AP Physics 1 Updated Format: What’s New in 2025?
- EduretiX
- Feb 27
- 3 min read
If you’re gearing up for the AP Physics 1 exam, you’ve probably heard that big changes are coming in 2025. The College Board has updated the AP Physics 1 exam format, tweaking both the multiple-choice and free-response sections to make them more structured. So, what’s different, and how does it affect you? Let’s break it all down in a way that actually makes sense (without the headache).
The Updated AP Physics 1 Exam Format (2025 and Beyond)
Starting in May 2025, the AP Physics 1 exam will look a little different. Here’s what you’ll face:
Section I: Multiple-Choice (40 Questions, 80 Minutes, 50% of Your Score)
You get 40 single-select questions (every question has just one correct answer).
No more multiselect questions (thank goodness, right?).
Each question now has 4 answer choices instead of 5.
Less time overall (80 minutes instead of 90), but with fewer questions, so pacing should feel slightly easier.
Section II: Free-Response (4 Questions, 100 Minutes, 50% of Your Score)
You’ll have to tackle 4 structured FRQs:
Mathematical Routines – Expect algebra-heavy calculations.
Translation Between Representations – Graphs, diagrams, and equations—convert one into another!
Experimental Design and Analysis – Can you design an experiment and analyze results?
Qualitative/Quantitative Translation – Explain physics concepts with words and math.
The number of FRQs has dropped from 5 to 4, but you’ll now get more time (100 minutes instead of 90) to answer them.
The Hybrid Digital Change
A new twist—the multiple-choice section will now be completed digitally, while the free-response section is still handwritten. So, while you won’t be bubbling in answers on paper anymore, you’ll still need to bring your best handwriting game for the FRQs.
Find latest syllabus, official specification by the College Board and AP Physics practice resources here.
How Does This Compare to the Old AP Physics 1 Exam?
Let’s take a quick look at what’s changed:
Feature | Old Format | New Format (2025) |
Multiple-Choice | 50 questions, 90 min | 40 questions, 80 min |
Answer Choices | 5 options per Q | 4 options per Q |
Multiselect Qs | Present | Removed |
Free-Response | 5 questions, 90 min | 4 questions, 100 min |
Exam Mode | Entirely paper-based | Hybrid (MCQs digital, FRQs handwritten) |
Key takeaways?
Fewer multiple-choice questions mean you’ll get more time per question.
The FRQ section is now longer, but with fewer questions, giving you more time to explain your answers.
The removal of multiselect questions means less stress over picking multiple correct answers.
What These Changes Mean for You
So, how do these changes affect your prep?
✔ Practice Digital MCQs – Since this section is now online, get comfortable answering physics questions on a screen.
✔ Time Management for FRQs – More time per question sounds great, but you’ll need to use it wisely.
✔ Focus on Concepts & Skills – The new format emphasizes translating between representations and experimental analysis, so make sure you practice these skills.
Ultimately, the new AP Physics 1 exam rewards deeper understanding over memorization. If you can connect concepts, analyze data, and explain physics both qualitatively and mathematically, you’ll be in great shape.
What do you think about these changes? Let us know in the comments! 🚀
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