The trend of Washington students taking and passing more Advanced Placement (AP) exams continued in 2010.

During the past five years, scores have increased even as the number of exams taken has risen, according to a national report released today.

The College Board’s seventh annual AP Report to the Nation shows that 18,296 Washington students — or 28.0 percent — in the class of 2010 took at least one AP exam, an increase of nearly 1,061 from the previous year and 4,982 from five years ago. Consequently, Washington’s percentage of 12th graders scoring three or greater, a score that generally qualifies for college credit, increased to 17.1 percent in 2010 from 12.9 five years ago.

That 4.2 percent increase placed Washington at 10th in the nation. The national average was 3 percent for the same time period.

“Advanced Placement is such a valuable program as we continue with our goal of helping all students be career and college ready,” State Superintendent Randy Dorn said.