Hours by course and level
| Course | Short | Standard | In depth | Extended | Full syllabus | Weeks at 3 classes a week (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus AB | 5 | 29.2 | 45 | 60.8 | 64.5 | 13 |
| AP Calculus BC | 5 | 39.8 | 60.8 | 81.2 | 86.2 | 18 |
| AP Precalculus | 5 | 26.2 | 38.8 | 49.5 | 52 | 12 |
| AP Statistics | 5 | 25.5 | 38.2 | 50.5 | 53.2 | 12 |
| AP Biology | 5 | 23.8 | 35 | 45 | 48 | 11 |
| AP Chemistry | 5 | 30.8 | 48.8 | 60.5 | 65 | 14 |
| AP Human Geography | 5 | 25 | 37.2 | 46 | 49.2 | 12 |
A level is a depth, not a shortcut. Every level covers the whole syllabus; a deeper level adds classes on the hardest topics, then exam technique, then a recap of every unit and the full practice papers.
Planning backwards from exam day
- Count the weeks. From today to your exam date, take off two weeks for your own school tests and slack.
- Decide the classes a week. Two to four 45-minute classes is realistic next to school work.
- Multiply. Weeks times classes a week times 45 minutes gives your hours. Compare with the table.
- Pick the deepest level that fits. If you are short, choose a lighter level now and go deeper later; what you have done is kept.
- Protect the last four weeks. Use them for full practice papers and the units you lose marks on.
Three example plans
| You have | Classes a week | Hours available | A sensible level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 weeks | 3 of 45 min | 27 | Standard: AP Precalculus, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Human Geography; Short: AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry |
| 20 weeks | 3 of 45 min | 45 | Extended: AP Biology; In depth: AP Calculus AB, AP Precalculus, AP Statistics, AP Human Geography; Standard: AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry |
| 30 weeks | 2 of 45 min | 45 | Extended: AP Biology; In depth: AP Calculus AB, AP Precalculus, AP Statistics, AP Human Geography; Standard: AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry |
These are starting points. A student who already knows half the course needs fewer hours; one starting from nothing needs more. The tutor adjusts, and the recap after each class shows what is left.
Each AP program's own hours, at five levels, are drawn to one scale on the Programs page, so you can check a plan against them.
Questions people ask
How many hours does it take to prepare for an AP exam?
The ready-made programs on Tutix take 23.8 to 39.8 hours at the Standard level, and between about 5 hours (Short) and 48 to 86.2 hours (Full syllabus) across the levels.
When should I start preparing for AP exams?
As early as the course begins. The longest ready-made course takes about 18 weeks at the Standard level and three 45-minute classes a week, so allow that plus a couple of weeks of slack. The 2027 exams run from May 3 to May 14.
Can I cram an AP exam in a month?
You can cover the big picture with the Short level, but depth takes time. A month at four classes a week is about 12 hours, enough for a review, not for learning a whole course from nothing.
What if I fall behind?
Choose a lighter level or add classes a week. A class that runs short carries what it did not cover into the next one, so nothing is skipped and nothing is taught twice.
Sources
- AP exam dates, College Board (accessed October 21, 2026)
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