The official score cutoffs for the 2026 AMC 8 in China have been released. This year features a dual cutoff system: the ASDAN China version follows the same cutoff as North America, while the China Committee version sets its own independent thresholds.
01. 2026 AMC 8 Score Cutoffs (All Regions)
This year, the China Committee introduced separate score thresholds, while the ASDAN version aligns with North America. Both are officially certified by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), and certificates hold equal value—they indicate award levels only, without showing region or cutoff differences.
Score Cutoff Table
| Exam Version | Top 1% | Top 5% | Top 10% | Top 25% | Achievement Roll (≤ Grade 6) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | 24 | 21 | 19 | 16 | 15 |
| ASDAN China | 24 | 21 | 19 | 16 | 15 |
| China Committee | 22 | 18 | 16 | — | — |
| Taiwan | 20 | 18 | 15 | — | — |
Certificate Release: Digital certificates are available for download in late March, while printed certificate distribution will be announced later.
China Committee (Key Reference Cutoffs)
Perfect Score: 25
Top 1%: 22
Top 5%: 18
Top 10%: 16
Top 25%: 14
Achievement Roll (Grade 6 and below): 15
AMC 8 cutoffs have been steadily increasing. In 2026, North America Top 1% reached 24 points, allowing only one incorrect answer. Top 5% reached 21 points, surpassing 20 for the first time. This reflects growing interest in the AMC 8, especially among students aiming for competitive school admissions both in China and internationally.
02. What Is AMC 8?
Competition Overview
The AMC 8, organized by the Mathematical Association of America, was first held in 1985. It is an entry-level competition in the AMC series, designed for students in Grade 8 and below.
In China, top schools increasingly use AMC 8 performance as part of their evaluation criteria. As a result, many students as early as Grades 4–6 are now participating.
Competition Rules
Date: Mid-to-late January each year
Eligibility: Grade 8 or below, under 14.5 years old
Duration: 40 minutes
Format: 25 multiple-choice questions
Scoring: Correct answer earns 1 point, incorrect answers receive 0 points, with a maximum score of 25
Location: Online exam that can be taken at home
Difficulty Level
AMC 8 is considered the easiest in the AMC series and is ideal for beginners. Its level is roughly comparable to advanced Grade 6 math competitions, but still more challenging than competitions such as Math Kangaroo and Australian Mathematics Competition. The 25 questions increase in difficulty progressively.
Key Topics Tested
AMC 8 evaluates a broad range of math skills, including algebra, geometry, applied problem solving, and arithmetic computation. It combines elementary math, early middle school content, and Olympiad-style thinking.
Registration Guide
Since 2021, AMC competitions no longer accept individual registrations.
Students can register either through their school if it is an official test center, or through authorized institutions if their school is not a partner. Registration through institutions often closes earlier than official deadlines, so planning ahead is important.
Final Thoughts
AMC 8 is becoming increasingly competitive and increasingly important. Whether for domestic or international academic pathways, a strong AMC 8 score can be a valuable achievement. With rising cutoffs and growing participation, early preparation and consistent practice are essential.
