AMC 8, AMC 10 and AMC 12 are the main American Mathematics Competitions run by the Mathematical Association of America. They form a progression from middle-school problem solving into high-school competition Mathematics and, for top AMC 10/12 performers, the invitational AIME route.
AMC 8
The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute multiple-choice competition for students in Grade 8 and below within the MAA eligibility rules. The Mathematics includes counting and probability, estimation, proportional reasoning, elementary geometry, spatial visualisation, graphs and tables, with some later questions touching beginning algebra.
AMC 10 and AMC 12
The AMC 10 and AMC 12 are 25-question, 75-minute high-school competitions. AMC 10 limits the mathematical scope more tightly; AMC 12 permits a broader high-school Mathematics range. Both reward flexible problem solving, algebra, geometry, probability and number theory.
2026–27 dates
- AMC 10 A / AMC 12 A: 5 November 2026
- AMC 10 B / AMC 12 B: 13 November 2026
- AMC 8: 21–27 January 2027
Dates are operational details and should be rechecked each cycle. Students outside the U.S. and Canada should also check the MAA’s international participation arrangements rather than assuming U.S. registration rules apply unchanged.
Preparation by mathematical demand
- Build reliable algebra, geometry and number sense.
- Train non-routine representation before time pressure.
- Practise counting and probability without over-relying on formulas.
- Use past problems to identify recurring strategic ideas.
- Move to timed mixed sets only after individual methods are transferable.
Where the route leads
High performance on AMC 10 and/or AMC 12 can lead to AIME qualification. Use the companion AIME guide for the next stage.
Official source checked 26 September 2026: Mathematical Association of America AMC and current 2026–27 registration information.
World Mathematics route: return to the World Mathematics Atlas for the wider map across competitions, school Mathematics, examinations, mathematical objects and university routes.
AMC 8, AMC 10 and AMC 12: build contest progression without turning scores into identity
The AMC sequence serves different grade/age ranges
MAA defines current eligibility for AMC 8, AMC 10 and AMC 12. Students should sit the contest appropriate to their eligibility and mathematical readiness.
Multiple choice still rewards mathematical reasoning
Estimation, elimination, symmetry, casework and structural algebra can be faster than brute calculation.
AMC 8 builds breadth
Strong arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry, counting and number reasoning support the younger contest.
AMC 10/12 increase algebraic depth
Functions, geometry, number theory and combinatorics become more demanding while remaining pre-university competition Mathematics.
Time management matters
Do not let one late hard problem consume time needed for several accessible questions. Train selection through full sets only after domain learning.
Past contests are the core practice bank
Attempt without solutions, analyse wrong options and reconstruct successful methods later.
Qualification thresholds are not permanent targets
AIME qualification cut-offs can vary by contest/year under MAA rules. Historical thresholds should not be promised for a future cycle.
Calculators are not permitted on current AMC contests
Verify the current MAA rules each year, but train number sense and hand computation rather than calculator dependence.
Progression to AIME is mathematical, not just administrative
Students need deeper number theory, algebra, combinatorics and geometry plus answer-format discipline.
Review by domain
Track recurring weaknesses instead of only total score.
Healthy route
A student who is learning and engaged can progress; a student whose foundations or wellbeing are deteriorating should adjust the load.
Use official MAA information
Dates, eligibility and advancement rules are current-cycle facts and should remain linked to MAA.