Registration for the 2027 U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) Local Section Exam (LSE) opens November 1, 2026, and closes February 19, 2027.
A parent or guardian must register their student on this website: USNCO Registration Platform
Exam Date and Format
The exam will take place on the morning of Saturday, February 27, 2027, and should be finished by noon. Students will take the exam digitally during an in-person, proctored group testing session. Students will be required to bring their own device with the required testing software installed. Device and software requirements are pending guidance from national ACS. We will share those details and setup instructions as soon as they are available.
Location and Registration Fee
We are still finalizing the testing location due to changes in test administration. Beginning in mid-January, Orange County ACS will email registered families with information about the registration fee, payment instructions, and financial assistance. Details about the testing time and location will be provided when you pay the registration fee.
Preparing for the Exam
Visit the ACS USNCO website for general information about the competition and exam preparation resources.
Is the First-Year Chemistry Exam a Better Fit?
Orange County ACS also offers a First-Year Chemistry Exam at Cal State Fullerton for students in their first year of high school chemistry. Students should speak with their chemistry teacher about which exam would be the best fit. Students who take the Local Section Exam are not eligible to take the First-Year Chemistry Exam.
Questions?
Contact Stacey Hamamura, Orange County ACS USNCO Co-Coordinator, at edchair2@ocacs.org.