AMC 8, 10, 12 Dates, Format, and Scoring Rules (2026–27 Guide)

If you are planning to sit for the AMC this competition cycle, you probably already know that each contest has its own rhythm, quirks, and a bit of legend. The AMC 8 feels like a first handshake with contest math. The AMC 10 and AMC 12 are more like stepping onto the real playing field. Whether your goal is an AIME qualification or just testing yourself against something unfamiliar, understanding the structure early will make your preparation far more effective.

For the official competition calendar, see MAA registration page and keep it bookmarked. Forgetting a registration deadline is one of the most avoidable mistakes in contest prep.

AMC 8 in 2027

The AMC 8 will be held from January 21 to January 27, 2027. Under the current U.S./Canada rules, it is designed for students in grade 8 or below who are also 15.5 years old or younger on the day of the competition. It often becomes their first story in the "math contest scrapbook." Some students walk away thinking it was fun. Others walk away thinking they should have skipped fewer questions. Both are correct.

The format is short but sharp. There are 25 multiple-choice questions to be solved in 40 minutes. Topics include counting and probability, estimation, proportional reasoning, elementary geometry, spatial visualization, interpreting graphs and tables, and some beginning algebra. Calculators are not permitted.

Official AMC 8 contest instructions use straightforward scoring: one point for each correct answer and zero points for an incorrect or blank answer, for a maximum score of 25. The current 2026–27 policy document does not restate the point formula, so students should follow the official instructions provided for the 2027 competition if MAA announces any scoring update.

If you are preparing for the 2027 AMC 8, use the time to work through AMC 8 practice materials. Getting used to the pacing now means you will not spend the first ten minutes of the contest just warming up.

AMC 10 and AMC 12 in 2026

The AMC 10 and AMC 12 are scheduled for this fall. The AMC 10 is for students in grade 10 or below and, under the current U.S./Canada rules, 17.5 years old or younger on competition day. The AMC 12 is for students in grade 12 or below and 19.5 years old or younger. These contests are the main gateway to the AIME, and strong AIME performance can lead to USAJMO or USAMO.

The dates are:

• AMC 10A and AMC 12A: November 5, 2026
• AMC 10B and AMC 12B: November 13, 2026

Eligible students may take both AMC 10A and AMC 10B, and they may likewise take both AMC 12A and AMC 12B. A student may not take AMC 10 and AMC 12 on the same competition day. For example, AMC 10A with AMC 12B is allowed, and AMC 10A with AMC 10B is also allowed.

The format is identical for both contests: 25 multiple-choice questions with a 75-minute limit and no calculators. The AMC 10 covers elementary algebra, basic geometry, area and volume formulas, elementary number theory, and elementary probability; advanced topics such as trigonometry, advanced algebra, and advanced geometry are excluded. The AMC 12 covers the full high-school mathematics curriculum, including trigonometry, advanced algebra, and advanced geometry, but excludes calculus.

MAA's published AMC 10/12 contest instructions use six points for a correct answer, one and a half points for a blank, and zero for an incorrect answer, for a maximum score of 150. The current 2026–27 policy document does not restate the point formula, so students should follow the official 2026 competition instructions if MAA publishes any scoring update.

For the 2027 AIME, the qualifying-score requirement has changed. Under the current U.S./Canada AIME rules, otherwise eligible students qualify with a score of 100 or higher on AMC 10A or AMC 10B, or 85 or higher on AMC 12A or AMC 12B. These are fixed score thresholds for the 2026–27 cycle rather than percentage-based cutoffs announced after the AMC results.

Final Thoughts

The earlier you internalize the rules and structure, the more energy you can devote to problem solving when it matters. Think of the AMC as a sport. You need to know the rules, practice under real conditions, and review your results.

At Math Prep Pro, we offer timed practice tests, topic-specific analytics, and worked solutions so your training is structured and measurable. Whether you are aiming for your first AIME qualification or just want to test your problem-solving skills, now is the time to start.

Stay consistent. Refine your approach. Treat each contest as both a challenge and a lesson. If you qualify for the AIME this cycle, enjoy the victory. If you miss it by one question, remember that every math contest veteran has at least one story that starts that way.

Sources

• MAA 2026–27 AMC Rules and Policies: official policy PDF
• MAA AMC Registration and Dates: maa.org/amcreg
• MAA American Mathematics Competitions overview: maa.org/student-programs/amc
• MAA 2026–27 AIME Rules and Policies: official policy PDF
• MAA official AMC scoring examples: AMC 8 instructions and AMC 10 instructions

Kevin Scott Math Instructor & Co-Founder of MPP

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