<p>I meant that the concept of APs (and to some extend the material) is similar to A Levels. You take a course and at the end of the year you take a central exam which meassures how much of the material you've grasped. APs are just easier to do well on than A Levels and cover less material (most APs are designed as one year courses).</p>
<p>Have you looked at the physics SAT? Imo that is one of the easier exams. The bulk of questions just asks for concepts and only very few questions involve calculations (you are not even allowed to use a calculator). It's convenient for self-studying when you have some aptitude for sciences.</p>