The American Mathematics Competition 12 (AMC 12) is an exciting opportunity for high school students to challenge themselves, showcase their mathematical abilities, and potentially qualify for prestigious competitions like the AIME and USAMO. However, for students and parents encountering the AMC 12 for the first time, many questions naturally arise. In this comprehensive FAQ guide, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the AMC 12 to help you navigate the competition with confidence.
General Questions About the AMC 12
Q1: What is the AMC 12?
A: The AMC 12 is a 25-question, 75-minute multiple-choice mathematics competition organized annually by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). It is designed for students in grade 12 and below and covers topics from the high school mathematics curriculum, including algebra, geometry, number theory, combinatorics, and trigonometry — but not calculus.
Q2: Who can take the AMC 12?
A: Any student who meets both of the following criteria is eligible:
Is in grade 12 or below.
Is under 19.5 years of age on the day of the competition.
There are no other restrictions. Students from public schools, private schools, homeschools, and international schools are all welcome to participate.
Q3: How do I register for the AMC 12?
A: Students cannot register individually. Registration must be done through a school or an MAA-registered testing center. Contact your school's math department or AMC coordinator to arrange registration. If your school does not participate, you can find a local testing center or an approved online proctoring partner through the MAA AMC Portal.
Q4: When is the AMC 12 held?
A: The AMC 12 is administered twice each year, typically in early-to-mid November. The two administrations are called AMC 12A and AMC 12B and are scheduled about a week apart. You may take both if you wish — the scores are considered independently.
Q5: How much does it cost to take the AMC 12?
A: Registration fees vary by school or testing center. Schools typically charge students between $10–$25 per exam. Some schools cover the cost entirely. Contact your local coordinator for specific pricing.
Exam Format and Scoring
Q6: What is the format of the AMC 12?
A: The AMC 12 consists of:
25 multiple-choice questions with five answer choices each (A, B, C, D, E).
75 minutes to complete the exam.
Questions are arranged in ascending order of difficulty.
Calculators are NOT permitted.
Q7: How is the AMC 12 scored?
A: The scoring system is as follows:
Correct answer: +6 points
Blank answer: +1.5 points
Wrong answer: 0 points
Maximum possible score: 150 points
This scoring system rewards strategic thinking: a blank answer is better than a random guess, but an educated guess (after eliminating one or more answer choices) can be worthwhile.
Q8: What topics are covered on the AMC 12?
A: The AMC 12 covers topics typically taught in high school mathematics courses, including:
Algebra: Linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, functions, inequalities, sequences and series.
Geometry: Triangles, circles, coordinate geometry, area and volume.
Number Theory: Divisibility, primes, GCD/LCM, modular arithmetic.
Combinatorics: Permutations, combinations, probability.
Trigonometry: Unit circle, trig identities, graphs of trig functions.
Calculus is NOT required and will not appear on the exam.
Qualifying for AIME and Beyond
Q9: How do I qualify for the AIME?
A: You qualify for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) if you meet either of the following criteria:
Score 100 or higher (out of 150) on the AMC 12.
Place in the top 2.5% of all AMC 12 test-takers (the exact cutoff varies each year but is typically around 90–100 points).
If you take both the AMC 12A and 12B, you only need to meet the qualifying criteria on one of them.
Q10: What happens after the AIME?
A: After the AIME, top performers qualify for the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) or USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad (USAJMO). The selection is based on a combination of your AMC 12 score and AIME score (called the AMC Index). Further down the pipeline, top USAMO scorers are invited to the Mathematical Olympiad Program (MOP), and eventually, six students are selected to represent the United States at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
Q11: What awards are given for the AMC 12?
A: The MAA recognizes high-performing students with the following certificates:
Honor Roll: Top 5% of scorers at each grade level.
Distinguished Honor Roll: Top 1% of all scorers.
Global Honor Roll: Top 2.5% of international scorers.
Certificate of Achievement: For students in grade 10 or below who score well.
Preparation and Resources
Q12: How should I prepare for the AMC 12?
A: Effective preparation includes:
Master the fundamentals: Ensure you have a solid understanding of algebra, geometry, number theory, and counting/probability.
Practice with past exams: Work through at least 5–10 full-length past AMC 12 exams under timed conditions.
Learn problem-solving strategies: Casework, complementary counting, the Pigeonhole Principle, Vieta's formulas, and back-solving are all valuable tools.
Review your mistakes: Keep an error log and carefully analyze every problem you get wrong.
Start early: Begin preparing at least 3–6 months before the exam.
Q13: What resources do you recommend for AMC 12 preparation?
A: Here are some of the most highly recommended resources:
Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) textbooks: Vol. 1: The Basics and Vol. 2: and Beyond are essential.
AoPS online courses: Live and self-paced courses specifically designed for AMC preparation.
Past AMC 12 exams: Available through the MAA website and in published compilations.
Alcumus: A free adaptive learning system from AoPS.
AoPS Community Forum: A vibrant community where you can discuss problems and learn from others.
Brilliant.org: Interactive problem-solving courses.
Q14: Can I use a calculator on the AMC 12?
A: No. Calculators are not permitted on the AMC 12 (or any AMC competition). You must be able to perform all calculations by hand. This is one reason why building strong computational fluency is important.
Q15: Can I take both the AMC 12A and AMC 12B?
A: Yes. You may take both the AMC 12A and AMC 12B if your school or testing center offers both administrations. The two exams have different problems but are designed to be equal in difficulty. Taking both gives you two chances to qualify for the AIME.
Test-Day Logistics
Q16: What should I bring to the AMC 12?
A: You should bring:
Several sharpened #2 pencils (or a mechanical pencil with #2 lead).
A valid student ID or other proof of identity.
Your registration confirmation (if required by your testing center).
An eraser.
A watch (non-smart) to keep track of time.
Do not bring a calculator, scratch paper (it will be provided), or any electronic devices other than a watch.
Q17: Can I take the AMC 12 online?
A: Yes. The MAA offers online proctoring for the AMC 12 through approved partners. This option is available for students whose schools do not participate or who prefer to take the exam remotely. Contact the MAA or your school's AMC coordinator for details on online proctoring availability.
Q18: When will I receive my AMC 12 scores?
A: Scores are typically available 3–4 weeks after the exam date. Your school's AMC coordinator will receive the scores and distribute them to students. You can also view your scores online through the MAA AMC Portal if your school has provided you with access.
Still Have Questions?
If you have additional questions about the AMC 12 that are not covered in this FAQ, here are some resources to help you find answers:
Official MAA AMC Website: amc.maa.org — the most authoritative source for official information, dates, and rules.
Your school's AMC coordinator: They can answer questions specific to your school's participation.
AoPS Community Forum: A great place to ask questions and get advice from experienced students and coaches.
The AMC 12 is a wonderful opportunity to challenge yourself, grow as a mathematician, and connect with a community of like-minded students. We hope this FAQ has answered your questions and helped you feel more prepared to take on this exciting competition. Good luck, and enjoy the journey!
