2026–2027 Season Registration Open · AMC 8 Exam: January 21–27, 2027 · Register Now →

AMC 8 Competition
Complete Guide (2026–2027)

Entry-Level Math Competition · Grade 8 and Below · 25 Multiple Choice · 40 Minutes · Held Every January

📅 January 21–27, 2027 📝 Registration Deadline: December 18, 2026 🎯 Grade 8 and Below ✅ No Penalty for Wrong Answers
25
Multiple choice questions (A–E)
40
Minutes exam duration
150
Points maximum (6 pts each)
0
Penalty for wrong answers

What is AMC 8? Exam Overview

AMC 8 (American Mathematics Competition 8) is an entry-level math competition for middle school students, hosted annually by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) since 1985. It is the starting point of the entire AMC pathway — the first step toward AMC 10, AMC 12, AIME, and ultimately USAMO.

Unlike many competitions, AMC 8 uses multiple-choice format with no penalty for wrong answers, making it accessible while still challenging. It is an excellent platform for developing math competition skills and testing core middle school mathematical thinking.

AMC 8 Eligibility Requirements

  • Grade requirement: Grade 8 or below
  • Age requirement: Under 14.5 years old on the day of the exam
  • Nationality: Open to all students; no citizenship restrictions
  • Repeat participation: Students may compete every year as long as they meet eligibility requirements
  • China test centers: Register through MAA-authorized test centers in mainland China

If your child exceeds AMC 8 age limits but is still in grade 10 or below, they can compete in the more challenging AMC 10.

AMC 8 Exam Topics: Six Knowledge Areas

AMC 8 covers core middle school mathematics with an emphasis on logical reasoning and problem-solving. The six main areas are:

🔢

Algebra & Arithmetic

Integer operations, fractions, ratios, basic equations

📐

Plane Geometry

Triangles, circles, polygons — area and perimeter

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Number Theory

Primes, factors, divisibility, remainders

🎲

Probability & Statistics

Basic probability, mean, median, data analysis

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Combinatorics

Counting principles, basic permutations, path counting

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Logical Reasoning

Deduction puzzles, pattern recognition, sequences

2026–2027 AMC 8 Exam Dates & Registration Deadline

EventDate
AMC 8 Exam WindowJanuary 21 (Thu) – January 27 (Wed), 2027
Registration Deadline (China)December 18, 2026
Score ReleaseApproximately 4–6 weeks after the exam

Register early — test center spots are limited. After registration, you'll receive exam venue details and your admission ticket.

AMC 8 Scoring & How to Interpret Results

  • Maximum score: 150 points (25 questions × 6 points each)
  • Correct answer: +6 points; Wrong or no answer: 0 points (no deduction)
  • Honor Roll: Approximately 19–20+ correct (top ~5% historically)
  • Distinguished Honor Roll: Approximately 23+ correct (top ~1% historically)
  • Note: AMC 8 does not directly qualify for AIME, but strong performance positions students well for AMC 10/12 competition for AIME qualification

AMC 8 Preparation Tips

  • Practice past papers: AMC 8 past papers from 2010 onward are the best study material and available free on the MAA website
  • Build a strong foundation: Ensure solid mastery of fractions, ratios, basic algebra, and plane geometry
  • Train for speed: 40 minutes for 25 questions means an average of under 1.6 minutes per question — timed practice is essential
  • Learn elimination techniques: Process of elimination, substitution, and drawing diagrams are key AMC 8 strategies
  • Take our free assessment: Start with our free math level test to identify your weak areas before focused preparation

Ready to Register for AMC 8?

2027 January exam registration deadline: December 18, 2026. Register now to secure your spot.

🎯 Register for AMC 8

AMC 8 Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! As long as they are under 14.5 years old and in grade 8 or below, advanced elementary students (typically grade 6+) can absolutely take AMC 8. Many high-achieving upper elementary students use AMC 8 to benchmark their math ability.
AMC 8 has moderate difficulty — the first 10 questions are relatively straightforward, while the last 5 are more challenging. Students with strong math fundamentals can achieve good scores with 1–2 months of systematic practice (past papers + targeted weak-point review). Starting 3–4 months before the exam gives plenty of time.
AMC 8 scores are typically not directly used in college applications (participants are usually too young), but strong AMC 8 performance (Distinguished Honor Roll) builds the foundation for AMC 10/12 and ultimately AIME/USAMO — which are highly valued by top universities like Harvard and MIT.