Omega LearnHow to Prepare for the Physics Olympiad
HighThe AAPT US Physics Team pathway: qualify on the F=ma exam, then advance to the USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO).
What is the F=ma exam?
The F=ma exam is a 25-question, 75-minute multiple choice competition covering classical mechanics, organized by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT). The top 400 scorers advance to the USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO).
Format
25 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes, all on classical mechanics. Calculus helps but is not required.
Who can enter
Eligible students must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or attend a U.S. school. Homeschooled students must arrange testing at a nearby educational institution.
When & how
Held in February and must be proctored. Parents and relatives cannot proctor the exam.
How to advance
The top 400 scorers move on to the USAPhO; typically you need 14โ18 correct to advance.
Scoring Strategy
To do well on the F=ma exam, focus on these four key areas:
Understand all content
Master every topic in classical mechanics: kinematics, Newton's laws, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations, and waves.
Solve accurately
There is no penalty for wrong answers, so careful and accurate problem solving is essential to maximize your score.
Work quickly
With only 3 minutes per problem on average, practice solving problems efficiently. Skip hard questions and return to them.
Manage your time
Attempt all 25 problems and leave no question blank. Budget time for review at the end.
Allowed Materials
โ Allowed
- Writing utensils (including colored pens/pencils)
- Rulers and erasers
- Basic scientific calculator (cleared memory)
- Proctored scratch paper only
โ Not allowed
- Smartwatches, phones, or computing devices
- Compasses or protractors
- Graph paper
- Any pre-written notes
Official Information
AAPT F=ma & USAPhO guidelines
Official rules and eligibility guidelines for the F=ma and USAPhO exams.
View โUSA Physics Olympiad overview
A Wikipedia overview of the USA Physics Olympiad and how F=ma fits in.
View โOmega Learn USAPhO Prep Guide
Aiming past the F=ma? Our full guide to preparing for the next round, the USA Physics Olympiad.
View guide โPractice Tests & Mock Contests
Official past examsOfficial F=ma and USAPhO, 2008โ2022, with solutions
The AAPT archive of past F=ma and USAPhO exams with full solutions.
View โOfficial F=ma and USAPhO, 2007โ2021, with solutions
An earlier AAPT archive of official past exams and solutions.
View โBook with official F=ma tests and solutions, 2011โ2019
A compiled collection of official F=ma tests and solutions from 2011 to 2019.
View โPaid Courses & Classes
Gauss Academy of Mathematical Education: Physics
Physics competition prep classes from Gauss Academy, from Junior level through AP Physics C.
View โAlphaStar Academy Physics Courses
Extensive physics training from AlphaStar Academy for national and international competitions.
View โArt of Problem Solving F=ma Problem Series
An AoPS course built around solving real F=ma problems.
View โArt of Problem Solving PhysicsWOOT
AoPS's advanced year-long physics olympiad training program.
View โF=ma / USAPhO courses with Cambridge Physics Academy
16-week F=ma and 14-week USAPhO prep courses taught by IPhO medalists.
View โF=ma Course by Eddie Chen
A dedicated F=ma preparation course from Eddie Chen, a perfect scorer on the exam.
View โAreteem Institute Physics Competition Prep Courses
Physics competition prep from the Areteem Institute, focused on efficient problem-solving.
View โAwesomeMath Physics Classes
Online physics classes from AwesomeMath Academy, enrichment-focused on critical thinking.
View โACES Academic Enrichment Center: Physics Program
A Physics Olympiad preparation platform from the ACES learning center.
View โTang Academy Physics Classes
Multi-level physics courses for grades 8โ12 from Tang Academy.
View โ