Overview
The Canadian Mathematical Olympiad (CMO) is Canada's national olympiad-level mathematics competition, run by the Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS). It is a full-solution, proof-based exam for a small group of top students who qualify through the Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge (COMC). Strong CMO results feed into the selection of Canada's team for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
Who can apply
You cannot register for the CMO directly. The CMS invites the top 75 to 100 students from the COMC Competitive division each year. To be invited, a competitor must be a Canadian citizen or otherwise meet the CMS residency rules, be under 20 years old as of 30 June of the competition year, be enrolled full-time in secondary school, and not yet formally enrolled at a university or other post-secondary institution.
Exam pattern
The CMO is a single 3-hour, full-solution written exam. Each solution is marked for completeness and rigour, not just a final answer, similar to International Mathematical Olympiad-style grading. The 2026 CMO had a maximum score of 35 points.
Important dates
For 2026, the CMO was held on Thursday, 12 March 2026. Invitations go out after COMC results (COMC is held in October) are released, typically a few months ahead of the CMO sitting.
Fees
The CMS does not publish a separate participation fee for invited CMO competitors on its competition pages.
After the exam
Top scorers receive the CMO Championship Cup, gold/silver/bronze medals and honourable mentions, and cash prizes — the 2026 gold medallist received CAD$2,000, with smaller prizes for silver, bronze and honourable mention. The Matthew Brennan Award recognises an especially elegant solution. Top CMO finishers are shortlisted for Canada's IMO team selection process, and strong results are also often considered by universities for scholarship offers.
Preparation tips
Qualify first through the COMC, since the CMO is invitation-only.
Practise writing full, rigorous proofs, not just finding answers — CMO marking rewards complete, well-communicated solutions.
Review past CMO papers, published by the CMS, to get used to the olympiad proof style.
FAQs
Can I register for the CMO directly?
No. You are invited based on your results in the Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge (COMC). The CMS invites roughly the top 75 to 100 COMC Competitive-division scorers each year.
Is the CMO multiple choice?
No. It is a 3-hour exam with full written solutions, marked for completeness and clarity, not just final answers.
Does the CMO lead to the IMO team?
Top CMO finishers are shortlisted as part of Canada's selection process for its International Mathematical Olympiad team.