Canadian Math Competitions
Your complete guide to every major Canadian mathematics competition for Grades 7-12. Formats, topics, difficulty levels, prep tips, and official resources - all in one place.
All Canadian Math Contests
Click any contest to expand details, topics, and prep resources.
The Canadian Competition Pathway
How contests connect - from your first Gauss paper to the Canadian Mathematical Olympiad.
Build foundational problem-solving skills. Gauss is multiple-choice; CJMC introduces written solutions.
Algebra and geometry become more prominent. Strong Pascal scores can lead to CEMC recognition.
Cayley is multiple-choice; Galois requires full written solutions. Both develop deeper mathematical thinking.
Trigonometry and advanced algebra enter the picture. Top Fermat scores open doors to senior contests.
Euclid is used by universities for scholarships. COMC is the gateway to the Canadian Mathematical Olympiad.
How to Prepare for Math Competitions
Practical advice from students who have qualified for provincial and national rounds.
Start with past papers
CEMC publishes all past contest papers with full solutions. Work through 3–5 years of papers for your target contest.
Know the format
Multiple-choice and short-answer contests reward speed and accuracy. Long-answer contests reward clear mathematical writing.
Build topic fluency
Identify your weak topics from past papers. Drill those areas specifically rather than reviewing everything equally.
Practice under timed conditions
Simulate real contest conditions. Time pressure is a major factor - train your brain to work efficiently.
Join a math circle or camp
Group problem solving accelerates learning. Skillfinity's free virtual camp covers Gauss, CJMC, Cayley, and Galois prep.
Attempt, then review
Always attempt a problem fully before checking the solution. Understanding why an approach fails is as valuable as getting it right.
Prepare for Gauss, CJMC, Cayley & Galois - for Free
Skillfinity's free virtual math camp covers contest problem solving, Vedic Math mental calculation, and targeted prep for CEMC competitions. Taught by student mentors who have competed themselves.