Chemistry Olympiad

Chemistry Competition for High School Students

The U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad and the International Chemistry Olympiad are multi-tiered competitions that bring together the world’s most talented high school students to test their knowledge and skills in chemistry. Nations from around the world conduct examinations to choose the most high-performing students to represent their countries in the International Chemistry Olympiad.

U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad

Each year, more than 10,000 high school students nationwide take local exams hoping to compete in the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad. The top 20 students from the national exam participate at a study camp, held each June at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado. Four are chosen for the U.S. team to compete in the International Chemistry Olympiad.

• Get an overview of the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO).
• Learn how to participate.
• Find out about local competitions.

International Chemistry Olympiad

The International Chemistry Olympiad is a 10-day competition to challenge the chemical knowledge and skills of students around the world. The event, which began in 1968 in Eastern Europe, now includes participants from more than 60 countries. Each nation sends a team of four students, who complete a five-hour laboratory practical and a five-hour theoretical examination.

• Learn more about the International Chemistry Olympiad.