The AP® Environmental Science exam includes 80 multiple-choice questions and 3 free-response questions. The free-response questions (FRQs) consist of one investigation design, one analysis and solution to an environmental problem, and one problem-solving task that may involve calculations.
Environmental Science is built around four big ideas: Energy Transfer (ENG), Interactions Between Earth Systems (ERT), Interactions Between Species and the Environment (EIN), and Sustainability (STB). All exam questions are connected to these overarching themes. These four ideas are integrated across the 9 Units covered in the AP® Environmental Science curriculum. Use this AP® Environmental Science study guide to review the topics and practice with Albert’s multiple-choice questions.
What are AP® Environmental Science questions like?
There are two types of questions on the AP® Environmental Science exam: 80 multiple-choice questions and 3 free-response questions (FRQs). Note that the exam was fully redesigned in Fall 2019 and updated again for the 2021 exam. While the College Board has not released current practice exams, there are still resources available to help you study. Another valuable tool is AP® Classroom, which you should use alongside your teacher.
Multiple-choice questions:
These questions have four answer choices and may appear as stand-alone items or as sets referring to the same diagram, data presentation, or text source. Albert offers a large library of updated multiple-choice questions that simulate the AP® exam format.
Free-response questions:
The AP® Environmental Science exam contains three FRQs:
• Question 1: Design an investigation.
• Question 2: Analyze an environmental problem and propose a solution.
• Question 3: Analyze an environmental problem and propose a solution with calculations.
Like the multiple-choice section, the FRQs were reformulated, so there are no released past exams in the current format. However, practice resources are available.
Question 1: Design an investigation
This question presents students with an authentic environmental scenario and a model or visual representation of quantitative data. It may assess the ability to:
• Describe or explain environmental concepts, processes, and models in writing.
• Analyze visual data representations.
• Evaluate research studies testing environmental principles.
• Identify environmental problems and/or possible solutions.
Since the exam was redesigned in 2019, exact examples are difficult to provide. Previously, the exam included experimental design questions, which remain a useful starting point for practice. The 2021 version may differ slightly.
Study strategies:
6. Complete at least one full-length timed practice exam (3 hours). Test your pacing carefully. You will have about 1 minute and 12 seconds per multiple-choice question and about 23 minutes per free-response question. Practice ensures you can manage time effectively and aim for the best possible score.
After practice, reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Consider:
• Which topics need more review?
• Are you spending too much time interpreting diagrams or data sets?
• Do you have a system for marking incomplete or guessed questions to revisit later?
Knowing your strengths and weaknesses helps you create a plan for exam day and approach the test with confidence.
7. On the day before the exam… relax! (5 hours)
You can repeat steps 4–6 as often as needed during study sessions, but reserve the final day for rest and self-care. Spend time with friends, exercise, walk outdoors, enjoy your favorite healthy food, do light review with flashcards, and most importantly, get a full night’s sleep. You might even plan a fun post-exam celebration—watch a favorite movie or enjoy ice cream—to recharge and look forward to the next stage.
