Computer Olympiad / Rekenaarolimpiade

 
 
South Africa · Applications Olympiad
Instructions to Participants
General Instructions
  1. 1 There are TWO Divisions this year, BASIC and OPEN. Participants taking the OPEN division qualify for the Second Round — provided their score is high enough.
  2. 2All working files must be submitted online by learners or teachers. Failing to do so will lead to disqualification. (see point 11)
  3. 3All answers must be typed in the provided space online (see Participant's Instructions).
  4. 4You may do the questions in any order, but you must ensure answers are placed correctly on the answer sheet. Save the answer sheet as instructed by your teacher.
  5. 5The files you need to answer the questions have been provided to your school. Ask your teacher/invigilator where to find them.
  6. 6The paper must be completed under examination conditions. No communication (oral, electronic, or any other form) with other contestants is permitted.
  7. 7You may use the application of your choice to answer any question and, if necessary, convert the data as it suits you.
  8. 8You have one hour (60 minutes) to complete this paper. After one hour you may be given time to print your answer sheet, but no additions or alterations will be allowed.
  9. 9All marking is done from hard copy (printed answer sheet) unless you participated online.
  10. 10Each correct answer counts five (5) marks.
  11. 11Learners should upload their files online right after taking part at challenge.beaver.org.za. Do not delete any files. Do not attempt to modify files after the contest ends.
  12. 12If the answer is a number, give the number without any units.
  13. 13For offline participation, please read the "Teacher's Instructions (Offline)".
Watch: How to register your participation
How to register your participation
Click to watch on YouTube
Who is this for?

The Applications Olympiad is a challenge for those taking CAT, the ICDL, or who are otherwise computer literate. Participants solve problems using a Microsoft Office package and provided data. The competition is most beneficial if entire classes participate, but individual entries are welcome. Available in English and Afrikaans.

This year: There will be both a BASIC and an OPEN division.
Basic division
Level Slightly easier than Open
Tasks Word, Excel and PowerPoint — no Access
Award 50% receive certificates, no progression to Round 2. Choose OPEN to progress to further rounds.
Open division
Level At the level of previous Olympiads
Tasks Word, Excel and Access — no PowerPoint
Award 50% receive certificates. Top OPEN learners will be invited to Round 2.
Important Rules

Note to teachers: Please take precautions to prevent learners from sharing answers — destroy notes, take back question papers, or diagrams made during the contest.

What to expect after registering

Learners should select their actual grade when participating. On 29 April 2026, teachers will receive the documentation requested on their entry form:

Online documentation Offline documentation
  1. Instructions for Teachers
  2. Information for Participants
  3. Data Files
  4. Logins (teacher creates)
  1. 2026 AO R1 Instructions for Teachers — read first
  2. Information for Participants (Offline)
  3. English Paper (PDF)
  4. Afrikaans Paper (PDF)
  5. Answer Sheet ENG
  6. Marking Schedule ENG — teachers only
  7. Results spreadsheet (Excel) — email to us by Mon 11 May
  8. Round 1 Data Files
No marking required Marking is required — incorrect marking is graded 0
On the day: online participation

Offline participation: Print the appropriate question paper for your learners. Instructions will be found on the question paper.

Avoid mistakes