All About 2026 AMC 8: Dates, Registration, Scores and Prep Tips

Planning for the 2026 AMC 8? This guide includes everything you need to stay ahead—official exam dates, how to register, subject-specific prep activities, award structure for this year, and access to answer keys once the test is released. Whether your child is new to competitions or aiming for top results, use this page to follow key milestones and prep with confidence.

AMC 8 Introduction

The AMC 8 is a national math competition held every January by MAA, for students in Grade 8 or below who are under 14.5 years old on exam day. It’s the first official step in the U.S. math competition track, helping students build problem-solving skills and prepare for future contests like the AMC 10, AIME, and USA(J)MO.

As part of the annual math contest timeline—AMC 10 in November, AMC 8 in January, AIME in February, and Olympiads in spring—the AMC 8 provides a foundation in logical thinking, number theory, geometry, and combinatorics.

• Format: 25 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes
• Scoring: 1 point per correct answer; no penalty for incorrect
• Focus: Word problems, strategy, and deep understanding of middle school math

Whether your child is taking the AMC 8 for the first time or aiming for a top award, understanding the structure and timing is key to preparing with confidence.

2026 AMC 8 Test Dates

• AMC 8 – January 22 to 28, 2026

How to Register for 2026 AMC 8

Registration Process in the U.S.

In the United States, students and parents cannot register for the AMC 8 directly. Instead, registration must go through a school or organization officially approved as an AMC test center. These centers purchase exam seats from the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) and handle student registration and proctoring. So, all participants need to complete the following two steps to register for the exam:

1. Purchase an exam seat at a test center near you.
2. Create an account on the MAA website and complete the exam registration form. For detailed instructions, please refer to this page.

Since 2023, AMC 8 has returned to in-person testing with two formats:

• Paper-based exams
• Computer-based exams
• All exams must be proctored by a qualified teacher or administrator on-site.

Think Academy AMC 8 Registration Now Open!

Since 2021, Think Academy has served as an official AMC testing site, hosting multiple successful AMC 8 and AMC 10 sessions. Our team provides structured, supportive test-day environments for students.

This year, Think Academy will host AMC 8 exams at our Silicon Valley and Seattle campuses. More locations coming soon!

• Silicon Valley Area
  • Cupertino Campus: Register for AMC 8 at Cupertino Campus, click here.
  • Los Altos Campus: Register for AMC 8 at Los Altos Campus, click here.
• Seattle – Bellevue Campus
  • Register for AMC 8 at Bellevue Campus, click here.

Spots are limited—register early! If your preferred location or time isn’t available, please check back. We’ll coordinate and release more seats and more locations in the following month.

AMC 8 registration FAQs at Think Academy

Q1. What if my preferred test time or location is already full?

Seats can change as we get closer to the exam. We may open additional sessions, and families will be notified by email or parent groups if more spots become available.
👉 Our recommendation: secure any available time first to guarantee a seat. If new sessions open, you’ll be able to switch.

Q2. What happens if we register but later can’t attend, or want to change to another session?

No worries — cancellations are refundable. You can register with confidence knowing your payment is protected.

Q3. Can we adjust our exam time after registering?

Yes. As long as there are open seats (or if new ones are added), you may change your time. We’ll share updates via email or group announcements — just keep an eye out.

If there is no Think Academy location near you, use the official AMC search tool to locate a nearby test center: Find an AMC Testing Site by ZIP Code (Note: The search tool will be available during the active registration period.)

Registration for International Students

For students outside the United States, AMC exams are offered through authorized regional partners. Families should contact their country’s official AMC coordinator to register.

2026 AMC 8 Registration Dates for Organizations

The exact date for the 2026 AMC 8 has not yet been released. Please check back regularly for updates!

Registration Type	Deadline
Early Bird Registration	October 28, 2025
Regular Registration	January 5, 2025
Late Registration	January 15, 2026
Additional Bundle Deadline	January 27, 2026

What are the 2026 AMC 8 cut-off scores?

AMC 8 Cut-Off Scores	Distinguished Honor Roll (Top 1%)	Honor Roll (Top 5%)	Average Score
2026
2025	23	19	11.74
2024	22	18	10.75
2023	21	17	10.26
2022	22	19	9.69
2020	21	18	10

Between 2020 and 2025, Distinguished Honor Roll (DHR) scores ranged from 21 to 23, while Honor Roll (HR) scores fluctuated between 17 and 19. The average score consistently hovered around 10 ± 0.75 points, with the highest recorded in 2024 & 2025 at 10.75.

One contributing factor to this shift is the increasing overall difficulty of the AMC 8 exam. Our analysis categorizes problems into three levels: easy (typically Q1 – Q15), medium (typically Q16 – Q20), and hard (typically Q21 – Q25). In 2025, the AMC 8 saw a slight decrease in difficulty, featuring no trick questions or topics beyond the standard curriculum. The exam focused primarily on solid foundational knowledge and fair problem-solving skills.

To look into the past trend analysis of AMC 8, please refer to our article: “2025 AMC 8: Problem Breakdown and Detailed Solutions.“

How to Prepare for 2026 AMC 8

Achieving success in the challenging AMC 8 exam requires a strategic approach focused on mastering all the covered topics. Effective preparation for the AMC 8 involves creating a clear timeline and following a structured five-step process:

• Step 1: Set Your Goal: Decide what you’re aiming for—Honor Roll, DHR, or just experience. Your goal will shape how deeply and broadly you need to study.
• Step 2: Take a Mock Exam: Start with a timed AMC 8 mock test to find your baseline. Identify whether your weaknesses are content gaps, accuracy, or pacing.
• Step 3: Study by Topic: Use a structured plan that covers all AMC 8 topics—algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. Focus on high-frequency concepts.
• Step 4: Practice with Purpose: Do regular timed drills and past papers. Aim for accuracy in the first 20 questions and learn to skip or guess wisely.
• Step 5: Tackle Tough Problems: In the last month, focus on questions 21–25. Practice logic-heavy problems and review past mistakes to avoid repeating them on test day.

For more preparation materials and exam tips, check this: How to Prepare for AMC 8

2026 AMC 8 Problems and Solutions

Think Academy provides comprehensive problems, solutions, and post-exam trend analysis for AMC 8 each year. To access the most recent AMC 8 problems, solutions, and analysis, check the pages below.

• AMC 8 Resource Hub
• AMC 8 FAQs for First-time Takers

About Think Academy

Think Academy, a top math education brand under TAL Education Group, offers specialized training for the prestigious AMC 8 competition. In 2025, 672 Think Academy students earned national awards—65% of them placed on the Achievement, Honor, or Distinguished Honor Rolls. From 2022 to 2025, our results have grown rapidly, setting records in award counts and perfect scores. Backed by expert teachers and a proven curriculum, Think Academy prepares middle schoolers for lasting success in competitive math. Explore our AMC 8 programs and start your child’s winning journey.

Want more insights on math education and parenting tips? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly expert advice and updates on the latest learning tools.