Can I take the AP (Advanced Placement) exam without taking the course?

Question

For example, lets say I go to a school that doesn't have the course I want, e.g. Music Theory AP, but I study it anyway outside of school. Can I take the exam and get the college credit.

Answer 1

Yes you can take the test without the course.

As far as college credit: most colleges won't give you CREDIT per se, they will let you skip a 101 or 102 level course. Practically speaking, that means you'll have to take something else instead. Some colleges work off a minimum credits system. Some just have a list of courses you need to take.

Short answer: check with the college re: credit.

Answer 2

Yes, you have to make sure to sign up for the exam. There are no requirements to taking the exam.  

Answer 3

Yes, you can still take the exam. When the time comes, just sign up for the test through your school.

Answer 4

Yes, you can take the exam and get college credit (as long as the college you go to has a policy that lets you get credit for a particular exam).  Whether or not you took the course at school has no bearing on whether or not you get credit.  Just make sure to talk to your guidance counselor at school to make sure that they order a test for you and stuff like that (in the spring).