State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced Tuesday that the California Department of Education will be distributing nearly $10.8 million to pay Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) test fees for more than 129,000 low-income eligible students.

California received a major grant under the U.S. Department of Education’s Test Fee Program. The $10.8 million represents California’s full grant request, and nearly a third of the total amount distributed to states across the country.

“Every student in California deserves a world-class education, and students who work hard and earn the right to take these advanced tests should never find themselves limited by the fees,” Torlakson said. “With this grant, we can remove one more obstacle and open one more door for some of the students who need it most.”

Under the AP/IB Test Fee Program, CDE allocates available funding to local educational agencies (LEAs) to help reduce the cost of AP and IB exam fees for economically disadvantaged students.       To receive funding, LEAs must apply and provide the CDE with an assurance of compliance with all program requirements. This includes that eligible students contribute $5 for each AP/IB exam the student takes, with the state defraying the rest of the cost. Typical fees are $89 for AP exams and $104 for IB exams.

For additional information on the AP/IB Test Fee Program, please visit the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education or the California Department of Education.