Chemistry Regents Exam 2026: Complete Guide, Dates & Prep Tips

NEXT EXAM DATE

January 20, 2026

TOTAL QUESTIONS

85 Questions

EXAM DURATION

3 Hours

PASSING SCORE

65/100

📝 Parts A & B-1: Multiple Choice (45 Questions)

Part A: Basic chemistry knowledge - definitions, concepts, periodic table trends, simple calculations

Part B-1: More challenging - interpreting graphs, analyzing data, applying concepts to scenarios

Strategy: Use reference tables extensively. Eliminate wrong answers. No partial credit - must select correct answer.

✍️ Part B-2: Short Constructed Response (~10 Questions)

Format: Fill-in answers, calculations, short written responses (1-2 sentences)

Topics: Calculations (molarity, percent composition, pH), lab skills, data interpretation

Critical: Show ALL work for calculations. Use correct significant figures. Include units. Partial credit available.

📄 Part C: Extended Constructed Response (~15 Questions)

Format: Multi-step problems, complex calculations, detailed explanations in complete sentences

Worth most points: Questions worth 2-3 points each - highest value section of exam

Essential: Write in complete sentences. Explain your reasoning. Show formulas before calculations. Label diagrams clearly.

1️⃣ Matter & Energy

• States of matter (solid, liquid, gas, plasma)
• Physical vs. chemical properties and changes
• Phase changes and energy (heating/cooling curves)
• Classification of matter (elements, compounds, mixtures)
• Conservation of mass and energy

2️⃣ Atomic Structure

• Subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, electrons
• Atomic number, mass number, isotopes
• Electron configuration and orbital diagrams
• Lewis dot structures (valence electrons)
• Ions: cations and anions
• Average atomic mass calculations

3️⃣ Periodic Table & Trends

• Organization: periods, groups/families, metals/nonmetals/metalloids
• Periodic trends: atomic radius, ionization energy, electronegativity
• Groups: alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, halogens, noble gases
• Representative elements vs. transition elements
• Reading the periodic table for atomic properties

4️⃣ Chemical Bonding

• Ionic bonding: transfer of electrons, formula units
• Covalent bonding: sharing of electrons, molecular formulas
• Metallic bonding: sea of electrons
• Polar vs. nonpolar molecules (electronegativity difference)
• Intermolecular forces: hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole, London dispersion
• Naming compounds (ionic and molecular)

5️⃣ Chemical Formulas & Equations

• Writing and naming chemical formulas
• Balancing chemical equations
• Types of reactions: synthesis, decomposition, single/double replacement, combustion
• Percent composition: \(\text{%} = \frac{\text{mass of element}}{\text{total mass}} \times 100\)
• Empirical vs. molecular formulas

6️⃣ The Mole & Stoichiometry

• Avogadro's number: \(6.02 \times 10^{23}\) particles/mole
• Molar mass calculations (using periodic table)
• Mole-mass-particle conversions
• Stoichiometry: mole ratios from balanced equations
• Limiting reactant and percent yield

7️⃣ Solutions

• Solutes, solvents, and solutions
• Solubility and factors affecting it (temperature, pressure)
• Concentration: molarity \(M = \frac{\text{moles solute}}{\text{liters solution}}\)
• Dilution: \(M_1V_1 = M_2V_2\)
• Electrolytes vs. nonelectrolytes
• Colligative properties

8️⃣ Acids, Bases & Salts

• Arrhenius definition: acids produce H⁺, bases produce OH⁻
• pH scale (0-14): \(\text{pH} = -\log[\text{H}^+]\)
• Strong vs. weak acids and bases
• Neutralization reactions: acid + base → salt + water
• Titrations and indicators
• Hydrolysis and buffer solutions

9️⃣ Kinetics, Equilibrium & Thermochemistry

• Kinetics: reaction rates, collision theory, activation energy, catalysts
• Equilibrium: reversible reactions, Le Chatelier's Principle
• Thermochemistry: exothermic vs. endothermic reactions
• Heat calculations: \(q = mc\Delta T\)
• Potential energy diagrams

🔟 Electrochemistry, Organic & Nuclear Chemistry

• Electrochemistry: oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions, half-reactions, activity series
• Organic Chemistry: hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes), functional groups, isomers
• Nuclear Chemistry: radioactive decay (alpha, beta, gamma), half-life, fission/fusion

The reference tables are your lifeline! Practice using all 20 tables daily during your review. Know exactly where to find: periodic table data, solubility rules (Table F & G), activity series (Table J), acids/bases (Tables K & L), formulas (Table T). Speed matters - you must find information quickly during the 3-hour exam. Many questions directly test your ability to read and interpret these tables.

Show ALL work for every calculation - write the formula, substitute values with units, solve step-by-step. Practice: molarity problems, stoichiometry, percent composition, pH calculations, heat calculations (\(q = mc\Delta T\)). Always use correct significant figures and include units in your final answer. Partial credit is substantial if your method is correct.

Chemistry Regents tests conceptual understanding, not just memorization. Understand WHY periodic trends occur, HOW bonding works, WHAT affects reaction rates. Be able to explain concepts in complete sentences for Part C. Practice writing explanations: "As atomic radius increases down a group because..." Know cause-and-effect relationships for all major topics.

Lab-based questions appear on every exam. Review: proper equipment usage (beakers, flasks, graduated cylinders, burettes), safety procedures, identifying variables (independent/dependent/controlled), graphing data, drawing conclusions from experiments. Know how to read thermometers, interpret titration curves, and analyze experimental errors. Review all labs you performed during the year.

Work through past Chemistry Regents exams under timed conditions (3 hours). Focus on Parts B-2 and C which require detailed written responses. Study the scoring rubrics carefully to understand what earns full vs. partial credit. Time yourself strictly - you need to average about 2 minutes per question. Review ALL mistakes thoroughly and understand why the correct answer is right.

Chemistry has 10 major topic areas - start early! Create a study schedule covering all topics systematically. Review 1-2 topics per week. Make comprehensive note sheets with formulas, key concepts, and example problems for each topic. Practice daily (45-60 minutes). Join or form a study group. Don't wait until the last minute - chemistry concepts build on each other and require time to master.

❓ When is the Chemistry Regents exam in 2026?

❓ How many questions are on the Chemistry Regents?

❓ Do you get a reference table for Chemistry Regents?

❓ What score do you need to pass the Chemistry Regents?

❓ Can you use a calculator on Chemistry Regents?

❓ What are the hardest topics on Chemistry Regents?

❓ Do you need to memorize the periodic table?

❓ Where can I find past Chemistry Regents exams?