Several Mathematics degrees in the UK either require or strongly encourage applicants to sit the STEP as part of the admissions process.
But what exactly is STEP, why is it important, and how can you prepare for it effectively? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know – from which universities require it to the exam format, key dates, costs, registration, and effective preparation resources.
What Is The STEP?
The STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper) is a mathematics admissions test used by several UK universities, particularly for applicants to Mathematics or mathematics-related degree courses.
It is set and administered by OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA) and aims to assess an applicant’s potential for studying Mathematics at the undergraduate level.
The STEP is not the only admissions test used for Mathematics in the UK, but how does it differ from others like MAT and TMUA? Let’s take a closer look.
How Is STEP Different To Other Maths Tests?
While STEP, TMUA, and MAT are all mathematics admissions tests used by UK universities, they differ significantly in structure, difficulty, and purpose.
STEP is generally considered the most challenging of the three. It features long-form, open-ended questions that closely resemble undergraduate-level problem solving and is designed to test a student’s mathematical understanding in a more abstract and sophisticated way. The University of Cambridge notes that STEP is intended for the top 5% of A-level Mathematics candidates. That said, you shouldn’t be daunted by the exam – while it is deliberately demanding, early and consistent preparation can make it significantly more manageable.
By contrast, the TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission) focuses on core mathematical reasoning and logic, delivered entirely through multiple-choice questions. It’s often seen as more accessible and tests essential thinking skills rather than advanced content.
The MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test) sits somewhere in between. It includes a mix of short and long-form questions and tests both mathematical fluency and problem-solving. It is generally viewed as more difficult than TMUA but less abstract than STEP.
In terms of university requirements, STEP is typically required for Mathematics applicants to Cambridge, MAT is used by Oxford, and TMUA is favoured by institutions such as Imperial College London and Warwick, as well as Cambridge for some of its non-maths courses (e.g. Computer Science, Economics). We’ll explain this further in the next section.
Which Universities Require STEP
While the STEP is most notably associated with the University of Cambridge, several other UK universities incorporate it into their admissions processes for Mathematics and related courses. Some institutions require STEP as part of a conditional offer, while others consider it favorably or offer reduced grade requirements for strong STEP performance.
Universities That Require STEP
University of Cambridge
Applicants for Mathematics are typically required to take both STEP 2 and STEP 3. Offers often stipulate achieving at least a grade 1 in both papers, though specific requirements can vary by college.
Please note that STEP is taken after applicants receive their offers, usually in June of Year 13. This means the performance in STEP can be a key determining factor in whether an offer is converted into a confirmed place. For Cambridge, this helps explain why the offer rate is significantly higher than the actual acceptance rate for Maths – many students receive offers but may not meet the STEP conditions.
You can learn more about this in our Cambridge acceptance rate breakdown, where we explore the gap between offers and final admissions in more detail.
University of Warwick
For Mathematics courses, applicants are generally expected to take either the TMUA or STEP. If an applicant does not take the TMUA or does not achieve the required threshold (usually specified once all results have been received), a grade 2 in either STEP paper may be required as part of the offer.
Universities That Recommend Or Consider STEP
Imperial College London
Imperial typically requires the TMUA for applicants to both Mathematics and Mathematics and Computer Science courses.
For Mathematics, STEP may be considered in some cases – such as when a candidate misses the TMUA registration deadline or falls short of the required score.
However, for the Mathematics and Computer Science programme, Imperial explicitly states that STEP is not part of typical offers, and alternative qualifications like TMUA remain the standard requirement.
University College London (UCL)
While STEP is not mandatory, it provides a valuable alternative route for applicants and may offer flexibility in achieving the required A-level grades.
Instead of needing the highest standard A-level grades alone (A*A*A including A*A* in Mathematics and Further Mathematics), applicants may be offered a place by achieving slightly lower A-level results (A*AA with A*A in Mathematics and Further Mathematics) – provided they also obtain at least a grade 2 in any STEP paper or a Distinction in the Advanced Extension Award (AEA) in Mathematics.
King’s College London
King’s College London typically expects applicants to have studied Further Mathematics. However, if you are not taking it at full A-level, an AS Level grade A in Further Mathematics may still be considered – but only if it’s supported by a grade 3 or above in any STEP paper, or a Merit in the AEA in Mathematics. This provides a pathway for strong applicants with slightly different qualification profiles to remain competitive.
University of Bath
At the University of Bath, STEP may only be required if you have not studied A-level Mathematics and Further Mathematics – or equivalent qualifications such as the IB Diploma or Scottish Advanced Highers.
University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield does not require the STEP for entry to its Mathematics BSc programme, but applicants who achieve a grade 3 or higher in STEP 2 or STEP 3 may receive additional consideration during the admissions process.
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol does not require STEP for admission to its Mathematics courses, but strong STEP performance may be considered as part of an alternative offer.
Standard entry typically requires A*A*A including A* in Mathematics and another mathematics-related subject, or A*AA with grades A*A in Mathematics and Further Mathematics (in any order). Subjects considered maths-related include Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, and Physics.
Durham University
Applicants are strongly encouraged to take a mathematics admissions test, such as STEP, as these are heavily weighted in the selection process for Mathematics and related courses.
Enrolling on our Oxbridge Maths Programme will give you access to STEP support.
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What is The Format Of STEP?
The Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP) is designed to assess advanced problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning beyond A-level content.
There are two STEP papers: STEP 2 and STEP 3, each lasting three hours. Both papers follow the same format and are divided into three sections:
Section A – Pure Mathematics (8 questions)
Section B – Mechanics (2 questions)
Section C – Probability and Statistics (2 questions)
Each paper contains a total of 12 questions. Candidates are free to attempt as many questions as they wish, but only the best six answers will be marked. There is no requirement to answer a specific number of questions from each section, allowing candidates to focus on areas of strength. Each question is worth 20 marks.
Candidates are expected to present clear, logical solutions with all working shown. Marks may be deducted for unclear reasoning or illegible presentation, even if the final answer is correct. Please note that calculators, formula booklets, and bilingual dictionaries are not permitted in the examination.
Section A – Pure Mathematics
A typical question may ask you to prove a result involving a quadratic expression. Instead of diving straight into algebra, applicants should consider the graphical interpretation and explore how the discriminant affects the shape of the graph. A sketch can often provide insight that leads to a solution.
Section B – Mechanics
You might be asked whether a particle on a slope will move, given certain forces and friction. Begin by constructing a clear diagram, resolving forces, and applying Newton’s laws. Examiners value clarity in setup and justification as much as the final answer.
Section C – Probability and Statistics
A question might involve calculating the probability of a certain outcome after several trials. Identify whether a binomial model is appropriate, consider using complementary probabilities, and justify your choice of distribution and method.
STEP Format Takeaways
STEP is not about rote learning but about demonstrating how well you can apply mathematical thinking to unfamiliar problems. Successful candidates are expected to not only show technical ability but also clarity of thought and perseverance.
Remember, preparing for the STEP takes time, practice, and a strategic approach – but it is also an excellent foundation for university-level mathematics.
How Is The STEP Scored?
Each STEP paper is marked out of 120, based on a candidate’s six highest-scoring answers, with each question worth up to 20 marks. Every question attempted is marked, and candidates are rewarded for meaningful progress – even if their final answer is incorrect.
Full marks are awarded for correct answers using any valid method, provided the reasoning is clearly explained.
Grading is done on a five-point scale:
S – Outstanding
1 – Very Good
2 – Good
3 – Satisfactory
U – Unclassified
STEP is designed to challenge candidates to think flexibly, and questions often require combining ideas from multiple topics. Strong solutions show persistence, structure, and insight.
STEP Results
STEP results are released via the Results Online system, which requires a candidate number and PIN. These credentials are provided on test day (can be found at the bottom of the ‘Confidential Results Information’ sheet) and cannot be reissued, so please try to keep them safe.
Universities receive STEP scores through UCAS, though some, like Cambridge, also review full scripts to make more informed decisions in borderline cases.
STEP Key Dates
Historically, STEP key dates have remained relatively consistent year over year. Registration typically opens in early March, with examinations held in June and results released in August.
However, it’s essential to consult the official OCR website or your examination centre for the most current information, as dates can occasionally shift due to administrative decisions or unforeseen circumstances.
2025 STEP Dates
- 1 March 2025: Registration opens.
- 21 April 2025: Deadline to request modified question papers.
- 4 May 2025: Registration closes.
- 11 June 2025: STEP Paper 2 examination date.
- 16 June 2025: STEP Paper 3 examination date.
- 14 August 2025: Results released to candidates.
- 21 August 2025: Deadline for submitting results enquiries
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How Do I Register For The STEP?
To sit the STEP, you must register through an authorised test centre – this is often your school or college. Registration usually opens in early March and closes in early May. However, it’s important to register well before the final deadline, as test centres often set their own earlier internal cut-offs.
Keep in mind that if the official registration deadline falls on a weekend or public holiday, no extensions are granted, so it’s ultimately your responsibility to ensure your centre completes the registration in time.
The exam itself takes place in June. In the UK, both papers are scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM, while start times in other countries may vary based on local time zones.
STEP Cost
There is a fee to sit each STEP paper, which differs depending on whether you’re taking the test inside or outside the UK.
UK Candidates
£98.50 per paper
International Candidates
£136.75 / $177 / €159.75 per paper
If you request a review of your result or submit an appeal, additional fees of £48.75 per paper and request will normally be applied.
Please also note that some test centres may charge an extra administration fee on top of the registration fee to cover invigilation, room hire, and shipping costs, so always check directly with your centre to understand the full cost.
If you’re an international candidate and want to confirm the fee in your local currency, please contact your chosen centre directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
How To Prepare For The TMUA
There is a wide range of free online resources to help you prepare effectively for STEP, including:
- Cambridge’s STEP Support Programme
- Past STEP Papers and Examiner Reports
- STEP Solutions and Mark Schemes
- STEP Sample Answer Booklet and Instructions
Let’s explore each of them to help you develop your problem-solving skills further and approach the exam with confidence.
Cambridge’s STEP Support Programme
The University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive free online STEP Support Programme, designed to help students, regardless of where they apply, build confidence in advanced mathematics.
This programme is a valuable tool for anyone aiming to bridge the gap between A-levels and undergraduate mathematics – it covers a wide range of STEP-style problems and focuses on deepening mathematical reasoning.
Additional resources about the programme are also available, including:
- Guidance on how to use the programme effectively
- Support for teachers working with STEP candidates
- A free downloadable book, Advanced Problems in Mathematics: Preparing for University, which offers a rich set of practice problems and worked solutions aligned with university-level expectations.
Past STEP Papers and Examiner Reports
Working through past papers is one of the most effective ways to prepare for any exam, including STEP. They offer insight into the types of questions you’ll face and also help you become familiar with the exam format, level of depth, and pacing.
You can find past STEP papers and legacy STEP papers (great for students looking for additional challenge or long-term preparation) in the official OCR website.
STEP Solutions and Mark Schemes
Alongside the past papers, you can access official solutions and mark schemes from 2011 to help you understand how high-scoring answers are structured.
These documents contain more detailed explanations than would be expected during the actual exam and are ideal for learning how to express your reasoning clearly.
Reviewing these can help you learn how to show methodical progress toward a solution – something STEP markers reward heavily.
STEP Sample Answer Booklet and Instructions
When answering STEP questions, it’s important to clearly indicate which question you are working on by shading the appropriate circle at the top of each page in the answer booklet. To avoid any issues on the day, it’s a good idea to review a sample answer book page in advance so you’re familiar with the layout and expectations..
During the exam, you’ll also be required to complete parts of the test document with personal information. We recommend reviewing both the test instructions and the fields on the front cover ahead of time, so you know exactly what to expect and can avoid delays or mistakes during the test.
All of these resources are a great starting point for your STEP preparation. But mastering STEP goes beyond logistics – it’s about developing the problem-solving skills and mathematical intuition that top universities like Cambridge expect. If you’re looking for structured, expert-led support, our Oxbridge Maths Full-Blue Programme provides everything you need to succeed in STEP, from intensive tuition to realistic mock exams and examiner-grade feedback.
STEP Key Takeaways
Preparing for STEP is a serious task – but with the right strategy, it’s also a valuable opportunity to strengthen your mathematical thinking and stand out in competitive university admissions.
Here are the key points to remember:
STEP is not just another exam
It mirrors the style and depth of university mathematics. Approach it as an opportunity to deepen your understanding, not just meet a requirement.
Focus on quality over quantity
Since only your six best answers are marked, it’s more effective to master a few problems thoroughly than to rush through many.
Use official resources wisely
Cambridge’s STEP Support Programme, past papers, and mark schemes are some of the best free tools available. Make them part of your regular study routine.
Seek support when needed
Whether from teachers, study groups, or online communities, don’t hesitate to reach out for help in understanding complex problems.
Don’t fear the challenge
STEP is designed to be demanding, but it’s also designed to reward thoughtful, structured problem-solving – exactly the kind of skill that prepares you for university-level maths.
With the right mindset and preparation, STEP doesn’t have to be intimidating – in fact, it can be one of the most rewarding academic challenges you’ll tackle before university.
Early preparation is essential
The most successful candidates often start engaging with STEP-style problems several months in advance, gradually building confidence through consistent practice.
Take Your STEP Preparation Further
By reading this guide, you’ve taken a solid first step toward understanding STEP and gaining practical strategies to succeed in this challenging exam.
If you’re aiming for a place at top UK universities, excelling in admissions tests like STEP can make all the difference. At UniAdmissions, our Oxbridge-led Full-Blue Maths Programme offers comprehensive support, including personalised STEP tutoring, intensive preparation courses, and exclusive resources designed to maximise your potential.
Join the thousands of students who’ve turned ambition into offers. With a 59% Oxbridge success rate – over three times the national average – rest assured you’ll be in safe hands every step of the way.
We wish you the best of luck on your journey – and if you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with your network.
Enrolling on our Oxbridge Maths Programme will give you access to STEP support.
When you enrol on our Maths Programme, your Cambridge tutor will give you actionable feedback with insider tips on how to improve and score highly on the Admissions Test, as well as all other aspects of the application process, for the best chances of success.
Discover our Full-Blue Maths Programme by clicking the button below to learn how you can enrol and triple your chances of success.
