So, you are about to complete high school and thought “Why not take an AP exam after high school graduation? Are there any rules against this?”
The first thing you need to do is skim through the College Board’s website. (Of course, the whole idea of taking an AP exam is to earn college credit or placement while still in high school)
You can indeed take an AP test in college. All you need to do is pay the College Board their fee and they will happily sign you up. As long as they are certain who you are, it does not matter how many times you take it as long as you follow the required intervals for taking and retaking an AP Exam, but will it still give you an advantage?
College and post-high school students may take the AP exam only if they can find a high school willing to admit them. Only the college can let you know whether or not you can obtain credit for an AP exam.
Advanced Placement is a high school program that allows you to earn college credit or possibly a non-GPA “credit” if you’re not yet in college. Once you’re in college, the college will want you to take their own courses offering, and will probably refuse to accept your earned credits.
So there you have it: a college or post-high school student can take AP exams, given that they can find a high school that will allow and gives them a seat.
Will higher education institutions accept those credits?
Ultimately, if you wish to proceed with this plan, the decision is up to you. Be mindful that different colleges and universities may have their own policies regarding AP credits earned during and after high school graduation. If you want to make sure these schools and departments will take these credits–especially towards your major requirements–contact them prior to taking the test.