The College Board defines Advanced Placement (AP) courses as “rigorous, college-level classes in a variety of subjects that give students the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school by scoring a 3 or higher (5-point scale) on the AP exam associated with that course.” Advanced Placement (AP) is a program in the United States and Canada created by the College Board, which offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students. American colleges and universities may grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high scores on the examinations.

In North Carolina, 38 AP courses are offered in public high schools. Exam fees for AP and IB exams are funded for all NC public high school students through the NC AP Partnership.