Coding · CEMC, University of Waterloo

Canadian Computing Competition (CCC)

Canada's main programming contest for students, with Junior and Senior levels. Written online at school on February 17, 2027. Schools must register by February 11.

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Grades
Grades 9–12
Format
Online through the CCC Online Grader, written individually at school with a supervisor.
Cost
$10 per student, plus a $5 processing fee per school order.
Official site
cemc.uwaterloo.ca

Key dates

  • ConfirmedSchool registration deadlineThu, February 11, 2027
  • ConfirmedContest dayWed, February 17, 2027

What it is

Students solve 5 programming problems in 3 hours. They can use C, C++, Python or Java.

There are two levels. Junior is for beginner to intermediate programmers and Senior is for intermediate to advanced. Students choose their level, whatever their grade.

Top students can be invited to the Canadian Computing Olympiad, which is used to pick Canada's team for the International Olympiad in Informatics. To be eligible, students must be born on or after July 1, 2007.

A good fit if: Students who have learned some programming and enjoy solving puzzles with code.

How to register

  1. Students can't register themselves. A teacher registers the school and sets up student accounts.
  2. Schools must register by February 11, 2027. Ask your child's computer science or math teacher in January.

How to prepare

  • Past CCC problems and solutions are free at cemc.uwaterloo.ca/resources/past-contests.
  • Students who are newer to coding should start with Junior. The first questions are usually the easiest.

For grade-by-grade options see Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12.

Common questions

Should my child write the Junior or Senior CCC?

Junior is for beginner to intermediate programmers and Senior is for intermediate to advanced. Grade doesn't matter, so choose by skill.

What programming languages can be used in the CCC?

C, C++, Python 2, Python 3 or Java.

Can a middle school student write the CCC?

Any full-time student can take part if their school registers them. Only official participants can be invited to the Canadian Computing Olympiad.

Sources

Last checked October 2, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.