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AP World History Practice Test

This AP World History practice test helps you prepare for the AP World History: Modern exam from College Board. Use these sample questions to practice analyzing historical developments, making connections across regions, and constructing arguments about world history from 1200 CE to the present.

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Sample AP World History questions

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AP World History Sample Questions

Practice quiz

1. The spread of Buddhism along the Silk Roads illustrates which historical process?

2. Which factor most contributed to the decline of Indian Ocean trade networks in the 16th century?

3. The Columbian Exchange primarily refers to the transfer of:

4. Ottoman devshirme was a system in which:

5. Which Enlightenment concept most directly influenced the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen?

6. The Berlin Conference of 1884–1885 resulted in:

7. Which development was a direct cause of the Industrial Revolution beginning in Britain?

8. The policy of "containment" during the Cold War aimed to:

9. Which characteristic distinguished the Mughal Empire's approach to religious diversity?

10. The Atlantic slave trade most significantly affected which region's demographic patterns?

11. The Green Revolution of the mid-20th century involved:

12. Non-aligned movement nations during the Cold War sought to:

0 of 12 answered

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Exam at a glance

AP World History: Modern is a College Board exam covering global history from approximately 1200 CE to the present. The exam tests historical thinking skills including causation, comparison, contextualization, and argumentation.

Detail	Information
Exam length	3 hours 15 minutes
Format	Section I: Multiple-choice and short-answer; Section II: Document-based question and long essay
Multiple-choice questions	55 questions in 55 minutes
Content coverage	c. 1200 CE to the present

Source: College Board AP World History · Last reviewed Oct 22, 2026

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AP World History content areas

Unit 1: The Global Tapestry (c. 1200–1450)

Regional developments and interactions including Song Dynasty China, Islamic empires, and African kingdoms.

Unit 2: Networks of Exchange (c. 1200–1450)

Trade networks, cultural and technological transfers, including the Silk Roads and Indian Ocean trade.

Unit 3: Land-Based Empires (c. 1450–1750)

Ottoman, Safavid, Mughal, Russian, and Qing empires and their administrative systems.

Unit 4: Transoceanic Interconnections (c. 1450–1750)

Maritime exploration, the Columbian Exchange, and the Atlantic slave trade.

Unit 5: Revolutions (c. 1750–1900)

Enlightenment ideas, political revolutions, and the Industrial Revolution.

Unit 6: Consequences of Industrialization (c. 1750–1900)

Imperialism, nationalism, and economic changes resulting from industrialization.

Unit 7: Global Conflict (c. 1900–present)

World wars, the Cold War, and international organizations.

Unit 8: Cold War and Decolonization (c. 1900–present)

Independence movements, the Cold War rivalry, and new nation formation.

Unit 9: Globalization (c. 1900–present)

Economic integration, technological change, and global challenges.

Study tips for AP World History

Focus on connections

AP World History emphasizes cross-regional comparisons and connections. Practice linking developments across different societies.

Learn the periodization

Understand the nine units and their date ranges. Questions often require placing events in historical context.

Practice document analysis

The DBQ requires analyzing documents for point of view, purpose, and audience. Practice with primary sources.

Master causation arguments

Many questions ask about causes and effects. Practice constructing arguments about why changes occurred.

Review thematic connections

Focus on AP themes: humans and environment, cultural developments, governance, economics, social structures, and technology.

Clear answers

AP World History FAQ

What time period does AP World History cover?+

AP World History: Modern covers approximately 1200 CE to the present. Earlier periods were removed when the course was redesigned.

How is the AP World History exam structured?+

The exam has two sections. Section I includes 55 multiple-choice questions and 3 short-answer questions. Section II includes a document-based question (DBQ) and a long essay question (LEQ).

What score do I need for college credit?+

Credit and placement policies vary by institution. Most colleges grant credit or placement for AP World History scores of 4 or 5. Some accept a 3 for elective credit. Research your target schools to understand their specific requirements.

Is AP World History harder than AP US History?+

The exams require different knowledge. AP World covers more regions but less depth per region. AP US History goes deeper into one nation's history. Difficulty depends on your background and interests.

How long is the DBQ?+

You have 60 minutes for the DBQ, including a recommended 15-minute reading period. The DBQ requires you to analyze documents and construct an argument.

What are the AP World History units?+

The nine units are: The Global Tapestry, Networks of Exchange, Land-Based Empires, Transoceanic Interconnections, Revolutions, Consequences of Industrialization, Global Conflict, Cold War and Decolonization, and Globalization.

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