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Advanced Placement (AP) is a College Board program that offers North Dakota high school students the opportunity to take rigorous, college-level courses and earn college credit while in high school. Students engage in intense discussions, solve problems collaboratively, and learn to write clearly and persuasively.

North Dakota offers a variety of AP courses. Some North Dakota school districts offer AP courses in person. 

AP exams are administered each year, and students earn scores ranging from 1 to 5. Many colleges throughout the United States offer college credit (and advanced placement) for students who score three or higher on their AP exams. Students should check with individual colleges for the most current list of the AP courses each institution accepts for college credit.

If you are interested in the AP program, talk to an AP teacher, the AP Coordinator at your school, or your counselor. For additional information, visit the CollegeBoard website.


2025 AP Digital Exam Informational Webinar

Advanced Placement (AP) is moving to digital exams for most courses for the 2025 Exams.  Information regarding how to prepare for the administration of the digital exams will be shared in a Webinar on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 11:00 AM-12:00 Noon or Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 9:00-10:00 AM. These sessions will review technical requirements for testing devices, network configuration, installing the Bluebook ᵀᴹ student testing application, and answers to common questions.

AP Coordinators and technology coordinators in districts administering AP exams should attend this session.

Registration information for this webinar may be found here.

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As a part of the revised process, the high school AP Coordinator will continue to complete the AP Student Exam Fee Reimbursement form as was done in the past. Once completed and signed by the coordinator, the form will go to the district business manager for signature and completion of the reimbursement process. This change reduces the number of signatures needed on the form.

The school district will directly pay the College Board invoice. This change allows the district to promptly pay their invoice amount. The change eliminates the time spent waiting for the NDDPI to notify districts of the amount of the bill remaining to be paid. It also eliminates duplication of payment by both the NDDPI and the district.

After the College Board invoice has been paid, the AP Coordinator has provided the business manager with the completed AP Student Exam Fee Reimbursement form, and the business manager has signed the form, the reimbursements will be requested through the WebGrants system by the business manager or business office designee. This change allows the district greater opportunity to track the status of their reimbursement, utilizes the electronic payment system with which they are already familiar, and reduces the questions regarding who receives the request and supporting documents.

Reimbursement Timeline

March 2025

Webinar: Revised AP Reimbursement Process

Third Week of MayAP Coordinators use Ordering and Exam information and supporting district documentation (the number of exams each student has taken) to complete the AP Student Exam Fee Reimbursement form. The WebGrants AP Student Exam Fee Reimbursement Process (below) will aid in completing the submission form. 
End of May

AP Coordinator submits the completed and signed AP Student Exam Fee Submission form (SFN 61062) to the district Business Office for the business manager's signature and completion of the process.

The district receives the College Board invoice for the exam fees and pays the total amount directly to the College Board.

June 15, 2025Deadline to pay College Board.
June 2025After the College Board Invoice is paid, the business manager or Business Office designee completes the Status Report in WebGrants. The College Board invoice and the AP Student Exam Fee Reimbursement form must be attached. 
June 20, 2025Deadline to submit AP Exam information through WebGrants.

 

 Exam Dates

  • Testing Dates: May 5-9 and May 12-16, 2025
  • Late Testing Dates: May 19-23, 2025

AP Programming Deadlines

  • November 15, 2024, 10:50 PM CT: Exam order deadline for AP courses that started after the November 15 deadline and to change fall orders. Submit any changes to existing exam orders (late orders or canceled exams) or submit new exam orders by this deadline.
  • March 1, 2025: 2025-26 AP Course Audit Opens. Teachers may begin submitting materials, and AP Course Audit Administrators may begin approving course audit forms and renewing previously authorized courses for the 2024-2025 school year. The following link will help provide more information about AP Course Audit. AP Course Audit – AP Central | College Board
  • March 14, 2025, 10:59 p.m. CT: Exam order deadline for AP courses that started after the November 15 deadline and to change fall orders. Submit any changes to existing exam orders (late orders or canceled exams) or submit new exam orders by this deadline. Check exam registrations. Before March 14, review any students listed as No or Undecided in AP Registration and Ordering and check with the students to confirm their exam plans.
  • April 30, 2025, 10:59 p.m. CT: Deadline to indicate students’ fee reduction status in AP Registration and Ordering.
  • April 30, 2025, 10:59 p.m. CT: AP Digital Portfolio Deadline: Submit AP Seminar, AP Research, and AP Computer Science Principles Performance Tasks. AP students taking the exam in these courses must submit all components of their performance tasks as finals in the AP Digital Portfolio by this deadline.
  • May 5-9, 2025; May 12-16, 2025: Administer AP Exams. The schedule for AP Exams may be found here.
  • Mid-May 2025: College Board sends districts AP invoices.
  • June 15, 2025: AP Exam Invoices and Payments are due to the College Board. 
  • June 20, 2025: Status Report in WebGrants is due to NDDPI.
  • June-July 2025: NDDPI processes reimbursements and sends payment directly to the district. 

 

The College Board has released the 2024-2025 AP Coordinator's Manual, which contains important dates and information needed throughout the 2024-2025 school year. Another valuable resource is the AP Coordinator's page. This page lists changes and the most recent updates for the Advanced Placement Program. Coordinators may participate in the AP Coordinator Community, which provides an opportunity to collaborate with other AP coordinators throughout the country about questions and ideas.

 AP Coordinator Supports

AP Teacher Supports

AP Classroom Enhancements—The links below provide information about changes to the AP Classroom designed to better meet teachers' needs.

  • Encourage your teachers to access the AP Classroom Guide for Teachers at any time for the latest walk-throughs and how-to videos and to stay updated on these new features. They can also contact us using the AP Classroom Help menu to get additional support and make suggestions for future AP Classroom enhancements.
  • The AP Classroom guide describes recent updates to AP Classroom, such as the ability to allow late assignment submissions, the addition of action menus, and the option to generate a practice quiz. 

2024-2025 AP Coordinator’s Manual  

How can my school get approved to administer AP Examinations?

To administer AP Examinations in your school, complete the following steps:

  1.  Get your School Code number (if unknown) by searching the High School Code Search on the College Board website. (NOTE: If you need assistance obtaining your code, you may contact Academic Support.)
    1. Check to make sure you have a Level 2 code. If you do not have a school or level 1 code, complete the High School Code Request Form to get a school code or change your school’s authorization level. Most North Dakota schools already have a level 2 school code.
    2. If unsure about your code level, contact Maureen LaRaviere at College Board (mlaraviere@collegeboard.org).
  2. Select an AP Coordinator
    1. Who qualifies to be an AP Coordinator?
      1. Full- or part-time administrator not teaching an AP course.
      2. Counselor not teaching an AP course.
      3. Teacher not teaching an AP course.
    2. An AP Coordinator cannot handle an exam that an immediate family or household member is taking. (i.e., If the coordinator’s daughter takes the English Language and Composition exam, the coordinator cannot handle an English exam. The coordinator would be allowed to handle exams in other disciplines.).
    3. An AP Coordinator may not coach students on any College Board exam content (i.e., AP, SAT, PSAT, etc.).
  3. Access AP Registration and Ordering and complete the AP Participation Form. Directions to complete the form may be found here. This step must be completed to place an order for an exam.
  4. Order exams needed in AP Registration and Ordering.

What is an AP Exam proctor, and do I need one?

The school will need a proctor for the AP Exam(s) given. The proctor will prepare the exam site, set up equipment, admit and assign students a seat, check student identification, bring all needed materials to the exam room, actively monitor the test room and students taking the exam, and collect and return exams to a secure site.

Who may proctor the AP Exam(s)?

The AP Exam proctor must be a responsible adult who is reliable and mature, pays attention to detail, and understands the importance of test administration and security. The individual may be one of the following:

  • AP Coordinator, active teacher, retired teacher, substitute teacher, or administrator for AP Exams outside their teaching area as identified on their teaching license or subject they have ever taught. (i.e., a math teacher able to teach math and science could proctor the AP English Exam; this individual could not proctor any AP math or science exams).
  • AP teacher in a subject area other than the one currently taught or has ever taught.
  • Parent without a conflict of interest (i.e., their child taking an AP exam).
  • Proctor may not handle exams for which an immediate family member (i.e., son, daughter, stepson/daughter) or household member (i.e., foster child) is taking the exam.
  • Proctor may not review the content of or take the AP Exam.
  • Proctor may not coach students on any College Board exam content.

If a teacher has dual certification for math and science and teaches AP Biology but does not have math courses within their schedule this current year, are they allowed to proctor the AP calculus exam?

No. This teacher could not proctor the AP Calculus exam as the teacher has not taught math.

Could a paraeducator or school secretary proctor the AP Exam?

Yes, provided they are available during the entire testing window and meet the proctor criteria of no family or household member taking the exam or not having a teaching license in the subject area tested.

Could the building principal proctor the AP Exam?

Yes. The building principal could serve as both the proctor and AP Coordinator if the individual has the time to monitor the exam, meets the teaching requirement, and doesn’t have an immediate family or household member taking the exam in the subject area.

Where may students take the AP Exam?

If the AP course is not taught at the school, the students may take the AP Exam in a room with desks or tables containing a smooth writing surface, such as an empty classroom or school library. The room used needs to meet the following requirements:

  • Able to adhere to the AP Exam seating policy (space students out, students cannot face one another, etc.).
  • Few disruptions (bells, fire alarms, intercoms).
  • visible wall clocks for students to use.
  • No maps, periodic tables, posters, or subject-specific materials on walls.
  • Adequate lighting and ventilation.

What if my facility does not have a room available?

Schools without a testing space may allow students to test offsite at community facilities such as community centers, church halls, hotels, public libraries, local colleges, or universities. The school district is responsible for providing personnel to proctor the exam and making arrangements to meet the room requirements of the facility. The school is also responsible for exam security.

Will new level 2 coding approval be needed if the school uses an outside facility?

No. Coding approval is based on the processes involved with handling the AP exams and the characteristics of the school identified on the High School Code Request Form.

Can students who did not take an AP course take an AP Exam?

If students not enrolled in an AP course want to challenge the AP Exam, they may take it. The AP Coordinator must create an exam-only section for that course and order the appropriate exam. To do this, follow the steps below:

  • Go to the courses page in AP Registration and Ordering.
  • If the course is not listed in the AP Course Audit section, click +Add Course.
  • Complete the following information:
    • Select a course.
    • Click +Add section.
    • Enter the section Name (i.e., AP Art History Exam Only).
    • Maximum number of students (default is 40).
    • Course Schedule: Select Exam Only.

For more information, please follow the guidance in the AP Coordinator Manual: Part I for creating an exam-only section.

How does the school order exams virtually for students who took an AP course?

Students enrolled in an AP course virtually (i.e., NDCDE, IVN) must take the AP exam in their home school district. The school must be approved to administer an AP exam and order the exam(s) for the student following the guidance in the AP Coordinator Manual: Part I for an exam-only section. The exam is ordered using the same process used to order an exam for a student who is challenging the exam.

How does a school get state reimbursement for AP Exams?

The state reimburses school districts for the cost of English, math, science, and computer science exams upon receipt of the appropriate reimbursement form. This form must be submitted to the NDDPI by June 30. 

English 

  • AP English Language and Composition
  • AP English Literature and Composition
  • AP English Seminar

Math and Computer Science 

  • AP PreCalculus
  • AP Calculus AB
  • AP Calculus BC
  • AP Computer Science A
  • AP Computer Science Principles
  • AP Statistics

Science 

  • AP Biology
  • AP Chemistry
  • AP Environmental Science
  • AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
  • AP Physics C: Mechanics
  • AP Physics 1
  • AP Physics 2

Capstone

  • AP Research
  • AP Seminar

Schools may set up new AP courses for the 2024-2025 school year until January 2025.

  1. Choose the AP Courses
    • Become familiar with the courses available.
    • Check for prerequisites (recommended coursework the school should offer).
    • Review the curricular and resource requirements for each AP course offered.
    • Consider the costs for textbooks, supplemental reading materials, and equipment.
    • Identify students prepared and willing to take AP.
  2. Ensure the school has a College Board School Code
    • The six-digit code identifies the school in the College Board system and is necessary to participate in AP and other College Board programs (i.e., PSAT, SAT, etc.).
    • Use the high school code search to look up the school's code number; the code is unique and does not expire.
    • If the school does not have a code, call (877) 274-6474 or download the High School Code Request form from the College Board. Schools should apply for a Level 2 authorization. This authorization is a requirement to receive scores, administer AP exams and PSAT-related assessments, and apply to become an SAT Test Center.
  3. Assign Staff to Roles
    • AP Course Audit Administrator – This person will manage the AP Course Audit process to get courses authorized. An administrator usually holds this role.
    • AP Coordinator – This person will complete tasks such as creating classes in My AP and will oversee exam administration if the school offers AP exams. A school counselor or high school principal usually holds this role.
    • The same individual may hold the two roles; however, the roles have separate responsibilities and access.
  4. Get Teachers Prepared
    • Register teachers for a professional development opportunity before teaching AP. AP offers summer institutes to prepare teachers. NMSI also offers summer teacher training. The College Board provides several free, paid, in-person, and online resources to assist teachers.
    • NDDPI supports training in Math, Science, English, and Computer Science. These supports are available for the summer training sessions.
    • Teachers need to become familiar with the instructional resources in AP Classroom. Once AP Course Audit authorizes the course, teachers may access AP Classroom.
  5. Complete the AP Course Audit
    • The course audit provides guidelines on curricular and resource requirements for each AP Course. This course audit offers colleges and universities confidence that the AP courses meet the same college-level criteria across high schools.
      • Confirms awareness of course scope and occasional exam changes.
      • Ensures teachers verified by the school administrator have access to practice exams and other resources (i.e., formative assessments, AP Question Bank).
      • Ensures school AP courses are included in the AP Course Ledger (official list of all AP courses) for colleges and universities to check student transcripts.

To Complete:

  • The teacher completes and submits the AP Course Audit form online.
    • Submit the subject-specific AP Course Audit form online.
    • Submit documentation showing understanding of course scope.
      • Adopt a sample syllabus or unit guide available through College Board.
      • Submit a new or revised syllabus.
      • Use colleague’s already authorized syllabus – Claim identical (Obtain syllabus ID number and submit an exact copy of the authorized syllabus).
  • AP Course Audit Administrator received an email indicating the form is ready to approve.
  • Within 60 days of submission (after approval), AP Course Audit Administrator is notified whether the course is authorized or needs revision.
    • Authorized: Check the AP Course Ledger when updated in November to check if the course is on the school’s list. AP Course Auditor must renew the course each year.
    • Not Authorized: Teacher needs to revise the syllabus and resubmit.
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