As one of the most influential secondary school math competitions globally, the AMC8 is offered in both online and offline formats. Understanding the specific procedures and key precautions for each format is critical for students to perform well. This article provides a detailed comparison to help candidates prepare thoroughly.
I. Exam Format & Basic Arrangements
The online exam is taken at home on a computer with a camera, with a second mobile device or iPad used for proctoring via Tencent Meeting. The exam system uses a forced full-screen mode to prevent cheating. The offline exam is held at designated test centers, such as The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and The High School Affiliated to Beijing Normal University in Beijing, or Shanghai World Foreign Language Academy and High School Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Shanghai. The offline exam uses paper test booklets and answer sheets, and answers must be filled in with a 2B pencil.
II. Step-by-Step Exam Procedure Comparison
Online Exam Procedure
The online exam procedure is relatively complex and requires early equipment setup and testing:
1–3 days before the exam: Check exam information (candidate account, password, and Tencent Meeting ID). Complete an online mock exam within the designated time to test equipment and network stability.
The night before the exam: Participate in a session to adjust the proctoring device position, ensuring the mobile device camera clearly captures the candidate, the desk, blank scratch paper, and the computer screen.
Exam day: Join Tencent Meeting 60 minutes early. Log into the exam system 30 minutes early. Complete identity verification and listen to the proctor read the exam rules.
During the exam: The system automatically displays a countdown timer. Once a question is answered, the question number on the answer area turns blue, indicating the answer has been saved. Early submission is not permitted. The system automatically collects answers when time expires.
Offline Exam Procedure
The offline exam procedure is more traditional, but still has specific requirements:
Arrive at the test center 15–30 minutes before the exam. Late arrivals (more than 15 minutes after the exam starts) will not be permitted to take the exam.
The proctor distributes the test booklet and answer sheet. Candidates must carefully read the instructions for filling out the answer sheet.
Use a 2B pencil to fill in the answer sheet, and a black or blue pen to write the candidate’s name and phone number.
After the exam ends, the test booklet and answer sheet are collected and must not be taken out of the exam room.
III. Key Differences in Precautions
Equipment & Environment Requirements
The online exam has strict requirements for equipment and environment: a computer with the latest version of Google Chrome installed, and a stable internet connection with a bandwidth of at least 20Mbps. The exam environment must be quiet, well-lit, and free from backlighting. The offline exam only requires standard exam supplies: a black or blue pen, a 2B pencil, an eraser, a ruler, and blank scratch paper. Calculators, mobile phones, and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited.
Behavioral Guidelines
During the online exam, candidate behavior is closely monitored: the camera must remain on at all times, and the candidate must stay within the camera frame. Switching screens more than 10 times may result in forced submission. For the offline exam, test center discipline is key: candidates may not leave the exam room without permission, and talking is prohibited. The answer sheet must be filled out properly; correction fluid is not allowed.
IV. Suggested Adjustments to Preparation Strategies
In light of the upcoming full transition to offline exams in 2026, candidates should adjust their preparation strategies accordingly:
Strengthen paper-based practice: Get accustomed to solving problems on paper and filling in answer sheets. Practice writing clearly and neatly.
Simulate exam conditions: Practice in a formal, timed environment with a proctor to build comfort with the test center setting.
Cultivate time management skills: Unlike the online format, the offline exam does not have an on-screen indicator of saved answers. Candidates must track their own progress and manage their time effectively.
Get adequate rest before the exam: Offline exams require travel to and from the test center, which consumes more energy than taking the exam at home. Plan ahead and rest well.
The following table summarizes the main differences between the AMC8 online and offline exams:
.=Answer Submission .=System auto-saves and auto-collects at the end of the exam .=Candidates fill out answer sheet by hand; booklet and answer sheet are collected
| Aspect | Online Exam | Offline Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | At-home computer-based test | At designated test center, paper-based |
| Equipment | Computer with camera, second device for proctoring | 2B pencil, black/blue pen, eraser, ruler |
| Proctoring | Via Tencent Meeting, camera must be on at all times .=In-person proctors at the test center | |
| Key Requirements | Stable internet, no screen switching, stay within camera frame | Arrive on time, no talking, follow test center rules |
The AMC8 online and offline exams have significant differences in their procedures and precautions. The online format focuses more on equipment setup and technical operations, while the offline format places greater emphasis on test center discipline and standardized answer filling. With the AMC8 transitioning fully to an offline format in 2026, candidates should familiarize themselves with these changes in advance and adjust their preparation strategies accordingly to achieve their desired results in this global math competition.
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