Everything you need to know about the 2nd phase of OBMEP 2019

This Saturday (28), almost one million students from all over the country will take the second phase of the 15th Brazilian Mathematics Olympiad for Public Schools (OBMEP). In addition to a lot of studying, in this final stretch it is important to be fully prepared. Therefore, OBMEP has put together some basic guidelines about the test. Check it out:

When and where will the test be held?

The second phase of the OBMEP exam is scheduled for September 28, 2019 (Saturday) and will be held at the test locations indicated by the OBMEP Coordination.

Who administers the Second Phase exams?

The tests for the Second Phase are administered by examiners appointed by the OBMEP Coordination.

How will I find out the location of the exam?

OBMEP has already announced to candidates the locations where the exams will be held. The information is available at this link .

What time are the exams administered?

The exams will be administered at 2:30 PM (Brasilia time). Students are advised to arrive at the exam locations at least one hour before the start of the exam.

How will I know if I'm answering the test at my level? 

Before you begin answering the questions, make sure you are answering the test for your level and that there are no graphic defects that make it difficult or impossible to read the test.

The events are differentiated by color, according to the level of participation.

YELLOW TEST: Level 1 (6th and 7th grades of Elementary School)

PINK TEST: Level 2 (8th and 9th grades of Elementary School)

BLUE TEST: Level 3 (High School)

IMPORTANT : You must carefully fill out the exam form with all the requested information in block letters and sign the attendance list. Don't forget to read the instructions carefully.

How many questions are there?

The Second Phase of the OBMEP exam consists of 6 (six) essay questions. Students must present their calculations as well as the reasoning used.

How long does the test last? 

The Second Phase exam lasts 3 (three) hours for all levels. For students taking the exam in Braille, enlarged print, or who require an assistant, the exam duration will be 4 (four) hours. The minimum time allowed in the exam room is 45 (forty-five) minutes.

Will students who observe the Sabbath due to religious conviction have a special schedule? 

Yes. OBMEP will administer the Second Phase exams at a special time, after sunset, for Sabbath-observing students who have been previously identified.

Required documents

On the day of the exam, it is mandatory to present a legible photo ID (identity card, birth certificate, or school ID) and CPF number. Students who do not have a CPF may provide the number of their legal guardian (father or mother).

What can I wear during the exam?

Use only black pencils, erasers, and black or blue ballpoint pens. Ideally, bring more than one ballpoint pen and test them all before the exam. Other materials should remain inside your backpack. Only visually impaired students may use the soroban – an adapted abacus.

What can't I wear?

The use of drawing instruments, protractors, calculators, electronic devices, tablets, headphones, or consulting notes, notebooks, books, or similar materials is not permitted. Disregarding this rule will result in the student's disqualification.

Cell phones and electronic devices must remain stored in the envelope provided by the proctor. Students may only open the envelope and retrieve their devices after leaving the room where they took the exam.

What is forbidden to do?

Always observe the principles of Olympic honor. You must not communicate with other candidates during the exam. Actions such as attempting to copy another participant's answers or using external materials such as notes or electronic devices will disqualify the student. Students who post photographs or other information about the exam on social media during the exam will be disqualified.

Will school uniforms be required?

On the day of the exam, wearing the school uniform will not be mandatory.

Is it allowed to bring snacks?

Food and water can be brought on the day of the exam. It is recommended to bring easy-to-handle foods, such as biscuits, chocolates, and cereal bars. It is not good to overdo it, as too much can cause you to lose concentration.

Can the student take the test home?

No. The test must be handed to the proctor responsible for administering the test. If the student leaves the room with the test, they will be disqualified.

Who will grade the exams?

The tests are graded in their regions of origin by committees chosen by the regional coordinators of OBMEP. These committees are composed of mathematics teachers, mostly university students with experience in grading Olympiad tests. After a cutoff score is established, some of these tests are graded again in a unified national grading process, from which the award winners are determined.

Where will the answer key be released?

The official answer key will be published on the OBMEP website (www.obmep.org.br). Stay tuned!

When will I know the result?

The list of award-winning students will be published on December 3rd on the OBMEP website (www.obmep.org.br).