code and the written responses, and each item is checked against the College Board scoring guidelines. For the written exam, the class moves to full timed practice exams in spring.
AP Computer Science Principles or AP Computer Science A
CSP suits two groups of students. The first group has no programming experience and wants an overview of computer science first. The second group already has a full schedule and wants to add an AP with a lighter workload. For students planning to apply to computing-related majors, we recommend CSP as a starting point followed by AP Computer Science A, or taking CSA directly once the foundation is strong enough. Course availability at each school appears in the availability section below and in the Irvine Unified School District high school guide.
AP Computer Science Principles Class Formats
Mainly 1-on-1, online or in person; small groups open with enough enrollment.
How to Start AP Computer Science Principles at EDUBUS
Start with a placement assessment. We use it to set the level and class, then confirm the year plan with the family. For schedules, tuition, and bundle offers, request the 2026-27 program guide through the form below.
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Contact a course advisorHow the AP Computer Science Principles Exam Is Built
Sections drawn to their share of the score; the wider the block, the more practice it deserves.
| Section | Questions | Time | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| End-of-course multiple choice (57 single-select, 5 passage-based, 8 multi-select) | 70 | 2 hr | 70% |
| Create Performance Task: program, video, reference + 2 written responses on exam day | 2 | 1 hr | 30% |
AP Computer Science Principles Units and Exam Weighting
Each ruler segment equals the unit’s midpoint exam weight. The yellow unit carries the most points and gets the most class time.
- 1Creative Development10–13%
- 2Data17–22%
- 3Algorithms and Programming30–35%
- 4Computer Systems and Networks11–15%
- 5Impact of Computing21–26%
AP Computer Science Principles Global Score Distribution 2026
Out of every 100 test takers.
AP Computer Science Principles at Irvine Public High Schools
Whether each school offers it, which grades can enroll, the gate, and last year’s results. Updates with the school guides.
Portola High School
University High School
IUSD Course-Selection Rules for AP Computer Science Principles
Which grade can take this AP at each school, what the prerequisites are, and how weighted GPA is calculated. Confirm with the school's current course catalog before choosing.
- Portola High School: Grade 10 has a single AP option, AP Human Geography, which the school calls the "grade 10 choice." The large majority of AP courses are for grades 11 and 12. AP Precalculus, AP Statistics, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Computer Science A open from grade 10 subject to math prerequisites. Restricted to grade 12 are AP Physics C, AP English Language, AP United States Government together with Honors Political Economy, AP 3-D Design, and Honors Engineering Design and Development. Grade 9 students may not sit an AP exam at the school unless they have taken the course or the Irvine Unified School District GATE office approves it on the basis of existing preparation.
- University High School: No AP courses are offered in grade 9. From grade 10, students may take AP Precalculus, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Statistics, and AP Cybersecurity. AP United States History is offered in grade 10 on the condition that the student earned Honors Distinction in both semesters of World History. Most AP courses are concentrated in grades 11 and 12.
AP CSP: Frequently Asked Questions
Can a complete beginner take this course?
Yes. The College Board designed AP Computer Science Principles for students with no coding background. It covers computational thinking, data, algorithms and programming, computer systems and networks, and the impact of computing. The impact unit alone carries 21 to 26 percent and requires no programming experience.
What is the Create task and how long does it take?
The Create Performance Task is a coursework project made up of a program, a video, and a written response. It is worth 30 percent of the score, and the College Board requires at least 9 class hours for it. Two written questions about the project appear on exam day.
How does this course differ from AP CSA for Irvine students?
CSP is a conceptual introduction; AP CSA is a Java programming course equivalent to a first-year college class. CSP does not fix a programming language and emphasizes understanding over syntax. The common order is CSP first and CSA second; availability at each Irvine school is listed in the section above.
How do Irvine public high school students score on this exam?
In 2026, 63 percent scored 3 or higher but only 10 percent scored 5 worldwide, which is low among AP exams. School-level numbers for Irvine appear in the section above. The Create task accounts for 30 percent and is graded against detailed criteria, and most lost points come from the written response and the video rather than the code.
How do Irvine students take this course?
Mainly 1-on-1, online or in person on an hours package, with small groups opening when enrollment allows. Coaching covers the Create Performance Task from topic choice through the written response, revising each section against the published scoring criteria.
