Past Chemistry Olympiad Exams

Local Chemistry Olympiad Exams (2000 – 2009)

Approximately 10,000 U.S. students between the ages of 13 and 18 enter local Chemistry Olympiad competitions. Exams are administered and coordinated by ACS local sections annually in March, and students are nominated for the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad competition based on exam scores and teacher recommendations.

National Chemistry Olympiad Exams (1999 – 2009)

The U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad national exam is a 3-part, 4.5 hour exam administered in late April by ACS local sections. Nearly 900 students participate in the competition each year.

Part I Part II Part III
  • Multiple Choice
  • 90-minutes
  • 60 multiple choice questions
  • Covers broad chemistry topics
  • Free Response
  • 105 minutes
  • 8 written questions
  • Multi-step problems requiring in depth knowledge of chemical theories and models
  • Lab Practical
  • 90 minutes
  • 2 laboratory practicals
  • Involves problem solving in the laboratory

The following exams include answer keys:

2009 National Exam
2008 National Exam
2007 National Exam
2006 National Exam
2005 National Exam
2004 National Exam
2003 National Exam
2002 National Exam
2001 National Exam
2000 National Exam
1999 National Exam

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