What’s Tested on the AP Human Geography Exam?

AP Human Geography Unit 1: Thinking Geographically (8–10% of exam) 

Big ideas: 

1. Patterns and Spatial Organization (PSO): Why do geographers study relationships and patterns among and between places? 
2. Impacts and Interactions (IMP): How do geographers use maps to help them discover patterns and relationships in the world? 
3. Spatial Processes and Societal Change (SPS): How do geographers use a spatial perspective to analyze complex issues and relationships? 

AP Human Geography Unit 2: Population and Migration Patterns and Processes (12–17% of exam) 

Big Ideas: 

1. Patterns and Spatial Organization (PSO): How does where and how people live impact global cultural, political, and economic patterns? 
2. Impacts and Interactions (IMP): How does the interplay of environmental, economic, cultural, and political factors influence change in the population? 
3. Spatial Patterns and Societal Change (SPS): How do changes in population affect a place’s economy, culture, and politics?

AP Human Geography Unit 3: Cultural Patterns and Processes (12–17% of exam) 

Big Ideas: 

1. Patterns and Spatial Organization (PSO): How do where people live and what resources they have access to impact their cultural practices? 
2. Impacts and Interactions (IMP): How does the interaction of people contribute to the spread of cultural practices? 
3. Spatial Patterns and Societal Change (SPS): How and why do cultural ideas, practices, and innovations change or disappear over time?

AP Human Geography Unit 4: Political Patterns and Processes (12–17% of exam) 

Big Ideas: 

1. Patterns and Spatial Organization (PSO): How do historical and current events influence political structures around the world? 
2. Impacts and Interactions (IMP): How are balances of power reflected in political boundaries and government power structures? 
3. Spatial Patterns and Societal Change (SPS): How can political, economic, cultural, or technological changes challenge state sovereignty?

AP Human Geography Unit 5: Agriculture and Rural Land-Use Patterns and Processes (12–17% of exam) 

Big Ideas: 

1. Patterns and Spatial Organization (PSO): How do a people’s culture and the resources available to them influence how they grow food? 
2. Impacts and Interactions (IMP): How does what people produce and consume vary in different locations? 
3. Spatial Patterns and Societal Change (SPS): What kind of cultural changes and techno- logical advances have impacted the way people grow and consume food?

AP Human Geography Unit 6: Cities and Urban Land-Use Patterns and Processes (12–17% of exam) 

Big Ideas: 

1. Patterns and Spatial Organization (PSO): How do physical geography and resources impact the presence and growth of cities? 
2. Impacts and Interactions (IMP): How are the attitudes, values, and balance of power of a population reflected in the built landscape? 
3. Spatial Patterns and Societal Change (SPS): How are urban areas affected by unique economic, political, cultural, and environmental challenges?

AP Human Geography Unit 7: Industrial and Economic Development Patterns and Processes (12–17% of exam) 

Big Ideas: 

1. Patterns and Spatial Organization (PSO): Why does economic and social development happen at different times and at different rates in different places? 
2. Impacts and Interactions (IMP): How might environmental problems stemming from industrialization be remedied through sustainable development strategies? 
3. Spatial Patterns and Societal Change (SPS): Why has industrialization helped improve standards of living while also contributing to geographically uneven development?

For a more detailed breakdown of each unit on the AP Human Geography Exam, check out our Ultimate Guide to Topics on the AP Human Geography Exam.