The short answer
This charge is from the College Board for an Advanced Placement (AP) exam fee. High school students take these exams in May to potentially earn college credit.
Understanding College Board charges
COLLEGE BOARD*AP EXAM on your statement is a one-time payment to the College Board, the nonprofit organization that administers Advanced Placement exams for high school students across the United States. Each AP exam carries a base fee of $98 for domestic test-takers. Students who sit for exams at international testing centers pay a higher fee. The College Board also charges a separate $40 late fee per exam when registration occurs after the fall deadline.
While many school districts collect AP exam fees directly and pay the College Board on behalf of students, some schools require families to pay online. When payment happens through the College Board's own website or the Total Registration system, the descriptor COLLEGE BOARD*AP EXAM shows up on the card used at checkout. One charge per exam is standard — a student registered for three AP exams would see three separate $98 charges or one combined charge depending on how the school processed registration.
If you do not recognize this charge, check with any high school students in your household. Parents often share a card with a student who registered online independently. If your child qualifies for a fee reduction, the reduced amount should already be reflected in the billed total. To verify or dispute a charge, log in at collegeboard.org or call College Board customer service. Note that AP exam fees are generally non-refundable, though a canceled exam may receive a partial credit minus the $40 cancellation fee.
Why was I charged a late fee?
The College Board enforces a strict fall registration deadline. Ordering an exam after this deadline typically incurs an additional $40 late fee per exam.
Does this charge cover SATs as well?
No, SAT registration fees are billed separately but also come from the College Board. This specific descriptor indicates an AP exam or an AP score sending fee.
AP Exam refunds and cancellations
If a student decides not to take an AP exam they registered for, the refund policy depends on how the exam was ordered and when the cancellation occurs.
Canceled exams often incur a $40 unused/canceled exam fee, meaning you will only receive a partial refund of the original base fee.
- Check School Policy If you paid through your high school, you must request the refund directly from the school's AP coordinator.
- Online Cancellation If you paid online via College Board, log in to 'My AP' and indicate that you wish to cancel the exam.
- Wait for Processing Refunds are typically processed in June after the testing window concludes.
Independent reference — not affiliated with College Board. Billing names and policies change; verify with the merchant or your bank before acting.
Verified sources
Every claim on this page is checked against official sources — open them to confirm before you call your bank.
- AP Exam Fees https://apcentral.collegeboard.org
- College Board AP Refunds https://apstudents.collegeboard.org
Reviewed Aug 31, 2026 · high · About UnknownCharges