Chapter Leader Guide
Everything you need to know about running an NCT chapter. This guide covers your responsibilities, timeline, and what to expect.
Time Commitment
| Phase | Time | What You'll Do |
|---|---|---|
| Application & Setup | 1-2 hours | Submit application, get teacher sponsor |
| Promotion & Registration | 3-5 hours | Spread the word, help students register |
| Exam Day | 3-4 hours | Setup, proctor, wrap-up |
| Post-Exam | 30 min | Submit confirmation, coordinate certificates |
Total: Approximately 8-12 hours spread over 4-6 weeks per exam. If you host both NCT Open and NCT Challenge, most of the setup work is already done for the second exam.
Before the Exam
Secure a Teacher Sponsor
Find a teacher willing to be present on exam day. They don't need to do much—just supervise.
Reserve a Room
Book a classroom or testing space that can fit your expected participants. Ensure reliable WiFi.
Promote Your Chapter
Share with classmates, post flyers, contact nearby schools, reach out to homeschool groups.
Help Students Register
Guide students to nctournament.org to register. Make sure they select your chapter for in-person.
Track Registrations
Access your Chapter Leader Dashboard to see who's registered for your chapter.
Send Reminders
Email or message registered students 1 week before and 1 day before the exam.
Exam Day
In-Person Exam Time: 2:00 - 4:00 PM EST
Arrive at least 30 minutes early. NCT Open is 110 minutes; NCT Challenge is 90 minutes.
130 min before
- Arrive early to set up the room
- Ensure desks are spaced appropriately
- Test WiFi connectivity
- Have the exam passcode ready (sent morning of)
2Check-in
- Verify student identities against registration list
- Ensure students have laptops/devices
- Distribute scratch paper if needed
- Review exam rules and timing
3During exam
- Start the exam at the designated time
- Monitor for academic integrity
- Answer logistical questions only (not content)
- Track time and announce remaining time
4After exam
- Collect any scratch paper
- Thank students for participating
- Clean up the room
- Submit attendance confirmation to NCT
After the Exam
- Submit attendance confirmation via the Leader Dashboard
- Report any issues or irregularities to NCT HQ
- Share results with participants when released
- Distribute certificates to award recipients
- Celebrate your chapter's success!
Local SponsorshipsOptional
100% Optional—NCT is free for everyone
NCT covers all essential costs. Local sponsors can help with extras like refreshments or prizes, but they are never required. Only pursue this if you're comfortable with outreach.
When to Consider Local Sponsors
Local sponsorships make sense if you want to:
- • Provide snacks or refreshments on exam day
- • Print professional-quality flyers or banners
- • Offer small prizes for top performers
- • Build connections with local businesses
- • Gain outreach/fundraising experience
Good targets: Local tutoring centers, science supply stores, restaurants near your school, bookstores, or businesses owned by parents.
What You Can Offer Sponsors
- Logo on chapter materials
Flyers, thank-you slides, social media posts
- Recognition at the event
Verbal mention and signage at your testing location
- Social media shoutout
Tag them in your chapter's posts (if applicable)
- Certificate of appreciation
Formal recognition they can display
- Community goodwill
Supporting STEM education in their area
Sample Outreach Email
Copy and customize this template when reaching out to potential sponsors
Subject: Partner with [School Name] for Chemistry Competition Dear [Business Name], I'm [Your Name], a student at [School] organizing the National Chemistry Tournament (NCT) for local high schoolers. NCT is a free, merit-based chemistry competition that helps students explore STEM. We're seeking local sponsors to help cover minor costs like refreshments, printing, or supplies. In exchange, we'd love to: - Feature your logo on our promotional materials - Thank you publicly at the event - Share your support on social media Would you be interested in a [suggested amount, e.g., $50-100] sponsorship? I'd be happy to discuss this further. Thank you for supporting STEM education! Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Email]
What to Avoid
- •Never promise things you can't deliver (like national recognition)
- •Don't share student personal information with sponsors
- •Avoid exclusive deals that conflict with NCT's national sponsors
- •Don't let sponsors influence exam content or administration
- •Never make it feel transactional—it's a community partnership
Resources
Promotional Flyers
Ready-to-print flyers for students, teachers, and sponsors
Leader Dashboard
Track registrations and manage your chapter
Contact HQ
Questions? We're here to help
Common Questions
What if I also want to take the exam?
You can! Just make sure your teacher sponsor is present to proctor. You cannot proctor and compete simultaneously.
What if fewer than 5 students show up?
That's okay—run the exam anyway. The 5-student minimum is a guideline for starting a chapter, not a hard requirement for exam day.
What if there's a technical issue during the exam?
Contact NCT HQ immediately via email. We have protocols for handling technical difficulties and can extend time if needed.
Can students from other schools join my chapter?
Yes! That's encouraged. Your chapter serves your entire area—students from any school or homeschoolers can register for your chapter.
What materials do I need to provide?
Just a room with WiFi. Students bring their own laptops. NCT provides all exam materials digitally. Scratch paper is optional.
How do I get the exam passcode?
We email it to you the morning of the exam (around 10 AM EST). Check your spam folder if you don't see it.
Ready to Start Your Chapter?
Apply now and become a Chapter Leader. We'll review your application within 48 hours and get you set up to host NCT at your school.