ICQ Competition

The ICQ Chemistry Competition is a specialized academic assessment designed to evaluate students’ understanding of key chemical concepts, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Conducted annually, the test provides an engaging platform for students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a structured and challenging environment.

Each test runs for 60 minutes and is mapped to year levels, ensuring fair assessment according to each student’s stage of learning. The competition promotes scientific curiosity, accuracy, and conceptual mastery, encouraging participants to explore the fascinating world of Chemistry while striving for academic excellence.

Test Structure

The International Chemistry Quiz (ICQ) is a multiple-choice assessment created to evaluate students’ comprehensive understanding of chemistry — both in theory and in real-world applications. Unlike traditional exams that simply test memory of definitions, facts, or formulas, the ICQ’s multiple-choice questions are carefully crafted to challenge students’ conceptual grasp, logical reasoning, and application skills.

Each question is designed to go beyond surface-level recall as it;

Tests conceptual understanding — focuses on how well students grasp and explain core chemistry principles, not just recall facts or formulas.
Assesses logical reasoning — students analyse data, interpret results, and use step-by-step thinking to choose correct answers.
Evaluates application of knowledge — questions link theory to real-life examples, encouraging practical and scientific thinking.
Emphasises real-world relevance — connects chemistry to environmental, industrial, and everyday situations.
Promotes critical thinking through MCQs — multiple-choice questions are designed to test reasoning and problem-solving, not memorisation.

Interactive learning for Tomorrow’s Scirntists

Chemistry as a subject

Chemistry is the study of matter — what it is made of, how it is structured, and how it changes. From Years 7 to 12, students move from learning simple ideas to understanding how substances react and change. In the early years (7–8), they explore states of matter, elements, and compounds, and learn through simple demonstrations and classroom activities. By Years 9–10, students study atoms, the Periodic Table, chemical bonding, and reactions, discovering how chemistry explains things around them — from cooking and cleaning to pollution and energy use.

In Years 11 and 12, students continue to build on these basics, focusing on clear understanding rather than advanced theory or complex experiments key ideas like chemical equations, acids and bases, metals, non-metals, and carbon compounds. By the end of Year 12, students gain a strong grasp of essential chemistry concepts and how they connect to real life. The subject helps develop logical thinking, observation, and problem-solving skills, encouraging curiosity and preparing students for careers in science, health, and technology.

Fuel the Future of Chemistry: School Competitions for Tomorrow's Leaders

Discover the thrill of our school competitions, designed to ignite passion and shape the future of chemistry. Crafted by experts in chemistry and education, these challenges provide students with a dynamic platform to showcase their talents and love for science.

For Teachers

Our competitions are more than just events – they’re an exciting educational resource! By enrolling students, you open doors to deeper understanding and critical thinking, while enriching the curriculum and encouraging excellence in the classroom.

For Parents and Students

Express interest to your school and give students a chance to experience an enriching and unique opportunity. These competitions are not just about assessments—they’re about sparking lifelong learning, building confidence, and aligning with curriculum standards.

Nurture the Next Generation of Scientific Leaders

Join us in shaping the future of chemistry. Let’s inspire curiosity, foster excellence, and discover the captivating world of science together!

International Chemistry Quiz

Seize the chance to be part of a distinctive chemistry educational quiz, joining over 1.5 million participants worldwide in 38 countries.

Secondary school students (ages 12-18) can enjoy a fun-filled opportunity to test their chemistry knowledge. This quiz serves as a valuable tool for teachers to assess their students' understanding of the subject. The quiz comprises 30 multiple-choice questions, to be answered within 60 minutes, available in both paper format and online. Don't miss out on this engaging and educational experience!

For schools and parents, ICQ (International Chemistry Quiz) reveals how well students apply chemistry knowledge in real-world contexts, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific reasoning. Students develop higher-order skills across areas such as Chemical Reactions, Materials, Energy, and The Environment.