Exam: Thursday, May 6, 2027 (morning)

AP World History: Modern

Everything for the AP World History: Modern exam on Thursday, May 6, 2027 (morning): 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.

Your AP World History study plan

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Set up your AP World History 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 World History: Modern exam

AP World History sections, questions and timing
Section	Questions	Time
Section I, Part A: Multiple choice	55 questions	55 minutes (40%)
Section I, Part B: Short answer	3 questions	40 minutes (20%)
Section II: Document-based question	1 question	1 hour recommended, incl. 15-minute reading (25%)
Section II: Long essay	1 question	40 minutes recommended (15%)

From May 2027, all three short-answer questions are required and include sources, and the long essay is restructured so you can use the evidence you know best (AP History Exam Updates). Course content hasn't changed.

Free practice tests

AP World History practice tests for every unit

Original source-based multiple-choice questions for all 9 units, with every answer explained, plus a full-length practice exam. No sign-up needed.

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

AP World History units and exam weightings

Unit 1: The Global Tapestry (c. 1200–c. 1450)8–10%
Unit 2: Networks of Exchange (c. 1200–c. 1450)8–10%
Unit 3: Land-Based Empires (c. 1450–c. 1750)12–15%
Unit 4: Transoceanic Interconnections (c. 1450–c. 1750)12–15%
Unit 5: Revolutions (c. 1750–c. 1900)12–15%
Unit 6: Consequences of Industrialization (c. 1750–c. 1900)12–15%
Unit 7: Global Conflict (c. 1900–present)8–10%
Unit 8: Cold War and Decolonization (c. 1900–present)8–10%
Unit 9: Globalization (c. 1900–present)8–10%

How to study for the AP World History: Modern exam

Learn the big themes, not just datesOrganise each period around themes like trade networks, state-building, belief systems and economic change, so you can compare regions in essays.
Weight your time by unitUnits 3–6 (c. 1450–1900) carry 12–15% each, the most of the course, so give them extra review.
Practise writing earlyThe DBQ, long essay and short answers are 60% of your score. Write one timed response a week from early in the year.
Use sources activelyFor every document, note who wrote it, why, for whom and when. Sourcing is a point on the DBQ.

How long should you study for the AP World History: Modern exam?

The AP World History: Modern exam takes 3 hours 15 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 6, 2027.

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AP World History study plan FAQs

When is the AP World History exam in 2027?

The AP World History: Modern exam is on Thursday, May 6, 2027 (morning), according to College Board's 2027 AP Exam schedule. Your AP coordinator confirms the time and room.

How long is the AP World History exam?

The exam takes 3 hours 15 minutes: multiple choice (55 questions, 55 minutes (40%)); short answer (3 questions, 40 minutes (20%)); document-based question (1 question, 1 hour recommended, incl. 15-minute reading (25%)); long essay (1 question, 40 minutes recommended (15%)).

Is AP World History hard?

AP World History covers 800 years of history across every region, so the challenge is the amount of content and writing strong timed essays. Steady weekly review and regular essay practice make it very manageable.

What units are on the AP World History exam?

The course has 9 units: 1. The Global Tapestry (c. 1200–c. 1450) (8–10%); 2. Networks of Exchange (c. 1200–c. 1450) (8–10%); 3. Land-Based Empires (c. 1450–c. 1750) (12–15%); 4. Transoceanic Interconnections (c. 1450–c. 1750) (12–15%); 5. Revolutions (c. 1750–c. 1900) (12–15%); 6. Consequences of Industrialization (c. 1750–c. 1900) (12–15%); 7. Global Conflict (c. 1900–present) (8–10%); 8. Cold War and Decolonization (c. 1900–present) (8–10%); 9. Globalization (c. 1900–present) (8–10%).

How do I study for AP World History?

Learn the big themes, not just dates. Weight your time by unit. Practise writing early. Use sources actively. Use the free study plan above to spread your review across every unit before the exam.

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