The Hardest Math Problem Contest uses the ICS Portal to host team registration, submissions, and evaluations.
- Step 1: Create a free ICS Account or log in. If you do not already have a free account on the ICS Portal, you will first need to create one before registering your student. Registration must be completed by a teacher or parent/guardian that will serve as the designated Team Coach.
- Step 2: Register ONE team (this is your coach team). You will be able to submit for ALL students (across multiple grade levels or even multiple schools) within this one team.
- Step 3: Access materials (Challenge 1 problems & official submission spreadsheet) within this one team. Distribute the materials to your students, collect their responses, and submit when ready!
Students must be in grades 5, 6, 7 or 8 and attending school (public, private, charter, or homeschool) in the United States or its territories during the 2026-27 academic year.
Once you have registered your team, you can view the Challenge 1 problem and submit your student(s)’ responses. Upon the close of Challenge 1, answers will be reviewed and students will be notified if they have qualified for the Challenge 2 portion of the Contest!
Registration closes December 6, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific.