The AP Biology examination evaluates students across eight units through a balanced assessment design. The overall performance boils down to a composite score out of 120 possible points. That final figure dictates whether a student receives a passing mark of 3, 4, or 5.
Section 1 consists of 60 multiple-choice questions administered over 90 minutes. Each correct answer earns exactly 1 raw point. The College Board eliminated guessing penalties years ago; incorrect or omitted responses contribute zero points. Consequently, a student's raw multiple-choice score directly translates into a subtotal ranging from 0 to 60. This section represents 50% of the overall composite score.
Section 2 presents six free-response questions (FRQs) across a 90-minute testing window. Two questions are long-form problems focusing on biological phenomena and experimental design, while four questions are short-form prompts addressing conceptual analysis and scientific investigation. Across all six prompts, the section offers 40 raw points. Because Section 2 must balance Section 1's 60 points, a simple one-to-one sum would skew the exam in favor of multiple-choice speed. The College Board resolves this through mathematical weighting.
