Contest Rules
NEW --- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Your NHD Project
As of October 1, 2026, the use of generative AI to create an NHD project during the 2026-27 School year is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification.
Contest Rules
National History Day - OC rules align with those of the National History Day program. The following rules apply to every category:
- Entries must relate clearly to the annual theme and explain the topic's significance in history.
- Students may participate in the research, preparation, and presentation of only one entry each year.
- A paper, individual exhibit, individual performance, individual website, individual documentary, or individual poster must be the work of only one student.
- A group exhibit, group performance, group website, group documentary, or group poster must be the work of 2-5 students.
- Students are responsible for the research, design, and creation of their own entry.
- Written materials are required with all entries.
For a detailed listing and explanation of NHD rules, please review the following:
- Contest Rule Book
- Podcast & Poster Rule Book (California only categories)
Student entries will be evaluated using rubrics. Please share the rubrics with students so they understand the evaluation criteria.