RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia ranked fifth nationwide in the percentage of public school students earning a score of 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement examinations.

The College Board said Wednesday that 27.2 percent of 2012 graduates earned that score or higher on at least one AP exam. That’s compared with 25.6 percent of 2011 graduates.

Although Virginia saw an increase in participation and performance, the state’s rank fell after placing third for the last five years. Maryland ranked first and New York was second.

Third-ranked Massachusetts and fourth-ranked Florida both use state funds to promote AP participation by covering student fees and providing incentives.

Nationally, 19.5 percent of 2012 graduates scored at least 3 on their AP tests, which give students the opportunity to earn college credit.

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