This draft AP Statistics course framework (.pdf) includes proposed revisions to the course content. Revisions would take effect in the 2026-27 school year or later.
AP Statistics is an introductory college-level statistics course that introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students cultivate their understanding of statistics using technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they explore concepts like variation and distribution; patterns and uncertainty; and data-based predictions, decisions, and conclusions.
This is the core document for this course. Unit guides clearly lay out the course content and skills and recommend sequencing and pacing for them throughout the year. The CED was updated in March 2021.
This resource provides a succinct description of the course and exam.
Learn more about the CED in this interactive walk-through.
Excerpted from the AP Statistics Course and Exam Description, the Course at a Glance document outlines the topics and skills covered in the AP Statistics course, along with suggestions for sequencing.
This document details the updates made to the course and exam description (CED) in March 2021.
Based on the Understanding by Design® (Wiggins and McTighe) model, this course framework provides a clear and detailed description of the course requirements necessary for student success. The framework specifies what students must know, be able to do, and understand, with a focus on three big ideas that encompass the principles and processes in the discipline of statistics. The framework also encourages instruction that prepares students for advanced coursework in statistics or other fields using statistical reasoning and for active, informed engagement with a world of data to be interpreted appropriately and applied wisely to make informed decisions.
The AP Statistics framework is organized into nine commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. As always, you have the flexibility to organize the course content as you like.
Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section)
Unit 1: Exploring One-Variable Data
Unit 2: Exploring Two-Variable Data
Unit 3: Collecting Data
Unit 4: Probability, Random Variables, and Probability Distributions
Unit 5: Sampling Distributions
Unit 6: Inference for Categorical Data: Proportions
Unit 7: Inference for Quantitative Data: Means
Unit 8: Inference for Categorical Data: Chi-Square
Unit 9: Inference for Quantitative Data: Slopes
The AP Statistics framework included in the course and exam description outlines distinct skills that students should practice throughout the year—skills that will help them learn to think and act like statisticians.
Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section)
1. Selecting Statistical Methods
Select methods for collecting and/or analyzing data for statistical inference.
2. Data Analysis
Describe patterns, trends, associations, and relationships in data.
3. Using Probability and Simulation
Explore random phenomena.
4. Statistical Argumentation
Develop an explanation or justify a conclusion using evidence from data, definitions, or statistical inference.
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This chart shows recommended scores for granting credit, and how much credit should be awarded, for each AP course. Your students can look up credit and placement policies for colleges and universities on the AP Credit Policy Search.
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