Build mathematical thinking. Develop problem-solving skills. Learn to write complete solutions in contests run by the University of Waterloo.
Canada's best-known school mathematics contests are run by the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) at the University of Waterloo. They combine short-answer questions with full-solution questions, so students must explain their reasoning, not just give an answer.
Both contests reward students who can:
For most students the pathway runs from CIMC to CSMC, and then to the Euclid Contest, CEMC's other senior contest.
Not every student needs to reach the final stage for these contests to be valuable.
A student's first goal may simply be: "Can I solve a problem I haven't been explicitly taught how to solve, and explain why my answer is right?"
The simplest comparison for parents and students.
| Contest | Main Level | Maths Range | Natural Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIMC | Grades 9–10 | Maths through Grade 10 | CSMC |
| CSMC | Senior secondary, typically Grades 11–12 | Maths through the final secondary year | Euclid Contest |
A student cannot write both CIMC and CSMC in the same year. Always check the official CEMC rules for the current contest year.
What each contest tests, and how it differs.
The CIMC gives Grade 9 and 10 students a chance to use familiar school mathematics on unfamiliar problems. It covers number and arithmetic, algebra, geometry and measurement, and counting and probability, and it asks students to write clear solutions for the harder questions.
It suits students who enjoy maths and want to go beyond routine classroom exercises.
The CSMC is an advanced contest for senior secondary students. It draws on areas such as exponents and logarithms, trigonometry, polynomials, analytic geometry, sequences, Euclidean geometry, counting and number properties, and often combines several of them in one problem.
It is excellent preparation for deeper problem solving and, later, the Euclid Contest.
A simple starting guide for parents.
| Student | Starting Point |
|---|---|
| Grade 9–10, Year 10–11, Class 9–10, Secondary 3–4 | CIMC |
| Grade 11–12, Year 12–13, Class 11–12, senior secondary | CSMC |
This table is a LittleEdventure preparation recommendation, not official CEMC placement guidance.
Students do not need to follow a particular curriculum to benefit from contest-style problem solving. LittleEdventure supports preparation for students studying:
These contests are not curriculum tests.
A student may be excellent at school mathematics but find contest questions difficult at first. That is part of what makes contest mathematics different.
CEMC contests are written at school and ordered by the school, so students and parents don't register directly. Ask your school's maths department whether it takes part in CEMC contests.
Students outside Canada can take part through a school that orders the contest under CEMC rules. Always confirm current eligibility, dates and arrangements on the official CEMC contest page. LittleEdventure supports preparation only and does not run registration.
The Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) at the University of Waterloo.
No. They are written problem-solving contests with short-answer and full-solution questions.
Yes, through a school that orders and runs the contest under CEMC rules.
No. CEMC's 2025 instructions say a student may not write both CIMC and CSMC in the same year.
No. CEMC states that CSMC participation is not required for admission to the Faculty of Mathematics.
Certain calculators are, with restrictions. Students must still show and justify their mathematical steps.
CEMC awards it to students in the top 25% of contestants, so the score needed changes every year.
Understand the Mathematics. Learn the Strategy. Explain the Solution.
What mathematical knowledge does the student need?
How can the student recognise an efficient route through the problem?
Can the student explain each step so a marker can follow it?
