Everything You Need to Know About AMC: The Complete Guide
If you're new to AMC or just want to get the facts straight, here's everything in one place.
What Is AMC?
AMC stands for American Mathematics Competitions. It's a series of math contests run by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), and it's been around for over 70 years. The purpose is simple: develop problem-solving skills in middle and high school students through challenging math problems.
Official Website: maa.org/student-programs/amc
Types of AMC Tests
| AMC 8 | AMC 10 | AMC 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade | 8 and below | 10 and below | 12 and below |
| Age Limit | Under 14.5 | Under 17.5 | Under 19.5 |
| Questions | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Time | 40 minutes | 75 minutes | 75 minutes |
| Format | Multiple choice | Multiple choice | Multiple choice |
| Calculator | No | No | No |
| When | January | November | November |
What Each Test Covers
| Test | Topics |
|---|---|
| AMC 8 | Arithmetic, basic geometry, counting, probability, proportional reasoning, number theory, everyday applications |
| AMC 10 | All AMC 8 topics + Algebra I & II, coordinate geometry, basic number theory. No trigonometry. |
| AMC 12 | All AMC 10 topics + trigonometry, advanced algebra, advanced geometry. No calculus. |
2025-26 Test Dates
| Test | Date |
|---|---|
| AMC 10A / AMC 12A | November 5, 2025 |
| AMC 10B / AMC 12B | November 13, 2025 |
| AMC 8 | January 22–28, 2026 |
| AIME I | February 5, 2026 |
| AIME II | February 11, 2026 |
You can take either the A or B version, or both. But you cannot take both AMC 10 and AMC 12 on the same day.
Scoring
| Test | Scoring Method | Max Score |
|---|---|---|
| AMC 8 | 1 point per correct answer | 25 |
| AMC 10/12 | Correct: 6 pts / Blank: 1.5 pts / Wrong: 0 pts | 150 |
Awards
AMC 8
| Award | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Distinguished Honor Roll | Top 1% |
| Honor Roll | Top 5% |
| Achievement Roll | 6th grade or below, score 15+ |
AMC 10/12
| Award | Criteria |
|---|---|
| AIME Qualification | Top 2.5% of AMC 10 or Top 5% of AMC 12 |
| Honor Roll of Distinction | Top 1% |
| Distinction | Top 5% |
The Competition Path
AMC is the entry point to a series of increasingly selective math competitions:
AMC 10/12 → AIME → USAMO/USAJMO → MOP → IMO
| Stage | What It Is |
|---|---|
| AMC 10/12 | First qualifying round |
| AIME | American Invitational Mathematics Examination. 15 questions, 3 hours. Invite only. |
| USAMO/USAJMO | USA Mathematical Olympiad. Top ~500 students nationwide. |
| MOP | Mathematical Olympiad Program. Summer training camp for top ~60 students. |
| IMO | International Mathematical Olympiad. 6-member US team competes globally. |
How to Register
Students and parents cannot register directly with MAA. Registration goes through authorized test centers.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ask your school if they host AMC |
| 2 | If not, find a local test center (colleges, math circles, learning centers) |
| 3 | The center registers with MAA and purchases student licenses |
| 4 | Complete your registration through the center |
International students: Check if your country participates in the AMC International program on the MAA website.
Why AMC Matters
Many top universities—including MIT and Caltech—ask for AMC scores on applications. But beyond admissions, AMC develops genuine problem-solving skills. The problems aren't about memorizing formulas. They're about thinking through unfamiliar situations.
That's a skill worth building.
For the most up-to-date information, always check the official MAA website: maa.org/student-programs/amc
I'm a math coach at Think-Habits, and this is what I care about most. Going forward, I'll be sharing how AMC can help develop the problem-solving abilities that truly matter in the age of AI. My goal is to help you build the kind of thinking that will make a real difference in the world you're about to step into.
— Madison Chung
