National
Computing Challenge

NCC Overview

The National Computing Challenge (NCC) gives students in Grades 5–12 an opportunity to test their computational thinking through a shared set of problems. No prior programming knowledge is required, making the challenge accessible to students with a wide range of interests and experience.

All participants complete the same challenge, with results ranked within each grade category. This structure allows younger students to explore advanced problems while giving older students an opportunity to demonstrate greater depth and precision in their reasoning.

Questions increase in complexity, progressing from foundational logic and pattern recognition to abstraction, algorithmic planning, and reasoning with data. The later questions draw on concepts relevant to secondary-school mathematics and computer science, requiring students to connect ideas and work through unfamiliar problems.

For Grades 9–12, completion time serves as an additional ranking factor when students achieve perfect scores. At this level, distinction recognizes both accuracy and the ability to reason efficiently.

What Sets the NCC Apart

The NCC focuses on how students think. Students can demonstrate their ability to recognize patterns, develop strategies, and solve complex problems without needing to know a programming language.

By participating, students gain insight into their reasoning strengths, encounter new computational concepts, and build confidence in tackling demanding problems. Grade-based recognition celebrates achievement while encouraging students to explore the full extent of their abilities.

Overview: Participants will engage in a 60-minute, online, proctored test with software designed to prevent cheating and ensure fair play. The challenge includes questions that cover various aspects of computer science logic and math, making it suitable for elementary and middle-grade students. The scoring system awards one quarter point for any unanswered question to prevent guessing and encourage honest assessment.

Test Structure:

• Easy: 6 questions, 24 points total (recommended time: 18 min)

• Medium: 4 questions, 24 points total (recommended time: 20 min)

• Challenging: 3 questions, 24 points total (recommended time: 22 min)

Registration Details: Member schools and organizations will send the registration form to eligible families.  Please email your school or organization administrator to request the sign up form.

This year's registration deadline is October 25.  The contest may be written from a computer at any time from November 9 - 15. 

Recognition: Every participant will receive a certificate of participation, while students who perform with distinction will receive distinction certificates. Certificates will be issued by November 25. 

Please note: The test format may be adjusted slightly. Families will be notified of any changes to the number of questions or time limit during the week leading up to November 9.