The 2026 AMC8 Competition will officially start on January 23rd. For registered candidates, familiarizing themselves with the exam process and pre-exam preparation is crucial. This article will detail the pre-exam preparation, exam process, and post-exam arrangements for the AMC8 Competition to help candidates take the exam smoothly
I. Comprehensive Pre-Exam Preparation Guide
Preparing exam equipment and the environment is the foundation for a smooth exam experience. Candidates need to prepare a computer with a camera (Windows or Mac system) and a mobile phone or Pad as the proctoring device.
The proctoring device should be fixed 0.5-1 meter behind the side of the computer, at a height of 1.2-1.5 meters, ensuring that the screen can cover the candidate's upper body, hands, and the computer screen. The exam must be conducted in an independent and quiet room. Only necessary stationery such as blank scratch paper, pencils, erasers, and straightedges can be placed on the desk; calculators are strictly prohibited.
AMC8 Exam Essential Items List
| Item Category | Essential Items | Prohibited Items |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Devices | Computer with camera, mobile phone/Pad (for proctoring) | Calculators, smart watches, mobile phones (other than proctoring devices) |
| Stationery | Black or blue signature pens, pencils, erasers, straightedges | Protractors, coordinate paper, compasses |
| Documents & Materials | Valid ID, blank scratch paper | Any books, notes, reference materials |
In terms of software configuration, the exam computer must have the latest version of Google Chrome installed (Mac users are prohibited from using Safari), and the proctoring mobile phone must have the Tencent Meeting APP installed (users with non-Mainland China mobile phone numbers use VooV). Before the exam, be sure to close all irrelevant web pages and software on the computer, especially those with screen casting or live streaming functions, to avoid being judged as cheating by the system.
Mock exams are an indispensable part of pre-exam preparation. Candidates can complete mock exams between January 18th and 23rd to test the stability of equipment and the internet. The official equipment debugging time is from 18:00 to 19:30 on January 22nd; candidates can join the Tencent Meeting to adjust the position of the proctoring device.
II. Full Process on Exam Day
Regarding the exam schedule, the official 2026 AMC8 exam time is 17:00-17:40 (Beijing Time) on January 23rd. Candidates need to join the Tencent Meeting 1 hour in advance (16:00) to debug the proctoring device; log in to the online exam system 30 minutes before the exam (16:30); the exam will start promptly at 17:00.
AMC8 Exam Day Schedule
| Time | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 16:00 | Join Tencent Meeting and debug equipment | Rename the participant name to "Exam Admission Ticket Number + Full Name" |
| 16:30 | Log in to the exam system and enter the pre-exam countdown page | Ensure the camera and microphone are working properly |
| 16:45 | Identity verification and listening to exam rules | Follow the invigilator's instructions |
| 17:00-17:40 | Official exam, 40 minutes duration | No login allowed 15 minutes after the exam starts |
Before the exam begins, candidates need to complete the identity verification process and listen to the invigilator read out the exam rules. The camera should be adjusted at least 10 minutes before the exam to ensure a clear picture and that the candidate is always in the camera frame; avoid backlighting.
During the exam, candidates must strictly abide by the following regulations: no talking; no leaving the exam page or switching to other software; the candidate's hands and upper body (above the chest) must appear in the frame; the system will randomly take screenshots for information comparison. In case of unexpected situations such as internet or power outages, candidates can re-enter the exam room after recovery, and the system will automatically save the answered questions.
The AMC8 Competition consists of 25 multiple-choice questions, with 1 point for each correct answer and no points for incorrect or unanswered questions. Reasonable time allocation during the exam is crucial. The following time allocation strategy is for reference: the first 15 questions are relatively simple and can be answered quickly; the middle 5 questions are of moderate difficulty and require steady progress; the last 5 questions are mostly difficult, so candidates can first answer those they have ideas for.
III. High-Score Answering Skills
Mastering efficient answering skills helps improve scores. Here are some practical strategies:
Special Value Substitution Method: When encountering questions involving unknown quantity relationships, substitute simple values to convert abstract relationships into specific calculations and quickly get the answer.
Elimination Method: Use conditions such as parity and value ranges to eliminate contradictory options, narrow down the selection scope, and improve accuracy.
Geometric Patching Method: Decompose complex figures into regular figures, find proportional relationships through reorganization, and solve for area or length.
During the exam, candidates should prioritize easy questions first and ensure the accuracy of the first 15 questions, as these are relatively simple and should not be lost if possible. For difficult questions without immediate ideas, mark them and return to them after completing all other questions.
IV. Post-Exam Notes
After the exam ends, the system will automatically submit the paper. If there is a delay on the submission page, wait for 10 seconds. Before submission, candidates can check if the question numbers in the answer area have turned blue, which indicates that the system has automatically saved the answers.
Exam results will be announced 6-8 weeks after the exam. Candidates can log in to the "ASDAN International Academic Challenge" WeChat Mini Program, click [My Registration] - corresponding project - [Score Inquiry] to view their results.
In accordance with the requirements of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), no one is allowed to disseminate or verbally discuss the exam content and answers on the internet, social media platforms, or chat software before 21:00 (Beijing Time) on January 29, 2026.
Sprint Preparation Suggestions: In the final days, it is recommended to maintain 2-3 hours of review time every day, focusing on reviewing wrong questions from previous years' real exams, especially high-frequency test points such as number theory and combinatorics. Ensure adequate sleep the day before the exam to meet the exam in the best state.
