STEP: Maths Sixth Term Examination Papers
Who needs to take it?
The STEP (Maths Sixth Term Examination Papers) is a little different from the other admissions tests featured here, in that it is not generally taken before you apply.
Instead it is like A-levels and other exams taken in June, and universities may make it a condition of your offer.
Specifically the following courses may ask for it:
University of Cambridge
STEP will generally form part of the offer for courses in:
Mathematics
Durham University
Durham will make an alternative offer including a condition in STEP for courses in:
Mathematics
Mathematics and Statistics
(They will also do the same for students who are taking/have taken the TMUA).
University of Warwick
Warwick will generally ask applicants to take either the TMUA or the STEP for courses in:
Mathematics courses
Statistics courses (inc. Maths and Statistics, MORSE, Data Science)
Students applying to Mathematics courses, and who are planning to take STEP instead of TMUA should notify the university at the time of application.
Check the university information closely.
Key dates (2026 dates TBC)
1 March 2025: Registration opens for test centres
4 May 2025: Registration closes for test centres
11 June 2025: STEP Paper 2 test date
16 June 2025: STEP Paper 3 test date
14 August 2025: Results released
Format
It is set and administered by the OCR exam board.
It can be taken at schools, colleges other test centres around the world. Register through your school, or see the STEP website for other authorised open test centres.
There are two Papers, confusingly known as STEP 2 and STEP 3 (STEP 1 was withdrawn some years ago).
Cambridge applicants should take both papers.
Warwick or Durham applicants can take either paper, or may take both papers and submit the strongest.
Results
Results will be issued to candidates in August.
Cost
To be confirmed for 2026. The cost for 2025 is £98.50 if taken in the UK and Republic of Ireland, or £136.75 if taken elsewhere.
Preparation
Preparation materials, including notes, past questions, sample tests and more are available via the University of Cambridge STEP Support Programme.
Further information
You can find out everything you need to know about the STEP at:
