AP Computer Science A is all about Object Oriented Programming in Java. The College Board has defined the subset of Java that you need to know. It is describe in Appendix A This year will be on Friday, May 17, 2019 @ noon. The exam has 2 parts, both are 90 minutes long.
The exam grade is computed by a weighted formula out of 80. Each Multiple choice questions is worth 1 point. Free response questions are graded out of 9 points, totaled and then multiplied by 1.1111. The scores are than added together. You can play around with this AP Comp Sci A Grade Calculator to run what_ifs.
No computers, calculators, other devices, books, or materials are allowed, only paper, pencil and an eraser. Pens are allowed, but I highly recommend that you use a pencil.
For more details & information about the exam visit the College Board AP Computer Science A Website
Disclaimer: All the information provided here is based on my personal experience and opinion. YMMV. AP and Advanced Placement Program are registered trademarks of the College Board, which is not involved in and does not endorse this web site.
Appendix B - This reference is available to you during both parts of the exam.
AP Computer Science A Vocab List - A comprehensive list of vocabulary words every AP Computer Science A should know.
Mr. Stout’s AP Computer Science A Tips - A list of helpful tips & reminder to help you get through the exam.
7th Edition of the Barron’s Book
There are 3 required labs (projects) that you need to complete prior to taking the AP. You will be given plenty of time in class to complete these assignments. You will not be tested on the content of the labs, but some concepts from them may appear on the exam in different ways. Each lab has a written student guide as well as a starter code. The links to both are bellow:
The following projects are great practice:
The College Board releases the Free Response Questions from all previous years. Note that GridWorld problems were removed in 2015. If you see any problems that evolves GirdWorld, skip it.
Released AP Computer Science A FRQs
AP Computer Science (Java) - YouTube collection of videos covering everything you need to know for the exam.
Decoding AP Computer Science A - A Udmey Free course
Java Review for the AP CS A Exam - A complete review of everything you need to know for the exam, broken down to small units. Each unit contains lots of examples and practice questions.
Georgia Tech Practice Tool - A great place to practice AP style questions. Simply enter the number of questions you would like. Make sure not to change the exam type.
CodingBat - Coding Bat has free response style questions that you may attempt to submit your code. Great to practice coding skills.
Code Step by Step (Java) - A rather large collection of free response questions to practice.
Hacker Rank - Hacker Rank has a huge collection of programming problems on many different levels with immediate feedback and solutions.