USNCO student registration for the 2027 season opens on 1 November 2026.
Participation in the United States National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) requires coordination through an American Chemical Society (ACS) Local Section or International Chapter. It is not a global sign-up process. Students must engage with their specific regional coordinator to manage registration and exam logistics.
Current Schedule: 2026-2027 Season
The following dates are based on the ACS current calendar. Schedules are subject to change; parents and guardians should contact their specific USNCO Coordinator for confirmation.
| Event | Date/Window |
|---|---|
| Student Registration Opens | November 1, 2026 |
| Local Exam | February 28 – March 2, 2027 |
| National Exam | April 16 – April 18, 2027 |
| IChO | July 19 – July 28, 2027 |
Note: Study Camp dates are currently TBD.
Eligibility Comparison: Three Key Cases
Eligibility rules differ significantly between the Local and National stages. Below are three common scenarios based on ACS rules:
- Case 1: US Citizen/Green Card Holder in US High School
Students in grades 9-12, under 20 years old on July 1, 2027, who have not graduated before May 1, 2027. These students may advance to the National Exam if nominated by their Local Section. - Case 2: Students without US citizenship or a green card in US High School
Students meeting age and grade requirements but lacking US citizenship or permanent residency. These students may participate in the Local Exam depending on section policies but cannot be nominated for the National Exam. - Case 3: Overseas Student via ACS International Chapter
US citizens or green card holders enrolled in an accredited American school abroad for at least one year, under 20 years old. They compete through the relevant ACS International Chemical Sciences Chapter (e.g., Shanghai International Sciences Chapter).
What to ask your coordinator
Contact your USNCO Coordinator before registration opens so that you understand the arrangements for your school. Ask how to complete student registration, which eligibility conditions apply to you, the local closing date, and the supervised exam date and venue. Use the coordinator’s current instructions for the 2027 season.
Alex Dong: from the Study Camp to IChO gold
Alex Dong, a student taught by Hanlin, from Shanghai High School International Division, appears in ACS announcements for the 2025 Study Camp and the 2026 IChO medal results. Hanlin confirms that he studied with its teaching team.
- 2025 Milestone: Listed in the ACS 2025 Top 20 Students Announcement as a finalist for the June 1-14, 2025 Study Camp. This selection indicates high performance but is not a medal or IChO team placement.
- 2026 Achievement: Confirmed by the ACS 2026 Team USA medal announcement and SHSID school news as winning GOLD at the 58th IChO in Tashkent.
Preparation Advice
Focus preparation on core chemistry concepts. Review When to Start USNCO Preparation for timeline advice. Consult The USNCO Bookshelf for resources. Use Your Weakest Topic Costs You Six Marks to plan revision efficiently.
Frequently asked questions
When does USNCO registration open for the 2026-2027 season?
Registration opens on November 1, 2026. Students should contact their local coordinator now to prepare, rather than waiting until after this date.
Can students without US citizenship or a green card take the USNCO National Exam?
No. According to ACS rules, only US citizens or legal permanent residents (green card holders) are eligible for the National Exam. Other students may participate in the Local Exam depending on section policies but cannot advance to the National stage.
What were Alex Dong's actual milestones?
Alex Dong was listed as a finalist for the 2025 Study Camp (Top 20 announcement) and won Gold at the 2026 IChO in Tashkent. These are separate milestones confirmed by ACS and SHSID sources.
Which arrangements should I confirm with my USNCO Coordinator?
Confirm how to complete student registration, which eligibility conditions apply to your school, the local closing date, and your supervised exam date and venue.