September 19, 2025
4 min. read
The AMC 10 is open to students in 10th grade or below who are under 17.5 years old on contest day. It is run by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).
For many students, it’s the first real gateway into advanced contests like the AIME, USAJMO, USAMO, and even the IMO.
Think of it as more than just an exam—it’s your chance to test your skills, grow as a problem solver, and take the first step on your Olympiad journey.
AMC 10 Age Limit and Eligibility
To compete in the AMC 10, you must be in 10th grade or below and under 17.5 years old on contest day. These rules keep the contest fair, ensuring you’re measured against peers at a similar stage of learning.
If you’re older than 17.5 or in a higher grade, you’ll take the AMC 12, which is open through grade 12 (under 19.5 years old) and includes more advanced topics like trigonometry and advanced algebra.
- AMC 10 = grade 10 or below + under 17.5 years
- AMC 12 = grade 12 or below + under 19.5 years
In short, the AMC 10 is designed for younger high school students, while the AMC 12 challenges older students with a broader, more advanced curriculum—keeping both contests fair and age-appropriate.
Why Does the AMC 10 Have an Age Limit?
The AMC 10 age limit exists to keep the contest fair and balanced for younger students.
By restricting eligibility to those in 10th grade or below and under 17.5 years old, the exam is matched to the right level of knowledge and maturity, ensuring you compete against peers—not older, more advanced students.
This rule also preserves the structure of the U.S. math competition pathway:
- AMC 10 → USAJMO (for younger students)
- AMC 12 → USAMO (for older students)
By separating the routes, students progress step by step, tackling problems appropriate to their age and experience while moving closer to the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
In short, the AMC 10’s age limit protects fairness, supports growth, and keeps the pathway to higher contests clear and structured.
Related Eligibility Rules for the AMC 10
The AMC 10 consists of 25 questions in 75 minutes, with no calculators allowed, and the difficulty level increases as you progress.
Students can take both the AMC 10 and the AMC 12 in the same year (on different dates) for more opportunities to qualify.
Top scorers advance to the AIME, the gateway to USAJMO, USAMO, and eventually the IMO.
These rules keep the contest fair while giving students multiple paths to shine and move forward.
Common Questions About AMC 10 Eligibility
Can 11th graders take the AMC 10?
No. The AMC 10 is only for students in 10th grade or below. If you’re in 11th grade, you must take the AMC 12.
Can I take AMC 10 and AMC 12 in the same year?
Yes, if you’re eligible. You can register for both contests in the same academic year, but not on the same date. Many 10th graders do this to gain extra practice and improve their chances of qualifying for the AIME.
What if I’m over the age limit for AMC 10?
If you’re older than 17.5 on contest day or in a higher grade, you cannot take the AMC 10. Instead, you should register for the AMC 12, which is designed for older students and more advanced topics.
How does AMC 10 eligibility affect AIME qualification?
High scorers on the AMC 10 (typically the top ~2.5%) qualify for the AIME. Your combined AMC + AIME score then determines whether you advance to the USAJMO. This creates a clear AMC 10 → AIME → USAJMO pathway, while AMC 12 scorers follow the USAMO track.
Preparation Tips for AMC 10
To succeed on the AMC 10, focus on:
- Mastering the basics in algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics.
- Practicing past papers and using tools like the Gonit app and Olympiad books.
- Simulating test conditions with timed mock exams.
- Staying accurate by checking work and avoiding careless mistakes.
With steady practice and smart strategies, you’ll build the skills and confidence to advance from AMC 10 to AIME, USAJMO, and beyond.
Make Preparing for Math Olympiad Simple!
Conclusion
The AMC 10 is a fair, age-appropriate gateway to higher math contests. With the right prep, it becomes your first big step toward the AIME, USAJMO, and ultimately the IMO.
