Test format
The Test of Mathematics for University Admission is 2 hours 30 minutes long and includes two multiple-choice papers which are taken consecutively. Find the full test format and its content in our Test of Mathematics for University Admission test specification.
Paper |
What does it test? |
Paper 1:
Applications of Mathematical Knowledge |
Focuses on assessing candidates’ ability to apply knowledge of mathematics in new situations.
View a Paper 1 sample paper
|
Paper 2:
Mathematical Reasoning |
Focuses on assessing candidates’ ability to deal with mathematical reasoning, and simple ideas from elementary logic.
View a Paper 2 sample paper |
Test delivery and costs
Our global network of test centres allows applicants to typically take the test in their own country. This means your selection procedure is accessible to all applicants, and quick and convenient for your staff.
There is currently one test date per year – in late October/early November.
We believe all applicants should have an equal opportunity to prove they have what it takes and we ensure test fees are affordable, so they do not present a barrier to students entering university. We can also make arrangements with universities to provide reimbursement of test fees for financially disadvantaged students, as we do for UK/EU students applying to UK universities.
Preparing for the test
We support test-takers with free preparation materials to help them prepare for the test, including past papers and an introductory video. There is no need for students to attend additional courses.
To ensure that the test is accessible to all applicants and minimise the amount of new learning needed, it focuses on knowledge and skills that should already be familiar to applicants.
The Test of Mathematics for University Admission is designed to have a positive impact for test-takers. Any time spent preparing for the test helps test-takers develop skills directly beneficial for their future academic studies.
Test research
We conduct extensive research to ensure the validity and fairness of the Test of Mathematics for University Admission. Our test is guided by an established mathematical taxonomy which divides mathematics questions into three skill groups:
- dealing with routine questions and procedures, similar to those likely to have been encountered before
- applying standard knowledge in unfamiliar situations
- reasoning, justifying, and proving assertions couched in a broadly mathematical manner.
While school mathematics qualifications tend to focus on group A, the Test of Mathematics for University Admission is designed to assess a student’s potential to deal with groups B and C, which are key for success in university study.
To ensure accessibility for students, the knowledge required to tackle the test questions is restricted to foundational pure mathematics.
Initial research has shown a positive relationship between scores on the test and first year academic performance. An ongoing programme of research will help to ensure the validity and reliability of the test.
Find out more about our research agenda and approach here.