VEX Robotics offers an exciting world of hands-on learning, competition, and creativity. Whether you’re in elementary school building your very first robot or in college developing advanced automation routines, there’s a VEX competition level that fits your age group and skill level. Each tier is designed to grow with students, introducing them to engineering and coding concepts at an age-appropriate pace—while also letting them compete, have fun, and work as a team.
Here’s a breakdown of the different VEX Robotics competition levels and what you can expect at each stage:
VEX GO (Grades 3–5)
For Young Builders Just Getting Started
VEX GO is designed for early learners in elementary school. This level introduces basic STEM and engineering principles through colorful, snap-together robots that are friendly and fun to use.
- Age Group: Grades 3 to 5
- Robot Type: Plastic, reusable parts with simple motors and sensors
- Focus: Building foundations in STEM, problem-solving, and teamwork
- Competitions: Not as formal as higher levels; students participate in classroom challenges and team activities
VEX GO is perfect for introducing robotics without overwhelming young students. It’s the first step into a much bigger world.
VEX IQ (Grades 4–8)
For Aspiring Engineers Ready to Compete
VEX IQ is the next level up and is built for elementary and middle school students. It introduces more advanced building techniques, autonomous programming, and official team-based competition.
- Age Group: Grades 4 to 8
- Robot Type: Plastic, tool-free assembly system; compatible with sensors and programmable brains
- Programming: VEXcode (block- and text-based)
- Competitions: VEX IQ Challenge (VIQC), where students drive and program their robots to complete a themed game
This is where things start to get exciting. VEX IQ combines creativity with competition and teaches real-world problem solving and teamwork.
VEX EXP (Grades 6–10)
For Students Bridging Middle and High School Robotics
VEX EXP is a newer level that bridges the gap between IQ and the advanced V5 system. It uses a metal-based building system and allows students to build more robust, competition-ready bots.
- Age Group: Grades 6 to 10
- Robot Type: Metal parts with advanced sensors and controllers
- Programming: VEXcode Blocks or Python
- Competitions: VEX EXP competitions, which mirror many elements of the V5 competition structure
VEX EXP offers the perfect blend of hands-on learning and real competition experience. It’s a stepping stone to high school-level robotics.
VEX V5 (Grades 9–12)
For High School Teams Aiming for Innovation
VEX V5 is the flagship competition system for high school students. This level introduces serious hardware, programming in C++ or Python, and fast-paced international competition.
- Age Group: Grades 9 to 12
- Robot Type: Metal construction with high-powered V5 brain and motor systems
- Programming: VEXcode Pro V5 (text-based programming)
- Competitions: VEX Robotics Competition (VRC), with seasonal game challenges, driver control, and autonomous periods
At this level, students experience real engineering and computer science applications. VEX V5 is where future engineers, coders, and innovators are made.
VEX U (College/University)
For the Pros in Training
VEX U is designed for college students and pushes the limits of what VEX robots can do. Teams can use 3D-printed parts, custom electronics, and advanced programming strategies.
- Age Group: College and university students
- Robot Type: Larger and more complex; teams can build two robots instead of one
- Programming: Open-ended—teams often use industry-level tools
- Competitions: VEX U competitions, often run in parallel with VRC events but with added complexity
VEX U is not just about competing—it’s about innovation. Teams are expected to design, prototype, and test like real-world robotics engineers.
Final Thoughts
VEX Robotics offers a clear and exciting progression for students at every age and ability level. Each step is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity to build skills in teamwork, communication, coding, engineering, and resilience. No matter where you start, there’s always room to grow.
Whether you’re a beginner building your first robot in VEX GO or a college student programming autonomous routines in VEX U, VEX competitions give you the tools to think critically, solve problems, and push the limits of what’s possible.
