AP Physics 1 Tuition
Fluids now sits in AP Physics 1, alongside rotation and oscillations, and the paper is hybrid: 42 multiple-choice questions answered in Bluebook, four free-response answers handwritten in a paper booklet. Because each of those four belongs to a named question type, lessons start by identifying the type, then rebuild the free-body diagram the rest of the answer depends on.
Reviewed against the current College Board CED: Written by the TestPrep AP teaching team (since 2008)
AP Physics 1 key statistics
AP Physics 1 tuition pricing
Prices are shown and charged in Euro — the amount you see is the amount your card is charged. UK, EU and international cards supported.
Single Lesson
- Start with any Physics 1 topic you choose
- Full refund if you are not satisfied
- Scheduled around your timetable
10-Lesson Package
- Split the lessons across any AP subjects
- For example: 3 lessons Physics 1 + 7 in another AP subject
- Homework with written feedback
Group Course
- Live classes of at most 6, 24 places per cohort
- Every unit of your subject + 10 AP practice exams
- 2026-27 groups are full; places now for the 2027-28 groups (May 2028 exams)
- 29% cheaper than the 50-lesson 1:1 package
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based introductory mechanics course covering kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion, simple harmonic motion and fluids. The exam was redesigned for May 2025 and is now a hybrid digital exam: 42 multiple-choice questions in Bluebook (50%) and 4 free-response questions (50%) handwritten in a paper booklet, with FRQs grouped into four named types — mathematical routines, translation between representations, experimental design and analysis, and qualitative/quantitative translation. We prepare students with free-body-diagram drills, FRQ rubric practice on each named type, and weekly past-paper work.
What the AP Physics 1 exam looks like
- Format
- Hybrid digital: 42 MCQ in Bluebook + 4 FRQ handwritten in paper booklet
- Timing
- Section I 85 min, Section II 95 min
- Calculator
- Bluebook in-app Desmos plus up to two approved handheld calculators on both sections
- Maths level
- Algebra-based (no calculus)
- Big units
- Kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, oscillations, fluids
Exam structure as published in the most recent College Board Course and Exam Description. Always confirm with apstudents.collegeboard.org before exam day.
What AP Physics 1 actually tests
AP Physics 1 tests conceptual reasoning at least as much as calculation. Students must explain why a free-body diagram looks the way it does, predict what would change if a parameter changed, and design an experiment to test a claim.
Since the 2024-25 redesign, FRQs come in four explicit types — mathematical routines, translation between representations, experimental design and analysis, and qualitative/quantitative translation — each with its own rubric expectations. Students need to recognise which type a question belongs to before they start writing.
Common ways students drop points
- Free-body diagrams missing a force, having an incorrect direction, or labelled inconsistently with the equations that follow.
- Rotational motion problems where moment of inertia is not stated or torque sign convention is mixed up.
- Experimental design FRQs without a clear independent / dependent / controlled variable distinction.
- Energy vs momentum conservation questions where the student picks the wrong conservation law for the scenario.
- Qualitative/quantitative translation responses that re-state the question without combining a verbal physics argument with the equation it relies on.
How TestPrep tuition closes AP Physics 1 gaps
Diagnostic on free-body diagrams, energy / momentum bookkeeping, and rotational vs linear analogues.
Targeted topic repair on the units the diagnostic flags (commonly Unit 5 momentum and Unit 7 rotation).
Weekly experimental-design FRQ practice marked against the AP rubric.
Qualitative/quantitative translation drills built around the redesigned rubric: short physics paragraphs supported by equations and diagrams.
Full timed mock papers in spring with rubric-by-rubric feedback, including Bluebook MCQ practice on a real device.
How AP Physics 1 compares to A Level and IB
AP Physics 1 overlaps with A Level Physics mechanics and the mechanics half of IB Physics SL. AP weights experimental design more heavily than A Level, and AP uses algebra throughout where A Level mixes in some calculus. UK students often take AP Physics 1 alongside A Level Physics as a US-readable signal of practical physics reasoning.
Is AP Physics 1 the right AP for you?
Students taking A Level Physics or IB Physics, especially those applying to US engineering / physics programmes.
Students confident on calculation but losing FRQ marks on diagrams, experimental design and the qualitative/quantitative translation rubric.
Students hoping for a calculus-light physics credit for engineering admissions — Physics C is the more recognised credit.
AP Physics 1 week-by-week study plan
A typical route from first lesson to exam day. We adapt the pace to your start date and target grade — an accelerated version runs the same sequence in fewer weeks.
- Weeks 1–3
Kinematics
Position, velocity, acceleration, vector analysis, horizontal and projectile motion.
- Weeks 4–6
Force and Translational Dynamics
Newton's laws, free-body diagrams, friction, inclined planes, tension.
- Weeks 7–9
Work, Energy, and Power
Work–energy theorem, kinetic/potential energy, conservation of energy, energy bar charts.
- Weeks 10–12
Linear Momentum
Momentum, impulse, elastic and inelastic collisions, conservation of momentum.
- Weeks 13–15
Torque and Rotational Dynamics
Angular kinematics, moment of inertia, torque, rolling motion.
- Weeks 16–18
Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
Rotational kinetic energy, conservation of angular momentum, gyroscopic effects.
- Weeks 19–21
Oscillations
Simple harmonic motion, pendulums, spring systems, energy analysis.
- Weeks 22–24
Fluids
Density, pressure, buoyancy, Bernoulli's equation, fluid dynamics.
- Weeks 25–30
Exam Prep Intensive
Practice on the four revised FRQ types, experimental-design questions, Bluebook MCQ mocks.
Which AP Physics 1 preparation model fits you?
Compare 1-to-1 online tuition, small group courses and short-term exam preparation against your target score, schedule and exam date.
1-to-1 Online Tuition
- Best for
- Students who want to progress in AP Physics 1 at their own pace, target specific weak topics, or build a plan around their school and AP exam calendar.
- Pacing
- Fully bespoke — 1-to-1 sessions starting from your weakest units.
- Follow-up
- Direct feedback after every session and a targeted homework assignment.
- Flexibility
- Days and times set by the student — flexible online scheduling.
Online Small Group Course
- Best for
- Students who want to cover the full AP Physics 1 curriculum from scratch in a structured small-group format.
- Pacing
- A 30-week structured online programme. Two 90-minute topic lessons a week for 20 weeks, then one past-paper lesson a week for the last 10.
- Follow-up
- Homework, dashboard progress tracking and regular parent reports.
- Flexibility
- Fixed weekly timetable (September–April); every lesson is recorded and watchable for 14 days.
Short-term Exam Preparation
- Best for
- Students close to the AP exam needing revision, mock papers, FRQ/MCQ strategy and targeted topic repair in AP Physics 1.
- Pacing
- Goal-driven short programme: revision + mocks + weak-topic repair.
- Follow-up
- Mock exam analysis, FRQ/MCQ feedback and exam-day strategy.
- Flexibility
- Plan as 1-to-1 or as a small online group depending on availability.
AP Physics 1 tuition — short answers to common questions
Direct answers to the questions students and parents ask most often.
How much does AP Physics 1 tuition cost?
AP Physics 1 1-to-1 tuition starts from €58 per lesson, with the per-lesson rate dropping in the 10- and 20-lesson packages. The small group course covers the full syllabus (30 weeks / 50 lessons + 10 AP practice exams) for €1,559, the same number of lessons as the 1:1 Full Course Package and 29% cheaper than it. See /pricing for current packages and instalment options.
Should I take AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C: Mechanics?
Physics 1 is algebra-based and covers a broader spread (mechanics, rotation, oscillations, fluids). Physics C: Mechanics is calculus-based and goes deeper into pure mechanics. For US engineering/physics applications, Physics C carries more weight; for a US-readable broad physics signal alongside A Levels or IB, Physics 1 is enough.
What changed in 2025?
The College Board redesigned the exam for May 2025. Section I moved to 40 MCQs in Bluebook for 80 minutes; Section II moved to 4 FRQs in 100 minutes, each one drawn from a named question type — mathematical routines, translation between representations, experimental design and analysis, and qualitative/quantitative translation. The exam is now hybrid digital: MCQs and the FRQ stimulus appear in Bluebook, and students handwrite their FRQ answers in a paper booklet.
Can I self-study AP Physics 1 if my school does not offer it?
Yes. Many of our UK and EU students self-study Physics 1 alongside A Level / IB Physics. We use AP Classroom Personal Progress Checks weekly and timed past-paper FRQs from spring onwards, including practice on Bluebook so the testing environment is not new on exam day.
Who is AP Physics 1 tuition for?
AP Physics 1 tuition suits sixth-form and high-school students sitting AP exams worldwide. Whether you are doing A Levels, IB, an American diploma or a national curriculum, our online format works across international time zones.
What is the difference between 1-to-1 tutoring and the small group course?
1-to-1 tutoring is fully bespoke and runs at your pace. The small group course caps at six students, runs to a fixed weekly schedule across an academic year, and covers the full AP Physics 1 CED at a lower cost than private tutoring.
How many units are in the AP Physics 1 exam?
The AP Physics 1 exam follows the College Board CED and is built around 8 core units. Our lessons cover every unit from first principles to exam level, then consolidate with MCQ and FRQ mock papers.
When does the AP Physics 1 group course start?
The AP Physics 1 group (2026–2027 Term) runs from Saturday, 10 October 2026 to Sunday, 2 May 2027, with 50 lessons on a fixed weekly timetable: 40 topic lessons, then 10 past-paper lessons in which recent AP exams are worked through. Every one of our 2026-27 AP group courses is full — thank you for the interest. The 2027-28 start dates are published on 1 November, and you can enrol now.
How we support students through AP Physics 1
Six pillars we apply across every format — from 1-to-1 online tuition to small group courses.
Online 1-to-1 progression
In AP Physics 1 1-to-1 lessons we map every student's strengths and gaps, then update the weekly plan based on what the FRQ practice shows.
Structured small group courses
In online AP Physics 1 classes of at most 6, we cover the full AP curriculum on a fixed timetable: two topic lessons a week for 20 weeks, then one past-paper lesson a week for the last 10.
AP-format past-paper practice
Regular drills using past AP papers and College Board AP Classroom Personal Progress Checks, in the AP Physics 1 format.
Early gap detection
Weekly quizzes and end-of-unit mock papers surface weak AP Physics 1 topics early so we can repair them with focused revision.
MCQ and FRQ technique
AP Physics 1 multiple-choice and free-response sets are practised against the rubric, with explicit timing and partial-credit strategy.
Parent and student updates
On request, we share progress, mock results and target areas with parents and students together with the AP Physics 1 tutor.
Bespoke AP Physics 1 tuition built around your goals
Your specialist AP Physics 1 tutor works with you 1-to-1 to build a plan around your weakest topics, target score and exam timeline. You get focused individual attention and step-by-step guidance through the AP preparation process.
- Regular weekly slots or on-demand booking
- Native English-speaking tutors available
- Packages of 1, 10 or 20 lessons
- All AP Physics 1 materials shared with students
- Live online lessons on a shared digital whiteboard
- 100% refund if you are not satisfied after your first lesson
Quick intro call request for AP Physics 1
Fill in the form and we'll come back with a tailored study plan.
Affordable 30-week AP Physics 1 group preparation
A 30-week live online course with a specialist AP Physics 1 tutor: 50 lessons of 90 minutes, 75 hours in total. Two 90-minute topic lessons a week for 20 weeks, then one past-paper lesson a week for the last 10.
Saturdays & Sundays, 16:00–17:30 (Türkiye time, UTC+3) · Classes of at most 6
A cohort takes 24 students, taught in classes of at most 6 because the cohort is split by level.
Every one of our 2026-27 AP group courses is full — thank you for the interest. The 2027-28 start dates are published on 1 November, and you can enrol now.
AP groups run subject by subject. Choose your AP subject at checkout; once that subject's 2027-28 dates are published we email you and agree your start date together.
AP Physics 1 group course · 2026–2027 Term
The date, time and topic of all 50 live lessons: 40 topic lessons, then 10 past-paper lessons.
| Date | Topic |
|---|---|
| 10 October 2026 | Unit 1: Kinematics (1/5) |
| 11 October 2026 | Unit 1: Kinematics (2/5) |
| 17 October 2026 | Unit 1: Kinematics (3/5) |
| 18 October 2026 | Unit 1: Kinematics (4/5) |
| 24 October 2026 | Unit 1: Kinematics (5/5) |
| 25 October 2026 | Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics (1/8) |
| 31 October 2026 | Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics (2/8) |
| 1 November 2026 | Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics (3/8) |
| 7 November 2026 | Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics (4/8) |
| 8 November 2026 | Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics (5/8) |
| 14 November 2026 | Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics (6/8) |
| 15 November 2026 | Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics (7/8) |
Past exams are worked through from 2026 back to 2017. The 2020 exam was a shortened, free-response-only online exam, so a TestPrep practice test takes its place.
All times are Türkiye time (UTC+3). The timetable may see small updates.
What you'll cover in AP Physics 1
Topic coverage maps directly onto the College Board Course and Exam Description. Each unit is taught with worked examples and reinforced with timed FRQ practice.
The percentage on each unit is its weight on the AP exam. Exam weightings as published by College Board in the Course and Exam Description.
Kinematics
Force and Translational Dynamics
Work, Energy, and Power
Linear Momentum
Torque and Rotational Dynamics
Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
Oscillations
Fluids
AP Physics 1 study resources
AP AP Physics 1 question bank and 10 practice tests in College Board format, to use alongside 1-to-1 tuition or the group course.
How to start your AP Physics 1 lessons
Choose installment or one-time payment
Complete the short student form sent to you after payment
Your personal student page is created
Access every lesson from your personal page
AP Physics 1 lessons built around your weak spots
Catch-up, score lift and exam-window revision — built around AP-style MCQ and FRQ practice.
I am behind — can I catch up?
Yes. We map the AP Physics 1 units that matter most for your target score and exam date, then prioritise topic repair over re-teaching everything.
I want a 4 or 5 — how do lessons help?
Lessons focus on AP-style MCQs and FRQs taken from past papers, with rubric-aligned feedback on every written answer.
Will I get feedback on real AP-style work?
Yes. Weekly homework includes timed AP-style sets that your tutor marks against the College Board rubric, with written notes on partial credit.
Can I focus only on my weak units?
Yes. Short revision plans of 10–20 lessons are common, especially in the months before May. We rebuild the plan as the diagnostic reveals new gaps.
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