Are you ready for the 2026 AP Statistics Exam? This year the test is scheduled for 8 a.m. May 7th. As that date draws near, the Marks Education tutoring team wants to make sure you know how to prepare. Our tutors have helped hundreds of students prepare for AP Exams of all kinds–including the AP Statistics Exam! That’s why we’ve written this blog to help you make the most of your study time and walk away with a score you’re proud of.
The AP Stats Exam is divided into two sections:
- 40 Questions
- 1 Hour 30 Minutes
- 50% of your exam score
This section includes individual questions or sets of questions based on a shared prompt.
- 6 Questions
- 1 Hour 30 Minutes
- 50% of your exam score
Part A:
- 1 multipart question focused on collecting data
- 1 multipart question about exploring data
- 1 multipart question looking at probability and sampling distributions
- 1 question focusing on inference
- 1 question that combines 2 or more of your skill categories
Part B:
- 1 investigative task that assesses multiple of your skill categories, primarily focusing on the application of skills in new, potentially unconventional, contexts
AP Calculator Policy
You’re expected to use a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator with statistical computation capability on both sections of the exam. A word of advice? Having a graphing calculator, as opposed to a basic calculator, means a world of difference when it comes to many exam shortcuts or multiple choice questions.
How to Succeed on the AP Statistics Exam
Tip #1: Understand Your Calculator
Being familiar with your calculator, whether you have a Texas Instruments calculator or a different brand, is very important during the test! Making sure you know how to use the key functions– like chi-squared– will save you so much time and peace of mind the morning of the exam.
Check out this helpful resource we like to recommend to our students for more information: 6 Calculator Functions You Must Know for the AP Statistics Exam.
Tip #2: Know Your Formula Sheet
If you don’t already know the markings in advance, the formula sheet you’ll receive on the exam won’t be very helpful. It isn’t particularly detailed. We advise you to become familiar with the sheet beforehand and to add your own notes to it as you study. This will make it much easier for you to find and use the correct formulas when it matters most.
Tip #3: Respond to Questions Out of Order
It’s better to start with the questions you’re most confident in your ability to answer and work your way down to the trickier ones afterward. Because you’ve already earned the easy points, you can take some of the stress off when answering the more challenging questions.
Tip #4: Pay Attention to What Matters
While the AP Stats exam includes many topics, some are undeniably tested more heavily than others. Make sure you carefully review the main ideas in your course description! Meaning: data collection, probability, sampling distributions, and inference.
Tip #5: Active Study Techniques
When preparing for the AP stats exam try to implement study tactics that work with your memory retention skills. By that, we mean to use flash cards, repeat your practice problems, and review the key concepts from the syllabus often. Why? The way you study is important. You can’t just go through the motions. You need to be able to memorize the procedures and content before going into the exam.