International University Application Golden Key – Free Registration Service for Official AMC8 Test Centers for the 2026 Season!
The AMC8 (American Mathematics Competitions 8), organized by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), is an international mathematics competition designed for students in grade 8 and below. The AMC8 is not only widely recognized in the United States and globally, but it is also a significant advantage for students applying to top universities. AMC8 awards and certificates enjoy high recognition worldwide.
Registration for the 2026 AMC 8 season is now open!
The 2026 AMC 8 exam will be offered both online and in-person!
(No bundled courses or hidden costs; choose online or in-person test slots as needed)
We are a test center. Get a registration form and we'll register you for free!
Students from non-ASDAN partner schools, independent applicants, and students from overseas regions in the China region can scan the QR code to obtain the registration form.
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2026 AMC8 China Regional Competition Schedule
Registration Deadline: January 13, 2026
Exam Start Time: Friday, January 23, 2026, 17:00-17:40
Results Inquiry Time: 2-4 weeks after the exam
Score Cutoff Announcement/Certificate Download Time: 6-8 weeks after the exam
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AMC8 Competition Rules and Exam Arrangement
1. Suitable Students
Grade 8 (Junior High 2) students under 14.5 years old (age as of the day of the assessment)
2. Competition Format
Exam Structure: 25 multiple-choice questions
Exam Language: Bilingual (Chinese and English) exam to meet the needs of students with different language backgrounds
Scoring Method: 25 points total, 1 point for each correct answer, 0 points for each incorrect answer
Duration: 40 minutes
3. Permitted Materials:
According to the MAA guidelines, during the competition
students are only allowed to bring: writing utensils (including colored pens/pencils), laptops or tablets, blank scratch paper, and erasers;
Prohibited materials include: calculators, smartwatches, telephones, computing devices, compasses, protractors, and drawing paper;
4. Exam Location
In-person Exam: Students who register through the registration point should go to the exam location to take the exam.
Online Exam: If unable to take the in-person exam, candidates can choose to take it online. (Online exams require a computer with a webcam and a mobile device.)
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AMC 8 Exam Content
The AMC 8 exam covers all elementary school math knowledge and some middle school math, aiming to comprehensively assess students' mathematical knowledge and thinking abilities.
1. Basic Algebra
Basic algebra is one of the most frequently tested topics in the AMC 8 exam, typically accounting for about 10 questions. The core content of algebra covers the following:
Fractions: Students need to be proficient in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions, as well as how to simplify and compare fractions.
Equations: This includes solving simple linear equations in one variable; students need to be able to independently set up and solve equations.
Sequences: Understanding the basic concepts of sequences and being able to identify and generate simple sequences, such as arithmetic and geometric sequences.
Algebra is not only a core part of the AMC 8 but also the foundation for subsequent higher-level math learning.
2. Basic Geometry
Although the number of basic geometry questions is less than that of algebra, usually around 6-8, its content is still very important. The main knowledge points involved include:
Triangles: Understanding the properties of triangles, including the relationships between angles and the lengths of the sides.
Quadrilaterals: Master the characteristics of different types of quadrilaterals, such as rectangles, squares, and rhombuses.
Pythagorean Theorem: Be able to apply the Pythagorean theorem to solve problems related to right triangles.
Important Note: Most geometry content may not be covered in international curricula; students should supplement their knowledge through additional study and practice.
3. Basic Number Theory
Basic number theory is increasingly tested in AMC8, typically comprising 3-4 questions. The main content tested includes:
Divisibility: Understanding the concept of divisibility and being able to determine if a number is divisible by another number.
Prime Factorization: Mastering the basic methods of prime factorization and being able to factor composite numbers into products of prime numbers.
Number theory questions usually involve relatively basic concepts but require a high level of logical thinking ability from students.
4. Basic Combinatorics
Combinatorics questions are relatively few in AMC8, typically around 3-5 questions, mainly involving counting and probability. The following knowledge points will be emphasized:
Counting: Solving problems using permutations and combinations, and understanding basic counting principles.
Probability: Calculating the probability of simple events and understanding the basic concepts of probability.
Counting problems are a guaranteed part of the exam every year, and students should pay special attention to reviewing this section.
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AMC8 Mathematics Competition Historical Score Cutoffs
| years | HR（Top 5%） | DHR（Top 1%） |
| 2025 | 19 | 23 |
| 2024 | 18 | 22 |
| 2023 | 17 | 21 |
| 2022 | 19 | 22 |
| 2020 | 18 | 21 |
| 2019 | 19 | 23 |
| 2018 | 15 | 19 |
| 2017 | 17 | 20 |
| 2016 | 18 | 22 |
| 2015 | 16 | 21 |
| 2014 | 19 | 22 |
| 2013 | 17 | 22 |
| 2012 | 17 | 22 |
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AMC8 Mathematics Competition Awards and Certificates
1. AMC 8 Awards
Global Individual Awards:
Perfect Score: Students who achieve a perfect score of 25.
Global Distinction Honor Roll: Top 1% globally.
Global Honor Roll: Top 5% globally.
Elementary School Achievement Roll: Elementary school students scoring 15 or higher.
China Individual Awards:
Separate rankings for middle school and elementary school groups:
High Distinction: Top 5% nationally.
Second Place: Distinction: Top 15% nationally.
Third Place: Merit: Top 30% nationally.
Global School Team Awards:
School Honor Roll: Top 3 students in the school with a combined score of 266.
School Merit Roll: Top 3 students in the school with a combined score between 50 and 65.
2. AMC 8 Certificate
1、Honor Roll of Distinction
— Achieve a top-1 ranking globally in the AMC8 competition.
2、 Honor Roll AMC8
— Achieve a top 5 ranking globally in the AMC8 competition.
3、Perfect Score AMC8
— Achieve a perfect score of 25 in the AMC8 competition.
4、Certificate of Achievement AMC8
—Students in grade 6 and below who take the AMC 8 and score 15 or higher.
5、AMC8 Participation
— You can get it just by participating in the competition.
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AMC8 Mathematics Competition Preparation Resources
1. Past Exam Papers
Below are past exam papers (1985-2025) in both Chinese and English, along with answer key and explanations, for candidates to practice and download. Video explanations are also provided to assist candidates in understanding and improving their skills.
2. AMC 8 Preparation Materials
To help AMC 8 candidates prepare efficiently, we have carefully selected three authoritative resources: the AOPS classic five-book series, the AMC 8 Preparation professional textbook, and the Mastering AMC 8 tutorial recommended by omegalearn.org. We also provide our self-developed AMC 8 pre-study guide and meticulously compiled lecture notes, as well as other AMC preparation books, all of which are available free of charge. Specific usage guidelines are as follows:
1. AOPS Series, AMC 8 Preparation Series, AMC Mastering Series
| Dimensions | AoPS series (5 books) | AMC8 Preparation Series (5 volumes) | AMC Mastering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge System | The most theoretically profound, systematically constructing mathematical thinking | Modular and layered design with high integration of real exam questions | In-depth explanation of key topics + coverage of frequently tested points |
| Applicable basis | A certain level of math background is required (recommended for grades 5 and above). | Beginner-friendly (Grades 3+ can start learning) | Suitable for all grades from 3 to 8 |
| Learning resources | Pure textbook + exercises, no videos | Textbook + Differentiated Exercises + Mock Exams | Textbook + Video Lessons + Differentiated Exercises (Core Advantages) |
| Relevance of past exam questions | The example questions include variations of past exam questions, but are not marked. | The question is clearly marked with a ★ and multiple solutions are provided. | ★ Sample Questions + Live Video Analysis |
| Common Mistakes Tips | "Warning" labeling trap | "Warning" label + step-by-step breakdown | Warnings are highlighted, and videos emphasize common mistakes. |
(1) If you value depth of thinking and long-term cultivation: the AoPS series of books will be a great resource.
The AOPS Introduction series of black books (including five books: *Preparatory Algebra*, *Introduction to Algebra*, *Introduction to Geometry*, *Introduction to Counting and Probability*, and *Introduction to Number Theory*) provides systematic support for AMC 8 candidates:
1. Comprehensive Coverage of Exam Topics: Covering core AMC 8 content such as integer arithmetic, geometry, combinatorics, probability, and number theory. For example, *Introduction to Geometry* details frequently tested topics such as congruent triangles, while *Introduction to Counting and Probability* strengthens permutation and combination techniques.
2. Adaptable to Different Backgrounds: Prealgebra is designed for beginners (grades 3-5), bridging knowledge gaps; other textbooks integrate AMC past exam questions, directly aligning with the competition's question-setting logic.
(2) If you focus on systematic score improvement and practice with real exam questions: I recommend the AMC8 Preparation series of books.
The AMC8 Preparation series (5 volumes) is designed for students in grades 4-8, systematically covering the core AMC8 exam topics:
Vols 1-2 focus on basic geometry, logical reasoning, and fractional operations; Vols 3-5 strengthen number theory, probability, and challenging geometry (such as circles and volumes). Each volume lowers the entry barrier through explanations of key concepts and step-by-step breakdowns of examples (such as the graphical derivation of the Pythagorean theorem), and includes marked ★ real exam questions (providing multiple solutions to expand thinking), along with tiered exercises (including challenging questions adapted from AMC real exam questions) that gradually increase to competition difficulty.
(3) If you prioritize multimedia learning and short-term intensive study:
Recommended: AMC Mastering (recommended by omegalearn.org)
Mastering AMC8 (recommended by omegalearn.org) provides three core benefits for AMC8 candidates:
1. Systematic Coverage of Exam Points: Precisely covers the four modules of combinatorics, algebra, number theory, and geometry (such as permutations and combinations, Pythagorean theorem, and other high-frequency points), with ★ marking modified real exam questions to enhance practical training;
2. Multi-dimensional Learning Support: Each chapter includes live video explanations (YouTube), step-by-step illustrated examples, and tiered exercises (including challenge questions), providing 2-3 solutions to cultivate divergent thinking, and using "Warning" to mark common mistakes (such as confusion with independent events) to avoid pitfalls;
3. Beginner-Friendly Design: Concise language, gradually transitioning from basic prealgebra to challenging competition problems (suitable for beginners in grades 3-5).
2. AMC8 Pre-exam Comprehensive Guide and AMC8 Concise Lecture Notes
The first set of tiered training materials based on an in-depth analysis of the AMC8 syllabus, combining classic AoPS topics with real AMC8 questions, achieving a comprehensive improvement from mathematical foundation to competition skills. Tailored to the thinking characteristics and cultural background of Chinese students, achieving breakthrough optimization.
(1) AMC8 Pre-exam Comprehensive Guide (Introduction to the Whole Book)
This textbook is designed specifically for Chinese students, adopting a modular structure (number theory/algebra/geometry/combinatorics), cultivating abstract thinking through mind maps and guided questions (such as "Quickly determine prime numbers?"). It continues the AoPS question-based teaching method, with bilingual (Chinese and English) text to help adapt to international exams. Tiered training progresses from basic calculations to real exam practice; the geometry module combines solid figures to strengthen spatial imagination; each chapter includes targeted training with real AMC8 questions, highlighting common mistakes and multiple solutions, systematically improving competition ability.
(2) AMC8 Compiled Lecture Notes
The AMC8 Compiled Lecture Notes provide comprehensive coverage of all exam points, with hundreds of pages of detailed content suitable for beginners and advanced competitors. It employs a "three-in-one" teaching system: explanations for each knowledge point, targeted exercises, and carefully selected past exam questions, forming a complete learning loop. Systematic knowledge explanations solidify the foundation, tiered exercises reinforce understanding, and past exam questions test learning effectiveness, helping students accurately grasp exam trends and achieve comprehensive improvement from beginner to expert.
Students preparing for the AMC 8 exam can scan the QR code to download the complete package for free:
[AMC 8 Past Exam Questions + Answer Key + Video Explanation + Study Books + Lecture Notes]
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About MAA AMC
The AMC was established by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) in 1950. The questions range from easy to difficult, ensuring a challenge for students of all levels and helping to identify exceptionally gifted individuals. The AMC not only serves as a talent pool for top American mathematics talent, but its scores are also used to evaluate applicants' academic achievements in mathematics. Because AMC scores are internationally recognized, taking the AMC exam in different parts of the world is an important way for students to gain international competition experience, enhance their international learning and competition background, and improve their competitiveness for university admissions.
The MAA American Mathematics Competitions (MAA AMC) program enhances the mathematical skills of the next generation of problem solvers. Through classroom resources and friendly competition, it helps K-12 educators identify talent and cultivate a love of mathematics. The MAA AMC supports the development of analytical skills crucial for future careers in an innovative society.
Founded in 1950, the AMC is the premier math competition for K-12 students. Today, more than 300,000 students from all 50 states and over 30 countries participate in the AMC to boost their confidence and passion for mathematics.