FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

We appreciate your interest in reviewing the test materials. However, our policy is to maintain the confidentiality of our test problems and answers. We take this approach to ensure the integrity of our testing process. Thank you for your understanding.

No. Please use the email address that was given to each student respectively. Email addresses should be unique for each student that is taking the exam, they are not allowed to use the same address.

Please see the Registration Page for more information.

Registration for online testing will close by midnight,  March 31st, 2024: All registration for online testing will be done online

On-site testing registration will be based on venue.

While it is different each year, there are usually about 200 students that compete for each grade.

Discounts are given depending on what chapter you sign up with. Please contact your local chapter to see if there are any discounts available. If a sibling discount is available, please send the first child’s registration invoice to your local chapter.

Grade 4th – 5th: Part 1 100 pts, Part 2 50 pts

Grade 6th – 8th: Part 1 100 pts, Part 2 50 pts

Grade 9th –12th: Part 1 100 pts, Part 2 50 pts

Your email server may have blocked emails from us. Please double-check your spam folder in your email. If you still do not have the email, continue to follow the event dates located on the NMSC website.

There will be about 10-minute break between the Physics and Math tests.

Our standards are the same as any other math/physics competition. In addition to the sample tests we have provided, you may prepare for this exam like you would any other exam.

There are multiple test structures on which Chapter you are taking the test in. Please look at what kind of structure your local Chapter is providing.

-> On-site testing will only be done in person with pen and paper or laptop. 

No. You may only use a pen/pencil and up to 5 pieces of scratch paper

Yes. Calculators are allowed on the physics test. However, you must follow the guidelines below:

1. Phones and/or computers cannot but used as a calculator

2. No cameras of any forms are allowed.

3. Graphing calculators are not allowed.

4. Calculators that are used during the exam must not have the ability to pre-input formulas.

12 questions to be solved in 75 minutes

– 8 Mechanics questions 

– 4 Electromagnetism questions 

Non-calculus based 10 multiple choices for each question

75 minutes (Grade 9 – 12)

The total score for the Physics Test is 12 points: Multiple Choice being 12 points, 1 point per question.

(Please note that the minimum threshold for the national award is 5 or more points/correct answers out of the 12.)

Yes. However, you are only permitted to use the provided formula sheet. No outside formula sheets are allowed.

No. Once the test begins, students will not be permitted to use tissues or get water.

No. The student is not allowed to leave the frame of their camera under any circumstance.

No. Only the use of a pen/pencil and up to 5 pieces of scratch paper are allowed for the test.

If you have any questions during the test, try not to ask them while the test is going on. Instead, finish the test and email your questions to nmscinfo@ksea.org.

Please contact your local chapter to get your official scores.

No. Disqualified students will not be given their scores.

You will receive the more information about the local chapter award ceremony from your chapter president. Each chapter will announce its detailed schedule.

No. Each student must have their own account to participate.

No. We do not need the student’s ID to register. However this year, we do need the parent’s KSEA login email address if they wish to have a membership discount when registering their child.

This is an individual exam. The competition itself is nationwide, with each chapter having its own chapter awards, with the most outstanding students receiving a national award as well.