The Advanced Placement (AP) program was created in the 1950s by the College Board, a not-for-profit membership association with the mission to create college opportunities and success for students. AP's college-level courses and tests provide students with an opportunity to earn college credit and/or advanced placement in college programs. AP tests are administered during the first 2 weeks of May each year. The tests are scored on a 1 to 5 grading scale; a 3 or better on any of the course-specific tests indicates a passing score. Passing scores on AP tests usually provide high school students with college credit and/or advanced placement in college coursework.