from college board

If I take an AP course, do I have to take the corresponding AP Exam?

While we recommend taking the AP Exam after taking an AP course, it is not required.

老美说话不会说must，娃中学的顾问都在说现在大学不看SAT/那些标考，学校‘recommend’ 能考的去考。

意思就是要考，但是要准备好了再考。