Setting up Advanced Placement (AP) courses involves selecting appropriate courses, ensuring the school has a College Board School Code, and preparing staff and students for the AP curriculum. The guide outlines the necessary steps for schools to gain authorization for AP courses, including the AP Course Audit process. It emphasizes the importance of training teachers and familiarizing them with AP Classroom resources. This resource is essential for high school administrators and educators aiming to enhance their AP offerings and support student success in AP exams.

Key Points

  • Details the process for selecting AP courses and checking prerequisites.
  • Explains how to obtain a College Board School Code for AP participation.
  • Outlines staff roles necessary for managing AP courses and exams.
  • Describes the AP Course Audit process for course authorization and compliance.
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How to Set-up AP Courses
1. Choose the AP Courses
• Become familiar with the courses available.
• Check for prerequisites (recommended coursework the school should offer).
• Review the curricular and resource requirements for each AP course offered.
• Consider the costs for textbooks, supplemental reading materials, and equipment.
• Identify students prepared and willing to take AP.
2. Ensure the school has a College Board School Code
• The six-digit code identifies the school in the College Board system, and it is necessary
to participate in AP and other College Board programs (i.e., PSAT, SAT, etc.).
• Use the high school code search to look up the code number for the school; the code
is unique and does not expire.
• If the school does not have a code, call (877) 274-6474, email
cbcodeservice@collegeboard.org, or create an account through the College Board
School Code Request Portal. Once in the portal, it will ask to log in or create an AI
Code Request Account. The process may take several weeks, so this should be done
early in the process by the school principal or district superintendent. The school code
request form will request the following information: physical address of school, proof
the school offers at least one academic discipline, accreditation details, staffing
information, student-to-teacher ratio, confirmation of no conflicts of interest, and
details about the academic programs offered. School should apply for Level 2
authorization. This authorization is a requirement to receive scores and administer AP
exams and PSAT-related assessments and apply to become an SAT Test Center. Once
the AI Code has been established, an email will be sent as notification.
3. Assign Staff Roles
• AP Course Audit Administrator – This person will manage the AP Course Audit process
to get courses authorized. An administrator usually holds this role.
• AP Coordinator – This person will complete tasks such as creating classes in My AP and
will oversee exam administration if the school offers AP exams. A school counselor or
high school principal usually holds this role.
• The same individual may hold the two roles; however, the roles have separate
responsibilities and access.
4. Get Teachers Prepared
• Register teachers for a professional development opportunity before teaching AP. AP
offers summer institutes to prepare teachers. NMSI also offers summer teacher
training. College Board provides several free, paid, in-person, and online resources to
assist teachers.
• NDDPI supports training in Math, Science, English, and Computer Science. These
supports are available for the summer training sessions.
How to Set-Up AP Courses Page 2
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction
5. Teachers need to become familiar with the instructional resources in AP Classroom. Once AP
Course Audit authorizes the course, teachers may access AP Classroom. Complete the AP
Course Audit.
• The course audit provides guidelines on curricular and resource requirements for each
AP Course. This course audit offers colleges and universities confidence that the AP
courses meet the same college-level criteria across high schools.
o Confirms awareness of course scope and occasional exam changes.
o Ensures teachers verified by the school administrator have access to practice
exams and other resources (i.e., formative assessments, AP Question Bank).
o Ensures school AP courses are included in the AP Course Ledger (official list of all
AP courses) for colleges and universities to check student transcripts.
To Complete:
• The teacher completes and submits the AP Course Audit form online.
o Submit the subject-specific AP Course Audit form online.
o Submit documentation showing understanding of course scope.
Adopt a sample syllabus or unit guide available through College Board.
Submit a new or revised syllabus.
Use colleague’s already authorized syllabus – Claim identical (Obtain
syllabus ID number and submit an exact copy of the authorized syllabus).
• AP Course Audit Administrator received an email indicating the form is ready to be
approved.
• Within 60 days of submission (after approval), AP Course Audit Administrator is
notified whether the course is authorized or needs revision.
o Authorized: Check the AP Course Ledger when updated in November to check if
the course is on the school’s list. AP Course Auditor must renew the course each
year.
o Not Authorized: Teacher needs to revise the syllabus and resubmit.
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FAQs

What are the steps to set up AP courses in a high school?
To set up AP courses, schools must first choose the AP subjects they wish to offer and ensure they meet the prerequisites. Next, obtaining a College Board School Code is essential for participation in AP programs. Schools should assign specific roles to staff, such as an AP Course Audit Administrator and an AP Coordinator, to manage the process effectively. Finally, teachers need to be trained and familiarized with AP Classroom resources to deliver the curriculum successfully.
What is the AP Course Audit and why is it important?
The AP Course Audit is a process that ensures AP courses meet college-level criteria across high schools. It provides guidelines on curricular and resource requirements for each AP course, giving colleges confidence in the rigor of the courses. Completing the audit allows teachers access to practice exams and other resources, ensuring that the school's AP courses are recognized in the AP Course Ledger, which colleges consult when reviewing student transcripts.
How can teachers prepare for teaching AP courses?
Teachers can prepare for teaching AP courses by participating in professional development opportunities, such as summer institutes offered by AP. These training sessions help educators understand the curriculum and instructional strategies specific to AP courses. Additionally, resources provided by the College Board, including free and paid workshops, can enhance teachers' readiness to deliver AP content effectively.
What resources are available for AP teachers after course authorization?
Once AP Course Audit authorizes a course, teachers gain access to AP Classroom, which includes instructional resources, practice exams, and formative assessments. These resources help educators align their teaching with AP standards and provide students with the tools needed to succeed in AP exams. Teachers can also collaborate with colleagues to share best practices and strategies for effective instruction.

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