AP Macro Exam

The AP ®  Macroeconomics exam will test topics and skills associated with your ability to define economic principles, models, outcomes, and situations using graphs and visual representations.

Check out our AP Macroeconomics Guide for what you need to know about the exam:

What's on the AP Macroeconomics exam?

The College Board outlines six major units your AP Macroeconomics teacher should cover during the course year:

  • Unit 1: Basic Economics Concepts
  • Unit 2: Economic Indicators and Business Cycle
  • Unit 3: National Income and Price Determination
  • Unit 4: Financial Sector
  • Unit 5: Long-Run Consequences of Stabilization Policies
  • Unit 6: Open Economy – International Trade Finance

Read More: Review for the exam with our  AP Macroeconomics Cram Course

AP Macroeconomics Exam Question Types

The AP Macroeconomics exam takes 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete and is composed of two sections: multiple-choice and free response.

Section                Timing                            Number of Questions                  % of Exam Score      
Section 1 1 hour 10 minutes 60 multiple-choice questions 66%
Section 2 60 minutes 3 free response questions 33%

Multiple-Choice

AP Macroeconomics multiple-choice questions consist of individual questions that require background knowledge of economics across a range of topics learned throughout the course. These questions will ask you to:

  • Define economic principles and models
  • Explain given economic outcomes
  • Determine the outcomes of specific economic situations

Free Response

There are three free response questions on the AP Macroeconomics exam: 1 long-response question (worth 50% of the section score) and 2 short-response questions (each worth 25% of the section score). To best prepare for this section, you should be able to:

  • Make assertions about economic concepts, principles, models, outcomes, and/or effects
  • Explain economic concepts, principles, models, outcomes, and/or effects
  • Perform numerical analysis and calculations
  • Create graphs or visual representations

For a comprehensive content review, check out our book,  AP Economics Prep

What's a Good AP Macroeconomics Score?

AP scores are reported from 1 to 5. Here’s how students scored on latest AP Macroeconomics exam in May 2020:

Score           Meaning                                             Percentage of Test Takers       
5 Extremely qualified 19.7%
4 Well qualified 25%
3 Qualified 18.5%
2 Possibly qualified 16.2%
1 No recommendation  20.5%

Source: College Board  

How can I prepare?  

AP classes are great, but for many students they’re not enough! For a thorough review of AP World History content and strategy, pick the AP prep option that works best for your goals and learning style.

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