What is the Distinction Between AP Computer Science Principles and A

Do you enjoy making things? Learning to address real-world problems? If this is the case, you may be considering which AP® computer science course is best for you. We'll go over the similarities and differences between AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) and AP Computer Science A in this blog (AP CSA).  

What is Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles?

The AP Computer Science Principles course covers a wide range of topics. When you take AP CSP, you will master the fundamental concepts of computing as well as the computational thinking skills that computer scientists employ on a daily basis, such as:

• Designing a program to solve a problem.
• Analyzing computational work.
• Communicating ideas about technology.
• Working collaboratively to address real-world issues.

What is AP Computer Science A?

AP Computer Science A is a course that focuses more on programming. When you take AP CSA, you'll learn programming content and skills used by computer scientists to develop creative solutions to today’s problems. Skills emphasized in this course include:

• Designing a computer program.
• Writing the necessary code to implement a program.
• Testing program code and correcting errors.
• Documenting and explaining how program code works.
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How are these two courses similar?

AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A share characteristics. Both courses:

• Give you a solid introduction to programming content and skills.
• Encourage you to continue your studies and interest in the field of computer science.
• Require you to have familiarity with concepts from Algebra 1.
• Do not require you to have any computer science or programming experience before enrolling in the course.

How are these two courses different?

Although AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A have similarities, they differ in ways you should know:

AP Computer Science Principles:

• Your teacher can choose which programming language you'll learn in the course.
• You'll be introduced to broader concepts in computer science, including analyzing data, explaining how the internet works, and exploring the impacts of computer science in areas like cybersecurity.
• The AP Exam is made up of both a traditional paper and pencil  part and a performance task that’s completed during the school year. The paper and pencil part is made up of multiple-choice questions. The performance task requires you to write a program of your choice and provide written answers to a series of questions about your program.

AP Computer Science A:

• Your teacher is required to use the Java programming language.
• You'll do a deep dive into programming with Java, exploring more advanced programming concepts.
• The AP Exam is a traditional paper and pencil exam with multiple-choice questions and free-response questions. You'll have to demonstrate your knowledge of Java programming in the free-response questions by writing program code.

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