As the registration deadline for the 2026 Euclid Contest (April 1) approaches, many high school students and parents are increasingly concerned about how to register, which calculators are allowed, the award criteria, and efficient preparation strategies. To answer the most common concerns, this article compiles a clear Q&A guide covering the following aspects.
I. Registration Q&A
Q1: Can students register individually for the Euclid Contest?
A: No. The Euclid Contest does not accept individual registration from students. All participants must register through their school (if the school is an official CEMC test centre) or through an authorised educational institution. Individual candidates cannot register directly on the CEMC website.
Q2: What is the registration deadline for the 2026 Euclid Contest?
A: The official registration deadline for the 2026 season is February 25, 2026. Because registration is processed collectively by schools/agencies, it is strongly recommended to confirm your registration at least 1–2 weeks in advance to avoid missing the deadline.
Q3: If my school is not a test centre, how can I apply?
A: You can register through an authorised test‑taking agency. Many certified institutions can act on behalf of students and handle the entire application process. (We are listed as an authorised test centre and can help with fee‑based registration.)
Q4: What are the eligibility requirements? Which grades can take the exam?
A: The Euclid Contest is primarily aimed at Grades 11–12 students (i.e., junior and senior high school students). Exceptionally strong students in Grades 9–10 may also challenge the contest, but they need to have covered the core high school curriculum (functions, algebra, geometry, etc.).
II. Calculator Rules Q&A
Q5: Are calculators allowed in the Euclid Contest? What types are permitted?
A: Yes, basic scientific calculators are allowed. However, the following features are strictly prohibited and will lead to immediate disqualification:
- Internet / communication capabilities
- Graphing / CAS (Computer Algebra System) functionality
- Programmable memory or external storage
- Dynamic geometry software
✓ Recommended models: Texas Instruments TI‑30X series, Casio fx‑991 series, and similar.
✗ Prohibited (including but not limited to): TI‑84, TI‑89, TI‑Nspire CX CAS, Casio fx‑CG series, Casio ClassPad.
III. The "Calculator Pitfall": Even Simple Scientific Calculators Can Cause Point Deductions
It is not enough to simply bring a permitted calculator. Using the device incorrectly is one of the most common reasons for losing points:
Violating "step‑by‑step" requirements: Some participants directly output the final answer using the calculator's numerical‑solve or root‑finding functions without showing the intermediate reasoning steps. Even if the final answer is correct, this leads to severe point deductions because the grader cannot see your logical derivation.
Correct approach: First write down the equation you have set up, then indicate "Using a calculator, we get …" and append the numerical result. Only by doing this can you earn the mark for the step.
Ignoring over‑precision: Calculator results often keep many decimal places. In combinatorics or probability problems, the final answer should be reduced to a fraction. Submitting a long, truncated decimal without simplification will cause point loss.
IV. Award System Q&A
Q6: What are the different award categories in Euclid?
Certificate of Distinction: Issued to participants who score in the top 25% globally. This is the most accessible core award and greatly enhances the competitiveness of STEM applications.
Contest Medal: Awarded to the top student in each school (subject to meeting certain score criteria).
Honour Rolls: Separately list the highest scorers in three categories: Canadian official, Canadian unofficial, and international participants.
Plaque + Cash Prize: The top 5 Canadian official participants receive a medal plus CAD $500; ranked 6–15 receive CAD $200.
Q7: What historical scores are needed to win a Certificate of Distinction?
2023 cutoff: approx. 65 points
2024 cutoff: approx. 69 points
2025 cutoff: 68 points
Overall, the cutoff has remained stable between 65–70 points in recent years. Achieving 70+ points almost guarantees a Certificate of Distinction (top 25%).
V. Preparation FAQ — Common Worries
Q8: I have never done contest training before. Can I still get an award by starting now?
A: Yes. Euclid is a contest that focuses on high school fundamentals and strictly follows the secondary school syllabus. A student with a solid grasp of normal coursework can reach a safe score for the Certificate of Distinction within 2–3 months of targeted preparation. The main task is to get familiar with the exam format and learn how to write standard, clear processes in English.
Q9: The contest is in English but my English is average. Will that be a big obstacle?
A: The vocabulary used in Euclid is highly specialised and relatively limited. You only need to master about 50–80 core mathematical terms (such as "perimeter," "congruent," "logarithm," "permutation," "simplify"). Moreover, you are allowed to use a paper dictionary during the exam (provided it is not an electronic device). Once you have practised with a few past papers, you will adapt to the English expression style. Many non‑native English speakers achieve Distinction every year, so there is no need to panic.
Q10: How should time be allocated during the 150‑minute exam?
First 40 minutes: Complete Questions 1–5 confidently and quickly.
Next 60 minutes: Tackle Questions 6–8 steadily; these are the key to determining your award.
Final 50 minutes: Deal with Questions 9–10 — try the easier first parts; even a partial solution can earn step‑by‑step marks.
Important: If you are stuck on a problem for more than 15 minutes, skip it immediately and come back later. Protecting your score on the easier problems is the fundamental strategy for winning an award.
Q11: Why is the "process" so emphasised? I'm used to just writing the answer.
A: This is the most distinctive feature of Euclid. Its scoring standard attaches great importance to the coherence of logical reasoning and the completeness of the written process. For example, on a full‑solution problem worth 10 points, 6–8 points may be allocated to the intermediate reasoning steps, and only 2 points to the final answer. If you only write the correct answer without any derivation, you can expect at most 2 points (or even 0). Therefore, do not rush — write every step clearly, and even if you cannot finish the problem, write down the conditions you have understood and the formulas you intend to use; you may still earn 1–3 points.
