U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad
The right challenge for your talent
The U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) program is a multi-tiered chemistry competition for high school students. ACS has sponsored the program since 1984.
Participate in USNCO
If you have already registered your student and need further assistance with the USNCO Registration Platform, please contact registrationusnco@acs.org
Parents and guardians seeking to register students for participation in the 2026 U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) must contact their USNCO Coordinator.
2026 Important Dates
Schedule is subject to change. All changes will be communicated to USNCO Coordinators and posted on the USNCO website.
| October 6, 2025 | Student registration open |
| February 27 - March 16, 2026 | Local Exam |
| April 10-19, 2026 | National Exam |
| May 31 - June 13, 2026 | Study Camp |
| July 10 - 19, 2026 | International Chemistry Olympiad |
The program has four tiers
The U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) program is a chemistry competition for high school students. ACS has sponsored the program since 1984. The program has four tiers:
MARCH
Local Chemistry Olympiad Exams
The first step in USNCO, held each March. High school students can participate by registering with ACS. Registration does not guarantee participation. Students will be notified by their ACS Local Section Coordinator. Coordinators choose nominees for the National Exam based on results of the local competition.
APRIL
National Chemistry Olympiad Exams
A three-part exam administered to more than 1,000 students each April. National Exams are often hosted by ACS Local Sections at local universities and colleges.
JUNE
Study Camp
The 20 top-scoring students from the National Exam spend two weeks at a Study Camp in June to undergo rigorous training. Based on their performance, four students are chosen to represent the U.S. at the International Chemistry Olympiad.
JULY
International Chemistry Olympiad Exams
The four international competitors are accompanied by mentors who translate the test, inspect laboratories and arbitrate the scoring of the exams. Students and mentors also have opportunities to interact with one another and experience the host country’s culture through planned educational and social events.
USNCO News
2025 Team USA Medalists L-R: William Wang, Max Zhou, Yash Shah, Adam Madni.
Photo credit: Margaret Thatcher
2025 USNCO Summary Report
354 students from 88 countries participated in the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad. Team USA earned 4 gold medals.
