CodeSky · Contest prep
Beaver Computing Challenge (BCC): Practice & Prep
The Beaver Computing Challenge is the University of Waterloo’s problem-solving contest for kids up to Grade 10, run by the CEMC. It needs no coding at all, which makes it the friendliest first contest we know. Here is how it works and how to practise.
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What is the Beaver Computing Challenge?
The BCC is an online, multiple-choice contest that introduces computer science ideas and logical thinking. Questions are inspired by computer science but only need the math kids already learn in school. Students write it online, individually, at school, in 45 minutes. Some calculators are allowed.
BCC 2026 contest window
For North and South America, the 2026 contest runs over a two-week window starting Monday, November 9, 2026. Each school picks its day inside the window and registers students through a teacher.
Dates are from the CEMC; always check the official page for changes.
Grade levels and format
| Level | Who can write | Questions | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5/6 | Grade 6 or below | 12 multiple-choice | 60 |
| Grade 7/8 | Grade 8 or below | 15 multiple-choice | 90 |
| Grade 9/10 | Grade 10 or below | 15 multiple-choice | 90 |
Questions come in Parts A, B and C, worth more marks in Part A. A question left blank still earns 2 marks (up to 5 blanks at Grade 5/6 and 6 at Grade 7/8 and 9/10), so a wild guess is not always better than skipping. Students may write at most one BCC per school year.
For a sense of difficulty, the 2025 averages were 37.22/60 (Grade 5/6), 68.93/90 (Grade 7/8) and 65.84/90 (Grade 9/10).
Beaver Computing Challenge practice tests and past papers
- Past contests with solutions: the CEMC publishes previous BCC contests and their solutions in its Past Contests resources. Each solution explains the computer science idea behind the puzzle.
- Online practice: the BCC Practice and Live Challenges website opens closer to the contest so students can try the real platform.
- Practise like the real thing: set a 45-minute timer, use scrap paper, and talk through the answer afterwards. Explaining why an answer is right is where most of the learning happens.
At CodeSky, our BCC Path turns these puzzle types (patterns, sorting, shortest routes, simple logic) into hands-on activities, often in Scratch. Kids who enjoy the BCC usually move on to coding contests like the CCC.
Official contest information: cemc.uwaterloo.ca/contests/bcc
FAQ
What is the Beaver Computing Challenge?
The BCC is a 45-minute online multiple-choice contest from the CEMC at the University of Waterloo. It tests computational and logical thinking and needs no programming experience.
When is the Beaver Computing Challenge 2026?
In North and South America it runs in a two-week window starting Monday, November 9, 2026. Schools choose the day.
Where can I find BCC past papers and practice tests?
The CEMC publishes past BCC contests with solutions, and opens an online practice site closer to the contest.
Does my child need to know how to code for the BCC?
No. The questions are inspired by computer science but only use math from the school curriculum. Coding practice still helps, because it builds the same step-by-step thinking.
Does CodeSky help with BCC prep?
Yes. CodeSky runs a BCC Path in Markham, and parents can sign children up for the BCC through CodeSky even if they are not enrolled students. Book a free trial class to see if it is a good fit.
Try a free class at CodeSky
Bring your child to a free trial class at our Markham studio (9833 Markham Rd #2). A teacher will see where they are today and suggest the right path, whether that is Scratch, Python or contest prep.