The 2026 AMC8 competition will officially begin on January 23. For registered candidates, it is crucial to be familiar with the exam process and pre-exam preparation. This article provides a detailed introduction to the pre-exam preparation, exam process, and post-exam arrangements for the AMC8 competition, helping candidates successfully take the exam.
I. Pre-Exam Preparation Guide
Preparing exam equipment and 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 iPad as a proctoring device. The proctoring device should be fixed 0.5-1 meter behind and to the side of the computer, at a height of 1.2-1.5 meters, ensuring the camera captures the candidate's upper body, hands, and the screen. The exam should be taken in an independent, quiet room, with only necessary stationery such as blank scratch paper, pencils, erasers, and a ruler on the desk. The use of calculators is strictly prohibited.
AMC8 Exam Essential Items Checklist
| Item Category | Essential Items | Prohibited Items |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Devices | Computer with camera, mobile phone/iPad (for proctoring) | Calculator, smartwatch, mobile phone (except proctoring device) |
| Stationery | Black or blue pen, pencils, eraser, ruler | Protractor, graph paper, compass |
| Documents & Materials | Valid ID, blank scratch paper | Any books, notes, materials |
For software configuration, the exam computer must have the latest version of Google Chrome installed (Safari is prohibited for Mac users). The proctoring mobile phone must have the Tencent Meeting APP installed (VooV for non-China mobile numbers). Before the exam, be sure to close all web pages and software unrelated to the exam, especially those with screen mirroring or live streaming functions, to avoid being flagged for cheating.
The mock exam is an essential pre-exam step. Candidates can complete the mock exam between January 18 and 23 to test device and network stability. January 22, 18:00-19:30, is the official device debugging time, when candidates can join Tencent Meeting to adjust the proctoring device position.
II. Full Exam Day Process
Regarding the exam schedule, the official 2026 AMC8 exam time is January 23, 17:00-17:40 (Beijing time). Candidates need to join Tencent Meeting 1 hour early (16:00) to adjust proctoring devices; 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, device debugging | Change meeting name to "Admission Ticket Number + Name" |
| 16:30 | Log in to exam system, enter countdown page | Ensure camera and microphone are working properly |
| 16:45 | Identity verification, listen to exam rules | Follow the proctor's instructions |
| 17:00-17:40 | Official exam, 40 minutes duration | No login allowed 15 minutes after exam starts |
Before the exam begins, candidates need to complete identity verification and listen to the proctor read the exam rules. At least 10 minutes before the exam, adjust the camera to ensure a clear image and that you remain within the camera frame; be careful to avoid backlighting.
During the exam, the following regulations must be strictly followed: do not speak; do not leave the exam page or switch to other software; the camera frame must show the candidate's hands and upper body; the system will take random snapshots for information comparison. In case of unexpected events such as network disconnection or power outage, you can re-enter the exam room after recovery, and the system will automatically save the questions you have answered.
The AMC8 competition consists of 25 multiple-choice questions, with 1 point awarded for each correct answer and no points for incorrect or unanswered questions. Reasonable time allocation is crucial. The following time allocation strategy is for reference: the first 15 questions are relatively simple and can be answered faster; the next 5 questions are moderately difficult and require steady answering; the last 5 questions are mostly challenging, and you can start with the ones you have an idea about.
III. High-Scoring Answering Techniques
Mastering efficient answering techniques can help improve scores. Here are some practical strategies:
Specific Value Substitution Method: When encountering problems involving unknown relationships, substitute simple numerical values to transform abstract relationships into concrete calculations, quickly arriving at the answer.
Elimination Method: Use conditions such as parity and range to eliminate conflicting options, narrow down the selection, and increase accuracy.
Geometric Assembly Method: Decompose complex shapes into regular shapes, find proportional relationships through reassembly, and solve for area or length.
During the exam, prioritize easy questions before difficult ones to ensure a high accuracy rate for the first 15 questions, as these are relatively simple and should not be lost. For challenging questions that you are temporarily unsure about, mark them and come back to them after completing all questions.
IV. Post-Exam Notes
After the exam ends, the system will automatically submit the answers. If the submission page lags, wait quietly for 10 seconds. Before submission, check whether the question numbers in the answer area have turned blue, indicating 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 Challenges" WeChat mini-program, click on "My Registrations" - corresponding project - "Score Inquiry" to view results.
According to the requirements of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), no one is allowed to disseminate or discuss exam content and answers online, on social platforms, or in 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 each day, focusing on reviewing mistakes from past exam papers, especially high-frequency topics such as number theory and combinatorics. Get adequate sleep the day before the exam to face the exam in the best condition.
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AMC8 Preparation Courses
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| Class Type | Hours | Class Size | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
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