AP CSP Exam Prep: Big Ideas & Performance Task Guide | Times Edu
+84 36 907 6996Floor 72, Landmark 81 · HCMC
Revision Platform
school AP Computer Science Principles (May 2026)

AP Computer Science Principles Score higher with exam-style thinking + a Create Task built to earn points.

Times Edu helps students master AP CSP the way it’s assessed: computational thinking → clean algorithm logic → data + abstraction → responsible computing.

Get your personalized score roadmap.

exam_config.json
“exam_date”: “May 2026”
“create_task_deadline”: “April 30, 2026”
“assessment_structure”:
Section_I_MCQ 70% Weight
// 70 Questions | 120 Minutes
Section_II_Create_Task 30% Weight
// Program + Video + Written Response
lightbulb

“Don’t just build an app. Build a project that satisfies the specific rubric points for data abstraction and procedural abstraction.”

Why students struggle with AP CSP

Common roadblocks in earning a 5, from imprecise MCQ answers to missing the rubric intent on the Create Task.

quiz

MCQ Precision

Students often understand the concept but fail to trace code accurately under time pressure, especially with pseudocode nuances.

code_off

Create Task Disconnect

Building a “cool” app that fails to demonstrate the required procedural abstraction or list processing complexities.

description

Written Response Vague

Failing to explain the algorithm’s purpose, I/O, or testing strategy clearly enough to satisfy the strict College Board rubric.

Projected Outcome

AP Score: 5

check_circle MCQ Accuracy > 90%
check_circle Rubric-Perfect Create Task

What improves in 4–12 weeks?

Our structured approach focuses on marks-per-minute efficiency and rubric alignment.

check

Higher MCQ accuracy

Through classified practice and pattern recognition of College Board question styles.

check

Create Task Plan Alignment

Ensure your project idea actually fits the “Complex Algorithm” and “Data Abstraction” requirements before you code.

check

Written Responses that Hit Intent

Practice with “Answer Frames” that ensure you mention specific keywords required by graders.

Free Resource

Get a Free 30’ Diagnostic

Receive a breakdown by component, identify your top 3 blockers, and get a personalized 4–8–12 week plan to secure your 5.

Exam Overview

Understanding the breakdown is the first step to mastering it.

Section I: MCQ

70% Score
  • timer 2 Hours (120 Minutes)
  • list_alt 70 Multiple Choice Questions
  • check Single-select & Multi-select items

Section II: Create Task

30% Score
  • code 1 Hour (Written Response on Exam Day)
  • upload Program Code, Video, PPR Submitted prior
  • edit_note 4 Written Response Prompts

map Content Map & Exam Weighting

Big Idea Topic Area Exam Weighting
Big Idea 1 Creative Development 10-13%
Big Idea 2 Data 17-22%
Big Idea 3 Algorithms and Programming 30-35%
Big Idea 4 Computer Systems and Networks 11-15%
Big Idea 5 Impact of Computing 21-26%
Our Secret Weapon

Times Edu Strategy Playbook

How our students gain points fast.

A

MCQ Strategy

Classify → Apply → Verify

We teach routines for tracing loops and conditionals without getting lost. Identify the question type, apply the specific logic pattern, and verify with edge cases.

code
B

Create Task Strategy

Build to the Rubric

Design your project so it automatically fulfills the “list used as an argument” and “sequencing, selection, iteration” criteria. Don’t guess.

C

Written Response

Answer Frames for WR1 + WR2

Use our “Answer Frames” to structure your responses for the Exam Day prompts. Ensure you hit every required technical detail for procedures and lists.

How Learning Works

1

Teach

Concept breakdown with live coding examples.

2

Practice

Apply logic to classified MCQ problems.

3

Assess

Timed mini-exams to check precision.

4

Report

Weekly progress updates for parents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior coding experience?

No! CSP is designed as an introductory course. We start from the basics of blocks/pseudocode and move to Python or JavaScript logic as needed for understanding.

How much does the Create Task count?

The Create Performance Task combined with the written response questions on exam day counts for 30% of your total score. The MCQ section is 70%.

Can I use any programming language?

For the Create Task, yes (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript, Block-based). However, the MCQ exam uses a specific AP Pseudocode that we will train you to read fluently.

Ready to secure your 5?

Zalo