Opportunity details

U.S. Physics Olympiad Exam

American Association of Physics Teachers · Verified factual information.

CompetitionIn person

About this opportunity

American Association of Physics Teachers

The U.S. Physics Olympiad Exam is the proof-oriented second exam in the American Association of Physics Teachers' U.S. Physics Team pathway. Students first take the mechanics-focused F=ma Exam; top scorers are invited to the longer USAPhO, whose free-response problems require complete physics reasoning rather than selected answers. In 2026, F=ma ran February 12 for three hours and USAPhO ran April 10 for four hours. Later selection included a May USAPhO Plus exam and May 30–June 9 training camp at the University of Maryland.

Public preview

Grades

Grades 9–12

Deadline

No single calendar deadline

Cost

Cost not provided

Location

Approved in-person proctored exam sites; training camp at the University of Maryland for finalists

Delivery

In person

Verification

Verification status

Verified

Last verified

Aug 31, 2026

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