How much does it cost to take the ORQEs? All three exams are free of charge.
Who can take the ORQEs? Students in 8th grade and under can take the ORQEs. We offer separate divisions for students in 8th grade, 7th grade, 6th grade, 5th grade and Elementary School (i.e. for all students in 4th grade and under). Parents are also welcome to administer the exams to students at home. Students in 9th grade and above who are interested in competing should visit this site for more information on how to compete in the Varsity & Junior Varsity Divisions.
Can I enter more students than what I had indicated when I created my account? Yes, these numbers are only meant to be an estimate. You are welcome to have more or fewer students take the exams than the number you originally estimated when you registered.
What score will my student need to qualify for Regional Finals? For each exam, qualifying scores will be adjusted over the course of the season, to each grade level. Most high scorers will be qualified immediately upon completing the exam, but some participants who score in the middle may not get their results right away. To qualify for Regional Finals, you must have taken the exam and received a qualifying grade before the registration deadline. Please see our website for more information about competitions near you and when you must qualify by!
How much time does my student have to take each exam? All exams consist of fifty (50) multiple-choice questions, and students have twenty (20) minutes to take each exam.
What should I do if a student requires testing accommodations? Any sponsor with a student requiring testing accommodations should contact ems-info@iacompetitions.com for additional information.
How are exams scored? Each correct answer will receive 2 points. An answer left blank, or an incorrect answer receives zero points. Students are also able to change their selected answers before submitting their exam(s).
Should students be supervised while taking the exams? As much as possible, yes. Please make sure that their name and grade are entered correctly and help them stay focused on the exams. Also, those supervising must avoid assisting students, as tempting as it may be. Students should determine the answers to questions entirely on their own and without any other resources than their knowledge (including the internet). Please also instruct them not to discuss the content of the exams, in case other students have yet to take them.
How do my students take the exams? All three ORQEs can be accessed via the "Take an Exam" link on the main menu bar (above).
What is the deadline for students to take Exams? *The ORQE Exam will remain open until early April, and our last Regional Final will currently take place on May 5-6; please check our website for a list of competitions near you, and when the qualification deadline will be.
Why does the Geography exam no longer qualify students directly for National Championships? Students who take the Geography ORQE now qualify for the National Geography Bee Regional Finals. The qualifying score for students in each level will be determined after the exam administration period has ended. Students who score at or above the qualification threshold will be eligible to compete in the Regional Finals for the National Geography Bee and the National Championships of the US Geography Championships.
Can my student take an exam for which I did not pre-register them? Absolutely. Your students may take all three exams if they would like. There is no cost for these exams, and they just might qualify if they try! If the teacher does not want to administer all the exams, then a parent or a different teacher can create their own sponsor account to administer the other exam(s).
Can a high school student be a sponsor? No. A sponsor for MS/ES students must be an adult.
I'm having some trouble with this site. Can someone help me? If you're not able to find an answer to your question above, please email ems-info@iacompetitions.com.