Chemistry Olympiad

The U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) program is a chemistry competition for high school students. The purpose of the competition is to stimulate young people to achieve excellence in chemistry. The American Chemical Society has sponsored the program since 1984. 

The USNCO is a multi-tiered chemistry competition. The top four students of the national competition represent the United States in the annual International Chemistry Olympiad. The competition tiers are as follows:

Local exam – March 8th, at 3-5pm

National Exam, April 12th, 9am-2.30pm

Details and updated news:

U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad – American Chemical Society

What is new this year?

All students must be registered by their parents/guardians through USNCO Registration platform. Student registration opened October 6, 2025

Here is the link for parents to register students for the Chemistry Olympiad

Log In | USNCO Registration Platform

It will be open until February 27, 2026.

The 20 top scoring students from the National Exam spend two weeks at a study camp to undergo rigorous training. Based on their performance, four students are chosen to represent the U.S. at the International Chemistry Olympiad.

International Chemistry Olympiad, July 2026