October 24, 2025
15 min. read
How to register for AMC is one of the most common questions students ask when preparing for the American Mathematics Competitions.
The answer is simple but important to understand: students do not register individually. Instead, AMC registration is handled through schools or official MAA-authorized test centers.
Teachers and Competition Managers register their school through the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) AMC website, where they order test bundles and pay the registration fees on behalf of students.
If your school does not host the AMC, you can register through a nearby authorized test center such as a college, math circle, or accredited learning center.
The AMC math competitions include three levels: AMC 8, AMC 10, and AMC 12. All three follow the same registration process.
This guide walks through every step of AMC registration for 2026.
AMC Registration: What You Need to Know First
Before registering, confirm you meet the eligibility requirements by checking the AMC age limit and grade rules.
If you are still deciding whether AMC is worth your time, the benefits of participating in AMC math competitions make the case clearly.
| Key Point | Detail |
| You cannot self-register with MAA | All registrations go through an approved school or authorized test center. The MAA contest portal is used by Competition Managers, not individual students. |
| Registration opens in August/September | Spots fill quickly. Contact your school or test center as early as possible to secure your seat. |
| Three exam levels, different dates | AMC 8 is held in January. AMC 10 and AMC 12 are held in November on two separate dates (A and B). |
AMC 2026 Exam Dates and Eligibility Overview
Here is a quick reference table for the 2026 AMC test dates and who can register for each exam level:
| Exam | Typical Contest Date | Who Can Register |
| AMC 8 | January 2026 | Grade 8 or below, under 14.5 years old |
| AMC 10A / 10B | November (two dates) | Grade 10 or below, under 17.5 years old |
| AMC 12A / 12B | November (two dates) | Grade 12 or below, under 19.5 years old |
For a full eligibility breakdown including boundary cases and dual-sitting rules, see the AMC age limit guide.
How to Register for AMC: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Find Your AMC Test Center
The first step in learning how to register for AMC is identifying where you will take the exam. There are three types of authorized AMC test centers:
Option A : Your Own School
This is the simplest and most common route. Many middle schools and high schools across the United States are official MAA-authorized AMC test centers.
Contact your math teacher, school counselor, or competition coordinator and ask: “Is our school hosting the AMC this year?”
If the answer is yes, your school’s Competition Manager handles all the logistics , including registration forms, payment, exam administration, and result reporting. You simply enroll through them.
Option B : A Nearby Authorized Test Center
If your school does not host the AMC, you can still compete through another authorized institution. These include:
- Colleges and universities
- Math circles and local math competition groups
- Accredited tutoring or learning centers approved by the MAA
To find AMC test centers near you, visit the official MAA AMC website at maa.org and use the “Find a Test Center” search tool.
Enter your zip code or city, and it will show all authorized testing locations near you along with contact details for each Competition Manager.
Option C : Online Registration Through the MAA Portal (Select Regions)
In certain regions, particularly for international students or students in areas with limited physical test centers, direct online registration through the MAA AMC student portal is available.
This is covered in detail in the international registration section below.
Step 2: Confirm Your AMC Exam Eligibility
Before contacting your test center to enroll, confirm that you are registering for the correct AMC level.
Registering for the wrong exam is a common and easily avoidable mistake.
| Exam | Grade Requirement | Age Requirement |
| AMC 8 | Grade 8 or below | Under 14.5 years old on contest day |
| AMC 10 | Grade 10 or below | Under 17.5 years old on contest day |
| AMC 12 | Grade 12 or below | Under 19.5 years old on contest day |
Both conditions (grade level and age) must be satisfied. If you meet the grade requirement but exceed the age limit, you must register for the next level up.
For detailed guidance on boundary cases and what to do if your birthday falls close to the cutoff, see the AMC age limit guide.
Can you register for both AMC 10 and AMC 12? Yes, provided you are eligible for AMC 10. The A and B sittings are on different dates so that a 10th grader can sit AMC 10A and AMC 12B (or AMC 10B and AMC 12A) in the same year. You cannot sit for the AMC 10 and the AMC 12 on the same date.
Step 3: Enroll Through Your Test Center and Pay the AMC Registration Fee
Once you have identified your test center and confirmed your eligibility, the next step is officially enrolling for the AMC exam.
Through your school: Your school’s Competition Manager will provide an enrollment form , either paper or digital. Complete it, return it by their internal deadline, and pay any applicable fee.
Your school will then submit the AMC registration to the MAA on your behalf.
Through an external test center: Contact the Competition Manager at your chosen test center directly.
They will walk you through their specific enrollment process, which typically involves completing a registration form and paying a fee either online or in person.
Through the MAA portal (AMC online registration): If direct online registration is available in your region:
- Go to maa.org/amcreg
- Create an MAA account or log in to an existing one on the MAA student portal
- Select your exam level : AMC 8, AMC 10A/10B, or AMC 12A/12B
- Choose your test center from the available exam locations
- Complete the enrollment form and pay the AMC registration fee securely online
- Save your confirmation email and registration number
AMC registration fees: The AMC exam registration fee typically ranges from $5 to $20 per student, depending on the test center. Some schools cover this cost as part of their academic programs.
Others pass it on to students directly. Contact your Competition Manager to confirm the exact AMC exam fees and accepted payment methods before the registration deadline.
Step 4: Watch for Your AMC Exam Confirmation
After enrollment is complete, your Competition Manager or the MAA will send a confirmation with your exam details approximately one to two weeks before the contest date. This confirmation will include:
- Your AMC exam date and start time
- The test location address (or online access link if applicable)
- Any materials you are permitted to bring (pencils, scratch paper . Calculators are not permitted)
- What to do if you need to cancel or reschedule
If you do not receive a confirmation within a reasonable period after enrolling, follow up with your Competition Manager directly.
Do not assume your AMC registration is complete until you have received written confirmation.
Step 5: Prepare and Show Up Ready
Registration is the logistical step. Preparation is what turns a registration into a strong result.
AMC exams do not allow calculators. The only materials permitted are pencils and scratch paper (typically provided by the test center).
Arrive early, bring photo ID if required by your test center, and have your confirmation details accessible.
For everything you need to know about building a preparation plan after registering, see how to prepare for an AMC math competition.
To understand what score to aim for once you are registered, use the AMC score benchmarks guide.
For everything you need to know about creating a preparation plan after registering, see our full guide to preparing for the AMC math competition.
To understand what score to aim for once you are registered, review the AMC score benchmarks guide.
AMC Registration Fee: How Much Does It Cost?
One of the most common questions students and parents ask is: how much does AMC registration cost?
Here is what you need to know about AMC exam fees for 2026.
The MAA charges schools and test centers a per-student fee for administering the AMC exams.
The exact amount you pay depends on how your test center structures its pricing.
In most cases, the AMC registration fee falls between $5 and $20 per student per exam sitting.
- Some schools absorb the cost entirely, so students pay nothing
- Others pass the full MAA fee to students
- External test centers may add a small proctoring surcharge
If cost is a concern, ask your school’s math department whether the AMC registration fee is covered by school funding.
Some schools receive grants or use department budgets to sponsor math competition participation.
There is no separate AMC student discount program, but many institutions waive or reduce fees for students who request assistance.
Always confirm the exact fee and payment method with your Competition Manager before the registration deadline closes.
Are Calculators Allowed on the AMC?
No. Calculators are not allowed on any AMC exam.
This includes the AMC 8, AMC 10, and AMC 12. This is one of the most frequently asked questions by first-time participants.
The AMC is specifically designed to test mathematical reasoning, creative problem-solving, and number sense, not computational speed.
Every problem on the exam can be solved without a calculator using logic, estimation, and algebraic techniques.
Understanding what types of questions are asked in math olympiads can help you prepare for this style of testing.
On exam day, you are only permitted to bring pencils, an eraser, and scratch paper (usually provided by the test center).
Phones, smartwatches, and any electronic devices must be turned off and stored away during the entire exam session.
This no-calculator policy also applies to the AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination), which is the next stage after AMC for qualifying students.
How International Students Register for AMC
International students can absolutely register for and compete in AMC math competitions.
The process follows the same core structure as U.S. registration but routes through country-level authorized partners rather than directly through the MAA.
How International AMC Registration Works
Outside the United States and Canada, AMC registration is managed by official MAA international partners. These are typically:
- Accredited international schools with MAA authorization
- Country-level AMC coordinators appointed by the MAA
- Math circles or learning centers officially approved as international AMC test sites
These partners handle all registration logistics on behalf of students in their region, collecting enrollments, administering payments, hosting the exams under official conditions, and submitting results to the MAA.
How to Find Your Country’s AMC Partner
Visit the official MAA AMC website and look for the international registration section. It lists authorized partners by country.
If your country is not listed or you cannot locate a partner, contact the MAA directly at their AMC support email for guidance on the nearest available option.
Same Rules Apply for International AMC Registration
International students sit the exact same AMC exams under the same conditions and time pressure as U.S. students.
All AMC eligibility rules, age limits, grade requirements, scoring rules, and AIME qualification cutoffs apply identically regardless of location.
This means international students can qualify for the AIME and, through that pathway, potentially for USAJMO, USAMO, and representation at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
For the full picture of where AMC can take you, see our guide on how to qualify for the IMO in the USA.
How Homeschooled Students Register for AMC
Homeschooled students are fully eligible to participate in all AMC math competitions : AMC 8, AMC 10, and AMC 12.
The same eligibility rules for age and grade level apply.
Since homeschooled students may not have access to a school that hosts the AMC, the registration process typically involves:
- Finding a nearby authorized AMC test center using the MAA’s “Find a Test Center” tool
- Contacting the Competition Manager at that test center to request enrollment
- Completing the registration form and paying the applicable AMC registration fee
Many math circles, community colleges, and learning centers welcome homeschooled students for AMC testing.
If no test center is available in your area, contact the MAA directly to inquire about alternative options, including potential online proctoring arrangements.
What to Bring on AMC Exam Day
Once you have completed your AMC registration, knowing what to bring prevents any avoidable issues on contest day.
| Item | Status |
| Pencils (No. 2) | Required |
| Eraser | Bring your own |
| Scratch paper | Usually provided by test center |
| Watch (non-smart) | Recommended |
| Registration confirmation | Bring a copy |
| Photo ID | May be required. Check with your test center |
| Calculator | NOT permitted on any AMC exam |
| Notes or textbooks | NOT permitted |
| Phone | Must be off and stored away during exam |
The no-calculator rule applies to all three AMC exams: AMC 8, AMC 10, and AMC 12.
This is intentional: AMC problems are designed to test mathematical reasoning and creative problem-solving, not computational speed.
After AMC Registration: What Comes Next
Once your AMC registration is confirmed, the next priority is preparation. Here is where to go from here:
Understand what the exam tests. The AMC maths competition syllabus covers every topic tested at each level, including algebra, geometry, number theory, combinatorics, and probability for AMC 10/12, with additional topics like trigonometry on the AMC 12.
Know your target score. Before you begin studying, understand what a competitive AMC score looks like.
Review the AMC score benchmarks to see national averages, Honor Roll cutoffs, and AIME qualification thresholds for 2026. You can also check the average AMC math scores by level to set realistic targets.
Build a preparation plan. A structured approach to past papers, topic practice, and timing strategy makes a measurable difference.
Follow the step-by-step framework in our guide on how to prepare for the AMC math competition.
For additional resources, explore free math olympiad training available online and learn how to get better at solving math olympiad questions.
Understand the full competition pathway. AMC registration is the first step on a journey that can lead to the AIME, USAJMO, USAMO, and ultimately the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
High-performing students on the AMC 10 and AMC 12 qualify for the AIME, which opens the door to the USA Mathematical Olympiad selection process. For the complete roadmap, see how to qualify for the IMO in the USA.
Learn about AMC awards and recognition. Strong performance on the AMC earns certificates and awards at multiple levels. See the full breakdown of AMC math competition awards to understand what you can achieve.
Explore other math competitions. If you enjoy AMC, you may also want to explore other prestigious contests. Our guide to the best math competitions in the world covers options at every level.
Students interested in international contests can also learn about Math Kangaroo participation and what is Kangaroo Math.
Can I register for AMC without going through a school?
Yes. If your school does not host the AMC, you can register through any MAA-authorized test center, such as a college, math circle, or accredited learning center. Use the “Find a Test Center” tool on the MAA website.
What is the AMC registration fee?
Fees vary by test center but typically range from $5 to $20 per student. Some schools cover the fee entirely. Contact your Competition Manager to confirm the exact amount.
When does AMC registration open for 2026?
Registration typically opens in August or September. Check the official MAA website for exact dates specific to the 2026 competition cycle.
Can homeschooled students register for AMC?
Yes. Homeschooled students are eligible to register through any authorized AMC test center that agrees to proctor the exam. The same eligibility rules apply.
What happens if I register for the wrong AMC level?
Contact your Competition Manager as soon as possible. If the registration deadline has not passed, they can typically amend your enrollment to the correct level. If the deadline has passed, options depend on the MAA’s policies for that year.
Can I take both AMC 10 and AMC 12 in the same year?
Yes, if eligible. Since AMC 10A and AMC 12B are on different dates, an eligible student can sit both. Contact your test center to enroll for both sittings.
How do I know if my registration is confirmed?
You should receive a written confirmation from your Competition Manager or the MAA portal after enrollment. If you do not receive confirmation within one to two weeks of registering, follow up directly with your Competition Manager.
Does AMC allow calculators?
No. Calculators are not permitted on any AMC exam, including the AMC 8, AMC 10, and AMC 12. All problems are designed to be solved using mathematical reasoning alone.
What is the AMC 8 testing date for 2026?
The AMC 8 is typically held in January. The exact AMC 8 test date for 2026 varies by test center. Check the official MAA AMC website for confirmed dates.
Where can I find AMC test centers near me?
Visit maa.org and use the “Find a Test Center” tool. Enter your zip code or city to see all authorized AMC testing locations near you.
Make Preparing for Math Olympiad Simple!
Conclusion
Knowing how to register for AMC comes down to four clear actions: find an authorized test center, confirm your eligibility, enroll and pay the AMC registration fee before the deadline, and receive your confirmation.
The earlier you start, the better. Popular test centers fill their seats quickly, and the AMC registration window closes faster than most students expect.
Start by contacting your school’s math teacher or competition coordinator today, or use the MAA’s test center finder to locate the nearest authorized AMC exam location.
Once you are registered, including the preparation, the score, and the pathway to AIME and beyond, follows from that first step.
