Sample Questions & Study Guide

The Official Study Guide for the Varsity and Junior Varsity Divisions of the United States History Bee can be found here. Please note that this guide is not meant to be all-encompassing and that questions may reference material not contained within the guide. Please see the resource page of the Varsity and Junior Varsity Divisions of the National History Bee and Bowl here for additional resources.

2019 USHB Nationals Question Sets:

2018-2019 USHB National Qualifying Exam Scores (listed here by exam site)
A Set Exam Scores Official National Median Scores: Varsity – 79, Junior Varsity – 58
B Set Exam Scores Official National Median Scores: Varsity – 63, Junior Varsity – 48.5
C Set Exam Scores Official National Median Scores: Varsity – 73, Junior Varsity – 34

2018-2019 USHB National Qualifying Exams:


2018 USHB Nationals Question Sets:

2017-2018 USHB National Qualifying Exam Scores (listed here by exam site)
A Set Exam Scores Official National Median Scores: Varsity – 72, Junior Varsity – 53
B Set Exam Scores Official National Median Scores: Varsity – 74, Junior Varsity – 48
C Set Exam Scores Official National Median Scores: Varsity – 82, Junior Varsity – 55.5

2017-2018 USHB National Qualifying Exams:

2017 USHB Nationals Question Sets:

Official National Median Scores for 2016-2017 US History Bee National Qualifying Exams
Varsity:               Junior Varsity:
A Set – 78              A Set – 35
B Set – 70              B Set – 46
C Set – 70              C Set – 51

2016-2017 USHB National Qualifying Exams:

2016 USHB Nationals Question Sets:

2015-2016 USHB National Qualifying Exams:

2015 USHB Nationals Question Sets:

2014-2015 USHB National Qualifying Exams:

More Resources:

  • Welcome to the US History Bee!


    The US History Bee is an individual social studies competition for primary and secondary school students across America. The US History Bee is administered by International Academic Competitions and like all IAC competitions puts an emphasis on what students are learning in the classroom, and rewards their passion for learning.

    The US History Bee consists of two stages. The first is the National Qualifying Exam, which students can take either at our Regional sites in person, or online. The second is the National Championships in April 2022 which features a buzzer-based quiz tournament.

    We invite you to join us for the 2021-2022 competition year and put your US History knowledge to the test today! Contact info@iacompetitions.com if you have any questions, and good luck competing!