American Mathematics Competition 12 (AMC 12)
An international mathematics competition where students solve 25 multiple-choice problems covering the full high-school curriculum, excluding calculus. Open to students in Grade 12 or below who are under 19.5 years old, through an approved competition centre. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from advanced problem-solving, broad subject coverage and time pressure.
Verified information
Competition details can change. Always confirm dates, eligibility and entry requirements on the official organiser's website.
Official website ↗OVERALL COMPETITION LEVEL
Advanced Level
5 evaluation dimensions have source-backed automatic scores; 0 dimensions need conflict review.
Competition overview
Key information
Eligible ages
Up to 19
School level
Grade 12 and below
Registration method
School Only
Competition stages
AMC 12 A and AMC 12 B rounds (25-question, 75-minute each)
Fee
Not yet announced by the organiser
Online / in-person
Hybrid
Dates
Competition timeline
Registration opens
Not yet announced by the organiser
Registration closes
15 Oct 2026
Competition starts
5 Nov 2026
Competition ends
13 Nov 2026
Editorial perspective
Our Take
AMC 12 is the senior paper in the MAA's main high-school competition pair. It is open to students in Grade 12 or below who meet the age rules and presents 25 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes. It covers the full high-school curriculum, including advanced algebra, geometry and trigonometry, while excluding calculus. That breadth makes it a substantial contest even for students who are comfortable with ordinary school examinations. The MAA explains that AMC performance can lead exceptional students to further invitational competitions. In broad terms, the route can move from AMC 12 to AIME and later USA Mathematical Olympiad-related opportunities, but thresholds and rules are set for each cycle. AMC 12 is an important entry stage, not the final measure of Olympiad ability. We rate AMC 12 at Advanced Level. Its difficulty comes from broad content, tight timing and non-routine questions. Students should prepare like problem solvers: use official papers, analyse errors, strengthen weak topics and practise deciding which questions deserve time. Parent perspective: AMC 12 is a broad test of mathematical judgement, not a syllabus checklist. ---
Read full guide →Preparation support
Recommended resources
MAA Math Club AMC 12 Problem Sets
Open resource ↗Official solution-backed topic sets for focused weakness repair.
Official · Free · Topic problem sets · Essential
Po-Shen Loh AMC Past Contest Archive
Open resource ↗Legally licensed AMC 12 archive with printable papers and topic browsing.
Third-party · Free · Past-paper archive · Essential
AMC Trainer: AMC 12 Contests
Open resource ↗Browser-based AMC 12A/B contests with solutions for flexible practice.
Third-party · Free · Interactive practice archive · Recommended
ACE The AMC 10 and AMC 12
Open resource ↗Free ebook with 250-plus detailed-solution problems across the main AMC topics.
Third-party · Free · Preparation ebook · Recommended