How to enroll
A physics teacher registers the school with AAPT and proctors the test. Students sign up with the teacher, not with AAPT.
- Ask your physics teacher whether the school enters PhysicsBowl
- If not, ask the teacher to register the school once 2027 registration opens in December
- Pay the per-student fee through the school
In plain words
PhysicsBowl is an international high school physics contest run by the American Association of Physics Teachers. Students take a 40-question, 45-minute multiple-choice test at their own school, proctored by a teacher, during a window in late March. Schools compete in regions, and the top five scores at a school make its team score. The 2027 dates are not posted yet; AAPT says registration opens in December. Last year (2026) the registration deadline was Feb 23 and the test window was Mar 18–Apr 3.
Kids in physics who want a benchmark beyond class tests, or who enjoy the AMC-style format
Your school has no physics teacher willing to register and proctor. Parents cannot proctor.
What it takes
Step by step
- 1Ask your physics teacher whether the school enters PhysicsBowl
- 2If yes, sign up with the teacher once 2027 registration opens in December
- 3Practice with past exams on the AAPT site
- 4Take the test at school during the spring window