Competition Rules

I. CNEC Competition Rules

Team Formation · Competition Rounds · Competition Process
Scoring System · Advancement Rules · Awards

1. Team Formation Rules

The NEC competition is a team-based event and is divided into three divisions:
PRE Division (Introductory), David Ricardo Division (Intermediate), and Adam Smith Division (Advanced).

Division Team Size Eligibility Assessment Scope Division Overview
PRE Division 2–4 students Students who have never studied economics or have only completed one IGCSE introductory economics course Microeconomics
Macroeconomics		 Uses real-life examples to spark interest in economics and prepare students for advanced economics courses in secondary school
David Ricardo Division 4 students Students who have studied one microeconomics or macroeconomics course within the IBDP, AP, or AS curriculum Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
International economics & current events		 Focuses on economic terminology and theory, strengthening foundations for undergraduate-level study
Adam Smith Division 4 students Students who have systematically completed both microeconomics and macroeconomics Qualitative & quantitative analysis
Theory application		 Enhances economic research and analytical ability, preparing students for advanced academic pursuits

Division Change Policy
Before the registration deadline, and provided eligibility requirements are met, each student is allowed one division change only.
If a division cannot be changed due to an error in submitted academic information, students must email the organizing committee with supporting documentation for verification.

2. Competition Rounds

The NEC competition consists of four major rounds:

① Qualifying Test (Economics Assessment)
A multiple-choice test covering microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics/current events, designed to assess foundational knowledge and applied understanding.

② Critical Thinking (Case Analysis)
Students analyze economic issues logically, present their findings, and interact with invited judges. This round evaluates public speaking, adaptability, and critical thinking skills.

③ Super Econ! (Economic Innovation Challenge)
A fast-paced and engaging challenge that emphasizes economic fundamentals and teamwork.

④ Quiz Bowl (Economics Super Bowl)
Top teams compete head-to-head in a live buzzer format, directly testing focus, inference, and strategic decision-making. Incorrect answers may give opponents an advantage, making this round a true test of economic strategy.

推荐
WhatsAppWeChat

3. Competition Process

The NEC competition is conducted in three stages:

  1. NEC China Preliminary Round

    • Qualifying Test (Economics Assessment)

  2. NEC China National Finals

    • Qualifying Test

    • Critical Thinking

    • Super Econ!

    • Quiz Bowl

  3. NEC U.S. / Asia Finals (Global Finals)

    • Critical Thinking

    • Quiz Bowl

    • International Current Events Round

4. Scoring System

1) Regional Round – Team Total Score

PRE Division

  • The top two individual scores per subject within the team are summed

  • Two subjects total

  • Maximum score: 720 points

DR & AS Divisions

  • The top three individual scores per subject within the team are summed

  • Three subjects total

  • Maximum score: 1440 points

2) China National Round – Qualifying Test Team Score

PRE Division

  • Top two individual scores per subject

  • Two subjects total

  • Maximum score: 800 points

DR & AS Divisions

  • Top three individual scores per subject

  • Three subjects total

  • Maximum score: 1350 points

3) Critical Thinking

  • Total score: 450 points

  • Smart Mode: Presentation & Q&A (100%)

  • Classic Mode: Written paper (30%), Presentation & Q&A (70%)

5. Advancement Rules

Teams in the Adam Smith Division and David Ricardo Division are ranked separately based on total scores.
The expected advancement rate from the preliminary round is no less than 40%.
Note: Some teams with overseas students may not be eligible to advance to the Global Finals.

6. Awards

NEC China Preliminary Round Awards

Awards are presented by region (North, East, Central, West, and South China) and are awarded separately for the David Ricardo and Adam Smith divisions:

  • Regional Team Total Score Awards

  • Regional Individual Total Score Awards

  • Perfect Score Subject Awards

  • Outstanding Teamwork Awards

NEC China National Finals Awards

  • Team Total Score Awards

  • Best Critical Thinking Award

  • Super Econ! Individual Awards

  • Quiz Bowl Individual Awards

  • Individual Total Score Awards

  • Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award

  • Perfect Score Subject Awards

II. U.S. Competition Rules

1. Divisions

Two divisions are offered:
David Ricardo Division and Adam Smith Division

2. 2024–2025 Competition Timeline

  • Registration Opens: June 2024

  • Registration Deadline: November 30, 2024

  • China Preliminary Round: December 2024

  • China National Finals: April 2025

  • Global Finals: May 2025

3. Awards (U.S. & Global Finals)

Teams compete for cash prizes for each team member, plus one teacher-coach:

  • 1st Place: $1,000

  • 2nd Place: $500

  • 3rd Place: $250

  • 4th Place: $150

The National Economics Challenge is a program of the Council for Economic Education (CEE).

Click here to learn more about the competition

推荐
WhatsAppWeChat