Overview
The American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) is the second stage of the MAA's American Mathematics Competitions pathway, open by invitation to students who reach a qualifying score on the AMC 10 or AMC 12. AIME results in turn decide who is invited to the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) and Junior Mathematical Olympiad (USAJMO). The MAA says the questions are harder than those on the AMC 10 and AMC 12.
Who can take it
To take the 2027 AIME in the USA or Canada, a student must meet all of these:
A score on the AMC 10 (A or B) of at least 100, or on the AMC 12 (A or B) of at least 85.
Full-time enrolment in an authorised primary or secondary school in the USA or Canada, and physical attendance there, from registration through the exam.
Grade 12 or below on the day of the AIME, aged 19.5 or younger on the day of the qualifying AMC, and aged 13 or older on the day of the AIME.
Students enrol by invitation only: the MAA emails a personal registration link to the address on file in its competition portal after AMC scores are finalised. A small number of extra students are nominated by the Art of Problem Solving from its USA Mathematical Talent Search, under criteria it sets. International and exchange students may take part if they meet every condition above. Relatives of MAA staff, officers and trustees are not eligible.
Exam pattern
The 2027 AIME is a computer-based exam in English, taken at a Pearson Professional Center.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Questions | 15 in total |
| Part 1 | 8 questions, 90 minutes |
| Break | 10 minutes |
| Part 2 | 7 questions, 90 minutes |
| Answers | An integer from 0 to 999 |
Rules during the exam:
Booklets of laminated graph paper and pens are provided; calculators, rulers, compasses, formula sheets, translation dictionaries and electronic devices are not allowed.
Part 1 booklets are collected at its end, and students cannot go back to review or change Part 1 answers.
A student who leaves the room during a part cannot keep working on that part, and cannot return after leaving during Part 2.
Important dates
For the 2027 AIME:
Qualifying AMC dates: 5 November 2026 (A) and 13 November 2026 (B).
AIME invitations go out in mid-December 2026, once AMC scores are final.
Registration deadline: 1 February 2027.
Exam window: 5 and 6 February 2027. There are no alternate dates or make-up sittings.
Students may discuss the problems from 9 February 2027.
AIME scores and USAMO/USAJMO invitations are expected in late February 2027.
Fees
The AIME registration fee is $85 plus taxes if applicable, paid to Pearson when booking. The MAA says financial assistance will be available to students who need it, including help with travel; details are sent to those who qualify. The MAA does not refund fees for missed or cancelled exams.
How to apply
Follow the invitation link emailed by the MAA to the Pearson website, find a test centre, choose a time within the window and pay. A student may register for the AIME only once, even with qualifying scores on two AMC papers. The MAA says there are over 200 Pearson Professional Centers across the USA and Canada.
After the exam
The MAA invites top AIME performers to the USAMO or USAJMO. For 2027, qualification for these is primarily based on AIME scores, and AMC scores are no longer a factor.
Preparation tips
Practise past AIME problems under the two-part timing with integer answers from 0 to 999.
Practise without a calculator, ruler or compass.
Remember that you cannot revisit Part 1 once it ends.
Is there more than one AIME sitting in 2027?
No. The MAA says there is a single window on 5 and 6 February 2027 with no AIME I and AIME II, and no make-up dates. A student takes the exam once.
Can a student under 13 take the AIME in 2027?
No. Students must be 13 or older on the day, even if they have a qualifying AMC score.