Competition · Science · Canadian Association of Physicists

CAP High School Prize Exam (Physics)

A hard national physics exam written at school, usually in April. The top students go to a training camp at UBC for the International Physics Olympiad team.

Last checked October 5, 2026 against the official page

What do I need to do?

Ask the physics teacher to register your child for the April exam

Who acts
Your child's school
Preparation
Some preparation
Eligible grades
Grades 11–12
Format
On paper at school, given by a teacher. No programmable calculators.
Cost
Not stated on the official page.
Official site
cap.ca

Key dates

  • ExpectedExam dayExpected April 2027 (2026: April 8)

Get a reminder before every deadline for your child →

Confirmed official date · Expected based on last year · Not announced yet

What it is

The exam has 25 multiple-choice questions and 3 long-answer problems. It's based on the IB Higher Level physics core and is meant to be hard.

National prizes are about $500, $300 and $200. The top 15 students are invited to a training camp at UBC Vancouver, and 5 are chosen for the International Physics Olympiad team.

The coordinator for BC and Yukon is at SFU.

A good fit if: Senior students who are top of their physics class.

How to register

  1. Schools register through their provincial coordinator. Students can't register themselves.
  2. Ask your child's physics teacher in the winter whether the school will run it.

How to prepare

  • Work through physics problems beyond the Physics 11 and 12 course. The exam is based on the IB Higher Level physics core.

For grade-by-grade options see Grade 11, Grade 12.

Common questions

Is this the same as UBC Physics Olympics?

No. UBC Physics Olympics is a team event. The CAP exam is an individual national exam and the route to Canada's International Physics Olympiad team.

Sources

Last checked October 5, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.