<![CDATA[Mathematical problem-solving ability is one of the essential competencies required by students in facing the Academic Competency Test (TKA), particularly in Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)-based questions. However, junior high school students’ ability to solve HOTS problems is still relatively low. This community service activity aimed to improve students’ mathematical problem-solving skills through systematic training in problem-solving strategies. The activity was conducted at SMP IT Al-Fityah Pekanbaru with ninth-grade students as participants. The methods applied included participatory and practical training through material presentation, interactive discussions, HOTS-based exercises, and direct mentoring. Data were collected through observation, documentation, questionnaires, as well as pretests and posttests. The results indicated an improvement in students’ mathematical problem-solving abilities. The average score of female students increased from 38.42 to 67.37, while the average score of male students increased from 37.41 to 61.48. In addition, students demonstrated increased participation, learning motivation, and self-confidence in solving HOTS-based mathematics problems. The training also helped students understand problem-solving procedures more systematically according to Polya’s stages. Therefore, mathematical problem-solving strategy training can serve as an effective alternative in helping students prepare for the Academic Competency Test (TKA).]]>
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