AP Social Sciences AP Microeconomics

Explore the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within an economic system.

Learn about the nature and functions of product markets and factor markets and about the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.

Download AP Microeconomics Course Overview

About the Exam

The exam is approximately two hours and 10 minutes long and has two parts — multiple choice and free response. The multiple choice section is worth two-thirds of the final exam grade and the free response section is worth one-third of the final exam grade.

Section I: Multiple Choice — 60 questions; 70 minutes

The portion of multiple choice questions covering each course topic area is:

• Basic Economic Concepts (8%–14%)
• The Nature and Functions of Product Markets (55%–70%)
• Factor Markets (10%–18%)
• Market Failure and the Role of Government (12%–18%)

Total scores on the multiple-choice section are based on the number of questions answered correctly. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers and no points are awarded for unanswered questions.

Section II: Free Response — 3 questions; 60 minutes, which includes a 10 minute reading period

• 1 long essay question
• 2 short essay questions

The essays usually require that you link two or more content areas, analyze an economic situation, and evaluate general microeconomic principles. The best essays demonstrate analytical and organizational skills, and when needed, incorporate diagrams that clarify the analysis. Some questions include graphs that you'll have to interpret while some others ask you to provide the graphs.

Fifty percent of the section score is based on the long essay while each short essay contributes one-quarter to the free-response score.

Practice for the exam