INTRODUCTION

The Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF) was founded by the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) in 1989. Its mission is to build the excitement and value of chemistry and STEM careers with K-8 students through accessible science programs and hands-on experiences. CEF’s circle of supporters now also includes consumer product corporations and a range of STEM and science-related businesses that are U.S. and global leaders. CEF’s You Be The Chemist Challenge is a collaborative, multilevel academic competition that celebrates the science of chemistry and elevates STEM careers.

The YBTC does not emphasize the mastery of chemistry, but focuses more on the development of interest in and the ability to explore science. Participants are organized into teams of four and are given an all-round experience in various forms of science learning through multiple-choice written tests, on-the-spot quizzes, and demonstrations of chemistry experiments and scientific research.

60,000

participants every year

100+

World leading chemical companies sponsors

Suitable

for primary and middle school students with no chemical background

Encourage

critical thinking and an interest in chemistry

Sponsored by more than 100 chemical companies:

Qualifier Round

Rules

Language: English

Date: Dec. 14, 2025 – 40 mins

Time: 16:00-16:40 (GMT+7, VN Time)

Form: Online (Computer)

Eligibility:

● Primary School – Grade 5-6 / Year 6-7

● Middle School – Grade 7-8 / Year 8-9

Team: 4 students, mixed grade teams in primary or middle schools are acceptable. Each student takes the exam individually, and then take the average score.

Format: 40 multiple choice questions, 1 point for each correct answer, 0 points for blank or wrong answers.

Award

● Perfect Score: Individual with full scores

● Prize Award: Teams with full scores

● Distinction Award: Top 30% of the Asian team

● Qualifier Award: Top 50% of the Asian team

* Participation and awarded certificates will be issued in the form of e-Certs. Winners are eligible to be invited to the final round.

Final Round

Rules

Date: May 2026

Location: Shanghai · China

Qualifications:

● Teams that have won the Prize, Distinction, and Qualifier awards in the Qualifier Round

● Team members cannot be replaced. If one person cannot participate, the remaining team can continue to participate. If two members are unable to participate, remaining team members need to adjust and merge.

Content

Knowledge Competition

● Knowledge competition: The host reads the questions, and each team has 30-60 seconds to answer questions.

Chemistry Video Creation

● Each team will design a 5-8 minute “Chemistry Themed video” based on the theme of CEF. It is required to include a team introduction and show discoveries of chemistry in daily life to prove and explain the chemical materials behind them through experiments or illustrations.

Other Fun Academic Activities

● In the final round, students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of challenging and fun activities, such as Science Bazaar and Science All Star Guts. These activities not only test the students’ abilities but also provide opportunities for social interaction and fun competition.

Academic Guidance

● Committee will provide a series of videos and related study materials.

● Each team can look for an advisor who is responsible for answering the difficulties students have encountered during the experiment. The advisor is only responsible for answering questions and not for helping students design experiments.

Award

● Top 3: The 1st, 2nd, 3rd place

● Gold: Top 10% Teams

● Silver: Top 25% teams

● Bronze: Top 35% teams

● YBTC Award: Top 50% teams

● Chemistry Video Creation Award: Top 3

registration form

Includes the exam, grading, proctor fee, past-papers, certificates. 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

2 weeks before the competition