How to enroll
A host school registers with MAA. Students sign up with the host, not with MAA.
- Ask your math teacher whether your school is giving the AMC 12, and on which date (A or B)
- Sign up with that teacher before their deadline
- If your school doesn't host, ask the teacher, principal or math club sponsor to register
By Ask now. Tests are Nov 5 and Nov 13.
Official AMC page ↗School not hosting? MAA's locator lists nearby schools and colleges that may let you test with them.
Find a test site near you ↗In plain words
A 25-question, 75-minute multiple-choice contest. It runs on two dates, A and B, and students can take one or both. Strong scores can qualify for the AIME.
Great for
Students who enjoy problem-solving and want a path to AIME
Less ideal if
No host school nearby, or no time to practice past papers
What it takes
Cost
Small fee, set by the host school
Format
In person at a host school · 25 questions, 75 min
Who
On their own · no team or coach needed
Time
One or two test days in November. Practice with past papers.
Step by step
- 1Ask your school's math teacher whether the school hosts the AMC 12
- 2If not, look for a nearby host on the MAA site
- 3Register through the host before its deadline
- 4Take the A date, the B date, or both
Where it leads
- AMC 12 A or BNov 5 or Nov 13
- AIME
A score of 85+ qualifies. 15 questions in two 90-minute parts, at a testing center.
- USAMO
Invitations are based mainly on AIME scores
- Team USA training
The AMC is the first step toward the US team for international olympiads
Key dates
- 12 DAYSAMC 12 A test dayThu, November 5, 2026
- 20 DAYSAMC 12 B test dayFri, November 13, 2026
Free prep
Add these dates to my calendar
Dates update on their own when an organizer changes them. Nothing about your child is stored.
Checked against MAA American Mathematics Competitions, 2026–27 dates on October 11, 2026. Suggestions, not guarantees: always confirm with the organizer.