from the F=ma exam are invited to take a free-response, calculus-based exam covering all topics in introductory physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, fluids, relativity, waves, and nuclear and atomic physics. There are two parts in the exam, each allotted 90 minutes, and 6 problems in total. Prior to 2017, the exam could be taken at any time during a two-week window in March. Afterward, the exam was changed to be a single day event in early April, to protect exam security. All USAPhO qualifiers receive certificates of recognition for their physics skill. The medal system is modeled on that of the International Physics Olympiad: approximately the top 10-12% scorers in the USAPhO will receive gold medals, the next 14-16% receive silver medals, the next 19-21% receive bronze medals and the next 24-26% receive honorable mentions. Training camp Approximately the top 20 students in the nation are selected for the U.S. Physics Team, and invited to a training camp at the University of Maryland. There, students receive intensive theoretical and experimental preparation and take a series of selection tests. The top five students travel to the International Physics Olympiad to represent the United States. References External links U.S. Physics Team Home Page Past Tests and Solutions Youth science Student quiz competitions Physics competitions Science events in the United States Education competitions in the United States