Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

Prepare for the AP European History exam with a comprehensive overview of its format, content areas, and scoring. Learn effective strategies for the multiple-choice, DBQ, and LEQ sections to maximize your score.

Start a fast session now. When you’re ready, unlock the full question bank.

Start practice test Flash cards

Question of the day

Which of the following would support the claim that ordinary Germans rejected French influence?

Unlock the full question bank

This demo includes a limited set of questions. Upgrade for full access and premium tools.

Full question bankFlashcardsExam-style practice

Unlock now

Start fast

Jump into multiple-choice practice and build momentum.

Start practice

Flashcards mode

Fast repetition for weak areas. Flip and learn.

Start flashcards

Study guide

Prefer offline? Grab the PDF and study anywhere.

Buy for $10.99

What you get with Examzify

Quick, premium practice, designed to keep you moving.

Unlock full bank

Instant feedback

See the correct answer right away and learn faster.

Build confidence with repetition.

Improve weak areas

Practice consistently and tighten up gaps quickly.

Less noise. More focus.

Mobile + web

Practice anywhere. Pick up where you left off.

Great for short sessions.

Exam-style pace

Build speed and accuracy with realistic practice.

Train like it’s test day.

Full bank unlock

Unlock all questions when you’re ready to go all-in.

No ads. No distractions.

Premium experience

Clean, modern UI built for learning.

Focused prep, start-to-finish.

About this course

Premium, focused exam preparation, built for results.

The AP European History Exam is your gateway to earning college credit while still in high school. Mastering this exam can give you a head start in understanding European societies' intricate tapestry and their historical context. Preparedness is key, and this guide will help you navigate the journey with confidence and skill.

Understanding the Exam Format

The AP European History Exam is designed to assess your understanding of the cultural, political, social, economic, and intellectual history of Europe from the Renaissance to the present day. The exam is comprised of three main sections which test different aptitudes:

Section I: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Contains 55 questions.
You have 55 minutes to complete the section.
This segment accounts for 40% of your total score.
Questions assess your ability to make connections between historical developments and processes.
Section II: Short Answer Questions (SAQs)
Consists of 3 questions.
40 minutes are allocated for this section.
It represents 20% of the overall score.
Responses should be concise, typically between 2-3 sentences.
Section III: Free Response Questions (FRQs)
Includes Document-Based Questions (DBQ) and Long Essay Questions (LEQ).
You are given 100 minutes to complete both.
DBQ accounts for 25% and LEQ for 15% of the total score.
These require you to create evidence-based arguments and demonstrate historical reasoning skills.

What to Expect on Exam Day

On the day of the exam, you should bring multiple pencils with erasers and pens with black or blue ink for writing essays. Expect to be challenged by questions that require critical thinking, data analysis, and effective communication. The exam proctor will guide you through each section with a strict adherence to time, ensuring a clear and focused atmosphere for you to perform your best.

Key Content Areas

The AP European History exam covers several units grouped into four major historical periods:

Renaissance and Exploration (c. 1450–c. 1648)

Emergence of new artistic and political theories.
Rise and impact of European nations on world exploration.

Age of Reformation and Religious Wars (c. 1517–c. 1648)

Protestant Reformation and Catholic Counter-Reformation.
Conflicts influenced by religious doctrines.

Absolutism to Revolution (c. 1648–c.1815)

The politics of powerful monarchs and enlightenment thought.
Changes in political structures leading to modern nation-states.

Industrialization to the Present (c.1815–present)

Industrial revolutions and their socio-economic impacts.
The development of modern democracies and globalization impacts.

Tips for Excelling in the AP European History Exam

Thorough Study and Review: Utilize textbooks and additional reading resources to get a complete understanding of each period. Focus on understanding causal relationships in historical events.

Practice with Purpose: Take advantage of Examzify's extensive library of practice questions and timed quizzes. These tools are designed to reflect the exam format and will help you manage time effectively during actual test-taking.

Strengthen Your Essay Writing Skills: Practice writing coherent, concise essays. Pay attention to structuring your arguments logically with clear introductions, solid supporting evidence, and conclusive statements.

Target Weak Areas: Review exam results to identify areas of weakness. Focus additional study efforts in these areas by using targeted quizzes and interactive study guides available on Examzify.

Group Study: Engage in group study sessions to discuss and debate various historical interpretations, which can provide new insights and reinforce your learning.

Take Care of Yourself: Ensure ample rest before the exam and approach the study regime with a balanced and healthy mindset for maximum retention and performance.

Excelling in the AP European History Exam requires dedication, strategic planning, and effective leveraging of available resources. By engaging proactively with study materials and utilizing platforms like Examzify, you stand the best chance of reaching your highest potential and achieving the scores necessary for college credit.

FAQs

Quick answers before you start.

What topics are covered on the AP European History Exam?

The AP European History Exam encompasses a wide range of topics, including European political developments, cultural movements, economic systems, and social changes from 1450 to the present. Students should focus on significant events like the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, World Wars, and the Cold War to prepare effectively.

Go ad-free & more with Examzify Plus

What is the format of the AP European History Exam?

The AP European History Exam typically consists of two sections: multiple-choice questions and free-response questions, which include short answers and essays. Familiarity with the structure is crucial; understanding how to develop a thesis and support arguments will greatly enhance performance on exam day.

Start multiple choice practice test

How can I best prepare for the AP European History Exam?

To prepare for the AP European History Exam, students should utilize comprehensive review books, online resources, and engage in group study sessions. Additionally, Examzify offers excellent courses to develop key skills and knowledge, ensuring effective preparation before the actual exam.

Dive in with Examzify Plus

What careers are available to someone with AP European History knowledge?

A strong foundation in European history can lead to diverse career paths, including education, research, and law. For instance, historians often earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience and location, and they contribute to preserving and interpreting our past.

How can I score well on the AP European History Exam?

To score well on the AP European History Exam, focus on mastering key concepts and time periods. Practice writing clear, concise responses and develop analytical skills. Engage with high-quality resources and consider tools like Examzify to refine your knowledge and exam strategies, leading to higher scores.

Get your premium subscription

Reviews

See what learners say.

4.46

48 reviews

Rating breakdown

95%

of customers recommend this product

Sarah L.
The course materials were fantastic! I felt that the real-life applications of historical events helped me understand the relevance of what I was learning. The structured randomness of questions also kept things exciting. I’d absolutely recommend this approach to anyone serious about acing the exam. Five stars all the way!
Liam R.
I recently completed the AP European History exam, and I couldn't have felt more prepared. The variety of questions in the app really helped solidify my understanding of key concepts and events. I appreciated the randomization because it kept me on my toes. Highly recommend for anyone serious about mastering the material!
Chloe A.
I just finished the AP European History exam, and the resources laid out in my prep were game-changers! The organization and variety of the material truly covered all essential topics. I couldn't wish for a better preparation method. I’m very happy with my performance and will give this five stars!