2025 NZ Chemistry Olympiad FAQ

EP are excited to be hosting the NZ Chemistry Olympiad again in 2025! This article outlines key information for schools running the entry assessment.

When is the event?

The NZ Chemistry Olympiad assessment date is Monday 15th September.

The Exam will be live on EP from 8am Thursday 11th September - 5pm Thursday 18th September. 

Schools can choose to run the assessment at any time within this timeframe. 

How do we register?

Participating schools need to register via the NZ Chemistry Olympiad organisation by 8th September.

Information on how to register (including conditions of registration) can be found here.

How do we access EP?

Students will complete the Chemistry Olympiad entry exam on EP under exam conditions and monitored by a teacher.

Student can use their existing login details (if applicable), otherwise, login details for users will be communicated closer to the time. 

Check out our Student Login Guide for instructions on logging in.

Students will login to their school EP account and Switch Schools to the "NZ Chemistry Olympiad" school to participate. If they do not have an EP account they will be provided a username and password for that will allow them access to practice, and sit the competition assessment. Please check your emails that you registered under to find this information.

Key exam information

• The assessment will appear in the Assessment tab for teachers and students by 10am September 11th.
• The assessment runs for 60 minutes, and must be completed in class (in-person or remote) under exam conditions with active invigilation.
• Students will need to be given the Access Code to begin the exam. This will be emailed to you once the exam has been set up by EP.
• The exam can be run on different days/sessions, but teachers and students should not share the Access Code
• Students should be provided with a paper copy of the Periodic Table of the Elements and Table of Ions.

Getting students into the exam

1. Students will need to log in to their Student Zone.
2. Check they are in the correct school and use "Switch Schools" in their profile menu to change if needed
3. From here, they need to select New Zealand Chemistry Olympiad 2025 on the homepage
4. They’ll be required to enter an Access Code to start the exam (example below). This code will have been provided to teachers in an email to share with your students when you are ready. 

4. Once the correct code has been input, the student will be able to start their exam. 
5. Students will be forced into fullscreen mode and will not be able to leave the exam. They'll receive a warning that their teacher (NZCHO) has been notified if they attempt to leave for any reason.

Monitoring the exam remotely

• It’s strongly recommended that students use a laptop or desktop computer with Google Chrome to sit this exam, rather than tablets or iPads. Fullscreen Monitoring is not as effective for tablets and iPads.
• The NZCHO committee and EP are moderating the exam remotely. The Monitor feed will notify them if any students are having connectivity issues or trying to leave the exam (e.g. try to switch tabs/windows or minimise the window) and will show if a student is sitting idle for too long.
• Otherwise, normal in-person exam conditions apply!

Changes from 2024

• In 2025 Teachers will not be required to login to EP.
• Students can login to access past papers and practice questions, in the Library under NCEA Level 2 Chemistry "Olympiad"
• After the Exam period has closed, students will have their papers and results returned to them directly on EP. They can review their papers and follow up practice work will be available to support their ongoing learning.