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
Are you a high school student interested in participating in 2024 USNCO exams? Students interested in competing must register with ACS by completing the registration form . The deadline was extended to January 19, 2024. Registration does not guarantee participation in the program.
2024 USNCO Student Registration
For more information contact your ACS Local Section USNCO Coordinator.
2024 Important Dates
Schedule is subject to change. All changes will be communicated to USNCO Coordinators and posted on the USNCO website.
| January 19, 2024 | Student registration closes |
| March 1-24, 2024 | Local Exam |
| April 13-21, 2024 | National Exam |
| June 2-14, 2024 | Study Camp |
| July 22-31, 2024 | 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.
News & Opportunities
USNCO News
2023 Team USA won four medals at 55th IChO: L to R : Anurag Sodhi (gold), Mingwen Duan (silver), Phoenix Wu (gold), Alice Liu (silver).
Lily Raines
USNCO Summary Report 2022
326 students from 84 countries participated in the 53rd International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) . Team USA earned one gold and three silver medals.
