AP Physics C: Mechanics is the calculus-based mechanics course: kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, and oscillations, with derivatives and integrals used throughout. Under the post-2025 redesign, it is a three-hour hybrid digital exam. Section I is multiple choice in the Bluebook testing app; Section II is free response viewed in Bluebook and handwritten in a paper booklet. The two sections are weighted equally, and the final composite is mapped to a score of 1 to 5. The 2026 exam is Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 12:00 PM local time; official scores release in July 2026.
Section I: Multiple choice
40 questions · 80 minutes · 50% of composite
Forty discrete and stimulus-based multiple-choice items in the Bluebook digital testing app. Each question has four answer choices with exactly one correct answer. No penalty for guessing: every blank is a lost point, so fill in an answer for every question. A calculator is now permitted on this section under the redesign, and the equation sheet is available throughout.
- Discrete items test a single concept in isolation.
- Question sets share a stimulus (a scenario, graph, or data table) across two to four related questions.
- Roughly 2 minutes per question on average, but calculus-based reasoning and stimulus-based sets often need more time than that suggests.
Section II: Free response
4 questions · 100 minutes · 50% of composite
Four free-response questions, one of each named task type, viewed in Bluebook and handwritten in a paper booklet. The section is worth 40 rubric points total. Trained readers score against published rubrics with partial credit available throughout. Expect to set up and evaluate derivatives and integrals, not just plug into algebraic formulas.
- FRQ 1: Mathematical Routines — symbolic derivation plus a numeric answer.
- FRQ 2: Translation Between Representations — convert between graphs, diagrams, and equations.
- FRQ 3: Experimental Design and Analysis — design a procedure and analyze data.
- FRQ 4: Qualitative/Quantitative Translation — a paragraph response backed by math.
Per-question point splits vary by year. In 2025 the four questions were worth roughly 10, 12, 10, and 8 points, but treat that as an approximate estimate rather than a fixed rule. See the full FRQ guide for what each task type wants and the scoring patterns that show up every year.
Course and Exam Description
The CED is the authoritative document for what's on the exam: units, topics, essential knowledge, science practices.
Download from AP Central ›
Bluebook testing app
The digital testing app used for the MCQ section and to view the FRQs. Practice with the app before exam day so the interface isn't a surprise.
College Board Bluebook ›
When is the 2026 AP Physics C: Mechanics exam?
The 2026 AP Physics C: Mechanics exam is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 12:00 PM local time. Official scores release in July 2026 through your College Board account.
How long is the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam?
Three hours total, plus a short break between sections. Section I (multiple choice) is 80 minutes for 40 questions. Section II (free response) is 100 minutes for 4 questions.
How is AP Physics C: Mechanics scored?
Section I and Section II are each weighted at 50 percent of the composite. The composite is mapped to a final score from 1 to 5. College Board sets the cut scores after each administration based on overall performance and does not publish exact cutoffs.
Can I use a calculator on AP Physics C: Mechanics?
Yes, on both sections. Under the post-2025 redesign, a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is permitted on both the multiple choice and free response sections, and Bluebook includes an on-screen calculator. Previously the multiple choice section was calculator-free. The equation and constants sheet is also provided on both sections.
What units are on the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam?
Seven units: Kinematics (10 to 15%), Force and Translational Dynamics (20 to 25%), Work, Energy, and Power (15 to 25%), Linear Momentum (10 to 20%), Torque and Rotational Dynamics (10 to 15%), Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems (10 to 15%), and Oscillations (10 to 15%). Gravitation is folded into the force and rotation units rather than standing on its own.
Is AP Physics C: Mechanics calculus-based?
Yes. AP Physics C: Mechanics is a calculus-based course. You are expected to use derivatives and integrals to work with position, velocity, acceleration, work, and rotational quantities. It covers fewer topics than AP Physics 1 but goes deeper mathematically. Students typically take it alongside or after a calculus course.
What's the typical pass rate for AP Physics C: Mechanics?
On the May 2025 administration, 73.1 percent of students earned a 3 or higher, with a mean score of 3.30. The score distribution was 21.7 percent 5s, 24.0 percent 4s, 27.5 percent 3s, 16.0 percent 2s, and 10.9 percent 1s across about 66,000 students. Exact passing percentages release each year with the score distribution.
