Competition
picoCTF
A beginner-friendly capture-the-flag cybersecurity contest with puzzles in cryptography, web, forensics and reverse engineering.
Key dates
The next dates haven't been announced yet. It usually runs every March, with free practice all year.
Last edition: picoCTF 2026, 9 Mar – 18 Mar 2026.
Who can take part
Middle school and up. Middle school, high school and college students.
Skills it needs, and how to prepare
Key skills: Cybersecurity, Linux, Python.
Questions parents ask
Join the CodingChamp WhatsApp community
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Details were checked on the official site in October 2026. Please confirm dates and rules with Carnegie Mellon University (CyLab) before entering. CodingChamp is not affiliated with this event.
Want help preparing for picoCTF?
Answer three quick questions for a suggested starting point, or book a free trial class and let a trainer check your child's level.
