Omega LearnHow to Prepare for the AMC 12 Math Contest
HighWhat is the AMC 12?
Format
25 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes. Blank answers earn 1.5 points each, so think carefully before guessing on a problem you skip.
Who can enter
Students in grade 12 or below who are under 19.5 years old. Younger students aiming for the AMC 10 path can also take the 12.
Why it matters
A score of 85 or above qualifies you for the AIME, the next step toward the USA(J)MO and the rest of the Olympiad pipeline.
Extra topics
Unlike the AMC 10, the AMC 12 includes trigonometry, logarithms, and complex numbers, so plan extra study time for these.
Qualifying for AIME and USA(J)MO in 2026โ27
The MAA changed how students advance past the AMC this year. The AMC 10 and AMC 12 themselves are unchanged, but AIME qualification, the AIME exam, and USA(J)MO selection all work differently.
Fixed AIME cutoff: 85+ on the AMC 12
AIME qualification is now a set score instead of a percentile. A score of 85 or above on the AMC 12 qualifies you, as does 100 or above on the AMC 10. You can take both the A exam (November 5, 2026) and the B exam (November 13, 2026), giving you two chances to reach the cutoff.
You must be 13 or older
Only students aged 13 and older can take the AIME, in addition to the usual age and grade rules. Younger students who reach the cutoff will not be able to take the 2027 AIME.
One computer-based AIME
There is no longer an AIME I and AIME II. Qualifiers take a single computer-based AIME once, at a Pearson testing center, during the February 5โ6, 2027 window. It has two 90-minute parts (8 questions, then 7), with no materials, compasses, or rulers allowed. The fee is $85.
USA(J)MO is based on AIME scores
Qualification for the 2027 USAMO and USAJMO is based primarily on AIME scores. Your AMC score gets you into the AIME, but it no longer counts toward USA(J)MO selection.
Source: MAA Invitational Competitions. Check the MAA site for the full eligibility rules.
Video Guides
Omega Learn ยท VideoHow to Prepare for AMC 10/12, and qualify for AIME and USA(J)MO
A complete roadmap from AMC prep all the way to AIME and Olympiad qualification.
Watch on YouTube โ
Omega Learn ยท VideoUltimate AMC 12 Crash Course (AMC 10 topics + Inequalities/Logarithm/Trigonometry/Complex Numbers)
A fast-paced review of every key AMC 12 concept, including the topics unique to the 12.
Watch on YouTube โOmega Learn Resources
Omega Learn ยท Free CourseAMC 10/12 Fundamentals
The free Omega Learn course covering the core concepts you need for the AMC 10 and 12.
Watch on YouTube โ
Omega Learn ยท Free TextbookMastering AMC 10/12
The free Omega Learn book with lectures and practice problems for the AMC 10 and 12.
Read & download free โOmega Learn ยท Video SeriesAMC 10/12 Fundamentals Course (YouTube playlist)
The full free video lecture series accompanying the AMC 10/12 Fundamentals course.
Watch playlist โOfficial Info & Registration
Mathematical Association of America (MAA)
The organization that runs the AMC, including registration details and official rules.
Visit MAA โFind an alternate testing location
Search higher-education sites that host the AMC 12 if your school does not.
Find a site โSearch for a host school by zip code
Locate a nearby school that offers the AMC 12 using the MAA zip code search.
Search โRecommended Books
Introduction to Algebra by AoPS
A thorough treatment of algebra, the most-covered topic on the AMC.
View on Amazon โ
Introduction to Geometry by AoPS
Geometry appears throughout the test and is essential for a complete toolkit.
View on Amazon โ
Introduction to Counting & Probability by AoPS
Combinatorics is one of the trickiest AMC topics; this covers it well.
View on Amazon โ
Introduction to Number Theory by AoPS
Divisibility, primes, and modular arithmetic: frequent AMC topics.
View on Amazon โ
Intermediate Algebra by AoPS
Deeper algebra including the harder techniques the AMC 12 demands.
View on Amazon โ
Intermediate Counting & Probability by AoPS
Advanced combinatorics and probability for the toughest AMC problems.
View on Amazon โ
Precalculus by AoPS
Trigonometry, logarithms, and complex numbers: the topics unique to the 12.
View on Amazon โ
The Art of Problem Solving, Volume 1 by AoPS
A compact overview of all the Introduction topics in one volume.
View on Amazon โ
The Art of Problem Solving, Volume 2 by AoPS
The advanced companion volume for serious AMC 12 problem solvers.
View on Amazon โProblem Trainers & Practice Tools
MAATester problem search
Search for problems from any contest by topic for targeted drilling.
Search โPractice Contests & Mocks
Official AMC 12 from previous years with solutions
The gold standard, on the AoPS Wiki. Use a 75-minute timer for real conditions.
View on AoPS โAoPS User-created AMC 12 Mock
User-created mocks from the AoPS forums, good supplemental practice.
Browse mocks โAoPS Created AMC 12 Mock Contest 2021
A high-quality mock written by the Art of Problem Solving team.
Take the mock โAoPS Created AMC 12 Mock Contest 2022
Another strong AoPS-created mock at the real test's quality bar.
Take the mock โAoPS Created AMC 12 Mock Contest 2023
The most recent AoPS-created AMC 12 mock contest.
Take the mock โClasses & Guided Courses
Art of Problem Solving: class schedule
Live online AoPS classes spanning fundamentals through advanced competition math.
View schedule โAlphaStar Academy: math courses
Structured AMC-level math courses taught by experienced competition coaches.
View courses โTips for Test Day
Bring colored pencils
For geometry, colors help you mark regions and spot similar triangles quickly. Colored pens are allowed and underused.
Re-read what's asked
A classic slip: solving for a side length when the question wants the area. Check the last sentence before bubbling.
Verify your answer sheet
Towards the end, confirm every bubble matches your work by question number, not just a string of letters.
Skip and come back
Every question is worth the same. If you're stuck, move on. A later problem may be from your strongest topic.
Don't fear the back half
End-section problems aren't always the hardest. Some may fall in your strongest subject, so scan and solve those first.
Think before guessing
Blank answers earn 1.5 points; a wrong answer earns zero. Only guess if you can eliminate two or more choices.
Sleep, eat, stay calm
A rested mind makes fewer silly mistakes. Don't cram past midnight the night before.
Take a timed mock
Do at least one full past test under real conditions (75 minutes, no breaks) so test day feels familiar.
Review, don't cram
The day before, refresh formulas and concepts you already know rather than starting new topics.
Allowed Materials
โ Allowed
- Writing utensils (including colored pens and pencils)
- Blank scratch paper
- Rulers
- Erasers
โ Not allowed
- Calculators
- Smartwatches
- Phones or computing devices
- Compasses
- Protractors
- Graph paper