<p>Interestingly, according to College Board’s own website, the sin was not in having the cell phone (unless it was turned on), but rather in leaving the building. If the OP’s school is allowing students to leave the building during breaks, then the school is guilty of misconduct. </p>
<p>These are the rules for the SAT tests; I’m assuming they are the same for the AP exams.</p>
<p>[SAT</a> Internet Score Delivery](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>SAT Terms and Conditions – SAT Suite | College Board)</p>
<p>"Misconduct. When ETS or test center personnel find that there is misconduct in connection with a test, the test-taker may be dismissed from the test center, and ETS may decline to score the test or it may cancel the test score. Repeated minor infractions may result in score cancellation. Misconduct includes, but is not limited to:</p>
<p> Taking any test questions or essay topics from the testing room in any manner, including memorization, giving them to anyone else, or discussing them with anyone else through any means—including, but not limited to, email, text messages, and the Internet </p>
<p> Obtaining improper access to the test, a part of the test, or information about the test </p>
<p> Referring to, looking through, or working on any test, or test section, other than during the testing period for that test or test section </p>
<p> Using a cell phone—cell phone use is prohibited; students are strongly encouraged not to bring cell phones to the test center. If your phone makes noise, or you are seen using it at any time (including breaks), you may be dismissed immediately, your scores will likely be canceled, and the device may be confiscated for investigative purposes. This policy also applies to any other prohibited digital or electronic device or both, such as a BlackBerry, pager, personal digital assistant, iPod, MP3 player, camera or other photographic equipment, or a separate timer of any kind. We strongly advise you not to bring them. </p>
<p> Consuming food or drink in the test room </p>
<p> Leaving the test room without permission</p>
<p> Leaving the building at any time during the test administration, including during breaks</p>
<p> Attempting in any manner to remove from the test room any part of a test book or any notes relating to the test</p>
<p> Attempting to give or receive assistance on the test. Discussion or sharing of test content during the test administration, during breaks, or after the test is prohibited. Communication with other test-takers in any form is not permitted during the test administration. </p>
<p> Attempting to take the test for someone else
Creating a disturbance or failing to follow instructions given by test center staff </p>
<p> Failing to follow any of the test administration regulations contained in the SAT Registration Booklet, indicated on the College Board website, given by the test supervisor, or specified in any materials "</p>