Canadian Physics Contest Timeline
Updated On: October 1st, 2022
Here, you will find a description of each contest, its date, and how to register. This resource will be regularly updated for new contests or contest cancellations.
British Physics OLYmpiad (BPHO) ROUND 1
Date: November
Format: Short answer problems, full solution required. Part marks awarded to relevant work shown.
Duration: 2h 40m + 5m reading time
Past Papers: https://www.bpho.org.uk/past-papers/round-1
Register: Your day school physics teacher must contact BPhO@physics.ox.ac.uk
The British Physics Olympiad (BPhO) is an annual physics contest written mostly by students attending high-school in the UK. International students may only write Round 1 of the BPhO. More information can be found at: https://www.bpho.org.uk/
AAPT PHYSICSBOWL
Date: March - April
This year, the PhysicsBowl will take place between March 23 and April 15, 2022
Check with your contest manager to see which date they choose for your school
Format: 40 multiple choice questions
Duration: 45m
Past Papers: https://www.aapt.org/Programs/PhysicsBowl/printexams.cfm
Register: Register through your day school or at a testing center
The AAPT PhysicsBowl is a 45-minute timed, 40-question multiple-choice test that is taken by approximately 10,000 students annually. Students may choose to compete in two divisions (I and II). Division I is for first-year physics students, while Division II is for second-year physics students. More information can be found at: https://www.aapt.org/Programs/PhysicsBowl/index.cfm
CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICISTS PRIZE EXAM (CAP)
Date: April
This year's contest date has yet to be announced, but will most likely be early April
Format: Composed of 2 sections, a 25 multiple choice + 3 long answer questions
Duration: 3h
Register: Register through your day school
The CAP is the most widespread physics contest in Canada. It serves as the team selection test for Canada's IPhO team, and the top 5 scores on the CAP are selected to participate in the IPhO. More information can be found at: https://outreach.phas.ubc.ca/exams-and-competitions/cap-high-school-prize-exam/
Sir ISSAC NEWTON CONTEST
Date: May
Format: 12 multiple choice questions, full solution required. Part marks awarded to relevant work shown.
Duration: 2h
Past Papers: Join our Discord for more information on past papers
Register: Register through your day school or a testing center
The Sir Issac Newton Exam (SIN) is a physics contest hosted by the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Waterloo. Most of the questions are mechanics-based, however optics and general physics concepts have been tested in the past. Top scoring students may be awarded scholarships for the University of Waterloo. More information can be found at: https://uwaterloo.ca/sir-isaac-newton-exam/
OAPT
Date: May
The OAPT this year is tentatively scheduled for May 24, 2023
Format: 30 multiple choice questions
Duration: 60m
Past Papers: Accessed only when the student is registered for the contest
Register: Register through your day school
The OAPT contest is a multiple-choice physics contest intended for grade 11 physics students (first-year learning physics, although grade 12s may compete in a separate division). The test is held annually and is sponsored by the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering of the University of Toronto. More information can be found at: http://oapt.ece.utoronto.ca/
Canadian astronomy olympiad
Date: May - June
Format: Take-home, questions are posted on their website
Duration: Approximately one month
Past Papers: http://www.astroclub.ca/
Register: No registration needed, email your solutions to info@astroclub.ca
The Canadian Astronomy Olympiad is the team selection contest for Canada's IOAA (International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics) team. Questions are posted on the website annually in May and competitors are given one month to send their solutions in.