Calculus Challenge Exam

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 • 12:00–14:30 PDT


Main pageRegistering for the CCEPreparing for the CCETaking the CCEAfter the CCE


The Calculus Challenge Exam follows the curriculum of Calculus 12 as set out by the BC Ministry of Education. The emphasis, however, is on problem solving.

Here are three sample examinations, in Adobe PDF format. Please note the following.

See the Taking the CCE page for what information on what you are/are not allowed to use on the exam. Many facts students may find useful are not listed on the formula sheet. They include, but are not limited to, the following and should be memorized:


Here are three sample examinations, in PDF format. Please note the following.

Exam difficulty. While the problems on the Sample Exams are similar to the ones students will see on the CCE, the overall difficulty of each Sample Exam is (intentionally) slightly more difficult than the actual CCE. Moreover, the Sample Exams are slightly longer as well—they are intended for 3-hour exams, while the actual CCE is a 2½-hour exam.

Exam format. Sample Exam 1 has some short-answer questions; the other two do not. The examiners make no promises regarding the style and format of the actual paper. Students should prepare to read and follow instructions carefully.

Question style. Each exam contains several questions that deal with standard topics in a fresh or indirect way. The examiners are always looking for new ways to probe student's conceptual understanding and versatility with the material. All candidates will be expected to recognize and solve standard problems by standard methods, but only those who are able to adapt their methods to new situations will receive outstanding scores.

Answer format. On this page we provide answers only, not model solutions. It was neither useful nor feasible to list all possible acceptable answers, but in many cases several versions of the answer have been supplied.

Sample Exam 1: Questions and Answers

Sample Exam 2: Questions and Answers

Sample Exam 3: Questions and Answers


Several past Calculus Challenge Exams can be found on this web page. As with the Sample Exams, these past CCES were 3-hour exams, while this year's CCE will be only 2.5 hours long.