Exam: Thursday, May 13, 2027 (afternoon)

AP Environmental Science

Everything for the AP Environmental Science exam on Thursday, May 13, 2027 (afternoon): the official units and how much each is worth, the exam format, how long the exam is, how to study, and a free week-by-week study plan.

Days you can study

We suggest about 8–12 weeks before the exam, alongside your class. Your settings are saved in this browser.

Your APES study plan

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Set up your APES plan in the free StudyCoach Study Planner with every section and topic ready. It schedules daily tasks to your test date, tracks your progress and streak, and adds reminders to your calendar.

What's on the AP Environmental Science exam

APES sections, questions and timing
SectionQuestionsTime
Section I: Multiple choice80 questions1 hour 30 minutes (60%)
Section II: Free response3 questions1 hour 10 minutes (40%)

Calculators are permitted (see the AP Exams Calculator Policy).

Estimate your APES scoreEnter your practice test points and see your estimated AP score from 1 to 5.

APES units and exam weightings

  1. Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems6–8%
  2. Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity6–8%
  3. Unit 3: Populations10–15%
  4. Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources10–15%
  5. Unit 5: Land and Water Use10–15%
  6. Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption10–15%
  7. Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution7–10%
  8. Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution7–10%
  9. Unit 9: Global Change15–20%

How to study for the AP Environmental Science exam

  1. Prioritise Global ChangeGlobal Change is 15–20% of the exam, the most of any unit.
  2. Practise calculationsFree response includes calculations, often with unit conversions; show your work.
  3. Learn causes, effects and solutionsFor each environmental problem, know its causes, its effects and at least one solution.
  4. Read data carefullyMany questions are built around graphs, tables and maps.

How long should you study for the AP Environmental Science exam?

The AP Environmental Science exam takes 2 hours 40 minutes. For studying, we suggest steady review alongside your class through the year, then about 8–12 weeks of focused exam preparation at 3–5 hours a week before Thursday, May 13, 2027.

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APES study plan FAQs

When is the APES exam in 2027?

The AP Environmental Science exam is on Thursday, May 13, 2027 (afternoon), according to College Board's 2027 AP Exam schedule. Your AP coordinator confirms the time and room.

How long is the APES exam?

The exam takes 2 hours 40 minutes: multiple choice (80 questions, 1 hour 30 minutes (60%)); free response (3 questions, 1 hour 10 minutes (40%)).

Is APES hard?

APES is often seen as one of the more approachable AP science courses, with less math than chemistry or physics. It covers a lot of content, so steady review is the main challenge.

What units are on the APES exam?

The course has 9 units: 1. The Living World: Ecosystems (6–8%); 2. The Living World: Biodiversity (6–8%); 3. Populations (10–15%); 4. Earth Systems and Resources (10–15%); 5. Land and Water Use (10–15%); 6. Energy Resources and Consumption (10–15%); 7. Atmospheric Pollution (7–10%); 8. Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution (7–10%); 9. Global Change (15–20%).

How do I study for APES?

Prioritise Global Change. Practise calculations. Learn causes, effects and solutions. Read data carefully. Use the free study plan above to spread your review across every unit before the exam.

More AP subjects

Free practice tests for every unit:

Guides and study plans:

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StudyCoach isn't affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations that make the AP Environmental Science exam (AP® is a trademark of College Board). Check the official website for test dates, registration and the latest format.

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