Maths that feels like an adventure.
AMO is a friendly global maths olympiad for school students — and this is the independent guide that helps families in China get started with confidence.
1 · 1 · 2 · 3 · 5 · 8 · ?
No penalty for a wrong answer — it’s always worth a try.
A world maths challenge, built to be friendly.
Run by SIMCC with Southern Illinois University and based on the US Common Core — students benchmark their maths against global peers, in English, without travelling abroad.
No-penalty scoring
Wrong answers never cost marks, so it’s always worth a try.
Sat at your school
Taken on paper or online, in a set window each season.
A friendly first step
Into a wider world of SIMCC maths & STEM contests.
A real benchmark
An honest, global picture of where your child stands.
What to expect, at a glance.
A challenge that celebrates trying.
Friendly, not frightening
Short sections and no-penalty scoring let students relax and enjoy the problems instead of fearing them.
A real global benchmark
Compared with same-grade peers worldwide on a US Common Core framework — a clear, honest measure.
Recognition that motivates
Medals and certificates celebrate effort at every level and give young mathematicians something to build on.
The contest, step by step.
25 questions · 90 minutes · 100 marks — across three short sections.
Enter by grade
Students take the paper for their grade, from Grade 2 to 12. The level grows with the student.
Three short sections
15 multiple-choice + 10 open-ended questions — usually sat at their own school, on paper or online.
No-penalty scoring
Correct answers earn marks; wrong ones never subtract. Results are ranked by percentile within each grade.
Get ready — without the pressure.
No secret tricks needed. Steady, enjoyable practice that keeps maths a pleasure is what carries a student through.
Practise at the right level
Little and often — 15 focused minutes a few times a week beats long, tiring sessions.
Build English maths words
Learn key terms like “remainder” or “perimeter” so language never gets in the way.
Learn from mistakes
Review what went wrong together — far more useful than racing the clock.
Keep it positive
Celebrate effort and improvement, not just the final score. Momentum matters most.
Medals by percentile.
Awards reflect how a student does against the global cohort in their grade — about the top 40% are recognised.
What strong performers can unlock
Beyond medals, top AMO students may become eligible for further recognition through the organising bodies — historically including:
Your questions, answered.
Who can take part?
Any student from Grade 2 to 12 — they sit the paper for their own grade, so it suits primary through senior high.
Is there a penalty for wrong answers?
No. Wrong answers never subtract marks, so students are encouraged to attempt every question.
How are medals decided?
By percentile within each grade — roughly the top 8% Gold, next 12% Silver, next 20% Bronze.
When and how is it held?
Usually at the student’s own school, on paper or online, within a set contest window each season.
Is this the official AMO site?
No — an independent guide for families. For official registration and rules, see the organiser.
How do we get started?
Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll help with grade placement, prep and the official next step.
Have a question? We’re here to help.
We’ll help you pick the right grade, prepare with confidence, and find the official next step.
Chat on WhatsApp