Every student planning to take the AP exam in May 2026 is curious about the steps they need to follow to register for the exam smoothly. The AP exams are conducted once a year in May, and hence, it is very important to register on time. Here’s a complete step-by-step guide dedicated to you on how you can register for your AP exams. This blog also answers your queries regarding the portal, registration fee, late fee, and important deadlines.
Important Dates for AP Exam
- Registration starts in September 2025 (most schools will start around September 2, 2025)
- The last date for regular registration is 31st October.
- The late exam registration fee will be applied for registration from November 2025 – March 2026 (with a $40 late fee)
- Final registration will close on March 5 (by 11:59)
- Exam Dates: May 4–8 and May 11–15, 2026
Registration Process ( A Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Check With Your School AP Coordinator
- Every school has an AP Coordinator who oversees exam sign-ups.
- If your school does not offer AP exams, you can arrange the same from a neighbouring school willing to accommodate external students.
- The coordinator provides a Join Code for each AP subject.
- Some schools also set up an online payment portal or direct payment at the school office.
2. Log in to the College Board’s My AP Portal
- Visit: myap.collegeboard.org
- Sign in with your College Board account (or create one if you don’t already have it).
- Enter the Join Code from your AP teacher/coordinator.
- This links you to the official AP class and exam.
3. Indicate Exam Intent
- Inside the My AP portal, you’ll see your AP courses.
- You must select “Yes” under “Register for Exam” to confirm participation.
- If you skip this step, your coordinator cannot order your exam.
4. Pay the Exam Fee
- Payment is usually made through your school. Common methods:
- School’s online payment portal
- Keep in mind that if you miss the payment, your registration will be cancelled.
- Some schools integrate the College Board’s payment system with their local portal
- Make sure your payment is submitted by the school’s deadline.
5. Confirm Registration
- Your AP Coordinator finalizes the order with the College Board.
- You’ll see your registration status updated in your My AP account.
- Keep a copy of your payment receipt for safety.
AP Exam Fees for 2026
- Standard Exam Fee: $98 per exam
- AP Seminar & AP Research: $146 per exam
- Outside U.S. (except Canada & DoDEA): $128 per exam
- Late Registration Fee: +$40 per exam
- Fee Reduction: $36 per exam (for eligible students; additional help may be available through schools)
Fee Waivers for Free/Reduced Lunch Students
- Students who qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Lunch (FRL) may have their regular AP exam costs waived.
- To receive the waiver, students must apply and qualify for the current school year under the free/reduced lunch program.
- The school’s AP Coordinator will verify eligibility and apply the waiver during registration.
AP Exam Registration Timeline
| Event | Date / Period |
| Registration Opens | September 2025 (most schools: Sep 2) |
| Regular Registration Deadline | October–November 2025 |
| Late Registration Period | Nov 2025 – March 2026 (+$40 fee) |
| AP Exams | May 4–8 & May 11–15, 2026 |
| Late Testing (Make-up exams) | May 20–22, 2026 (with College Board approval) |
Tips for Smooth Registration
- Create your College Board account before registration opens.
- Mark your school’s internal deadline (it may be earlier than the national one).
- Double-check that you’ve selected “Yes” in the My AP portal.
- Save all payment confirmations.
- Ask your coordinator about fee reduction eligibility if cost is a concern.
Conclusion-
From this September onwards, the AP Exam registration process for 2026 has begun, and it involves both your school coordinator and the College Board’s My AP portal. To avoid any extra stress and late fees, you should preferably register for your exam promptly with proper subject selections. The AP exams are conducted only once a year, and hence, one should be aware that any error in the registration process can cancel your registration. Be careful during the subject selections and the fee submission. To avoid stress, stay in touch with your AP coordinators and set reminders so you can complete all the steps timely.
Let’s know how The Princeton Review helps AP students
- The instructors provide guidance on registration. Help you by simplifying the instructions from the college Boards.
- Our websites and tutors keep you updated with all the important dates, registration fees, and format of the exam.
- Princetonreview provided AP study plans help you with both registration and exam guidance, combined to help you approach the exam with no stress.