Last updated

January 8, 2026

Should I take STEP, TMUA, or AEA?

STEP

By

Rowan Wright

Several universities that use STEP in their selection process for undergraduate Mathematics and related courses also accept (or prefer!) other admissions tests, such as the TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission) or AEA (Advanced Extension Award). This article provides a brief comparison of the tests and some factors to consider when deciding which to take.

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Quick Comparison

STEP is:

  • Two written exam papers (STEP 2 and STEP 3) taken in June of Year 13.
  • Roughly based on the full Mathematics A Level specification and either the AS Further Mathematics (STEP 2) or A Level Further Mathematics (STEP 3) specification.
  • Graded on five levels: S, 1, 2, 3, U (highest to lowest).
  • Used mainly by Cambridge in Mathematics admissions, and considered to be the most challenging mathematics admissions test.

TMUA is:

  • Taken in October or January of Year 13.
  • A multiple-choice, computer-based test which requires knowledge roughly equivalent to the first year of A Level Mathematics.
  • Graded on a scale from 1.0-9.0 (lowest to highest).

AEA is:

  • A written exam paper, taken in late June of Year 13.
  • An additional exam on the Edexcel A Level Mathematics specification, with no further material required.
  • Graded Distinction, Merit, or U (Unclassified), and carries UCAS points.

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Take the TMUA as a priority for...

...Imperial College London, the University of Warwick, and Durham University.

For Imperial and Warwick, applicants must take the TMUA if they submit their UCAS application on or before the final TMUA registration deadline (19th December for the January 2026 exam). It is used as an important measure in assessing applications. STEP (typically one paper) is only used as an offer condition for applicants who applied after the TMUA registration deadline, or did not achieve a high enough score on the TMUA (though most poor TMUA scores will lead to rejection - a STEP offer is relatively uncommon for applicants who sat TMUA). If you plan to apply to a course at either of these universities, we strongly advise that you submit your application promptly and register for the TMUA: it is a much more accessible test than STEP, and taken in October/January so isn't an additional burden around the time of your final A Level exams.

Durham University accepts TMUA or STEP (stating no preference) but strongly encourages applicants to take one of the tests because they are heavily weighted in their selection process. One of these tests is required for students who take AS Further Mathematics only. Applicants achieving a high enough score in either (5.0 on the TMUA or grade 2 in one STEP paper) are also eligible to be considered for a reduced offer.  For Durham, we recommend taking the TMUA, which provides a first opportunity to meet the threshold. STEP can then be taken as a second opportunity to meet the threshold if needed. NB Durham may unofficially consider the AEA but we recommend contacting the admissions department for more information.

In summary: in typical cases, we recommend taking the TMUA as a priority. It is more accessible than STEP in terms of the question style, requires no knowledge from Further Mathematics, and is taken at a quieter time in the academic year. STEP could provide an additional opportunity to meet your offer conditions or secure a reduced offer later in the year, if you don't achieve a high enough score in the TMUA.

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Consider taking the AEA for...

...UCL and the University of Bath (Mathematics and joint Mathematics courses).

UCL considers applicants with either a grade 2 in either STEP paper or a Distinction in the AEA for a reduced offer. The University of Bath requires students who are not taking A Level Further Mathematics (or comparable IB courses) to achieve either a STEP grade 2 or a Merit in the AEA (NB they disregard admissions test scores from applicants who are taking A Level Further Mathematics). Unless you are required to take STEP for another university, taking the AEA is probably recommended in both of of these cases. The AEA is vastly easier and more predictable than STEP, and it doesn't require any Further Mathematics knowledge, so there will be no additional content to learn. You might consider taking both tests (see below for some reasons), but unless you need STEP to meet another offer, it is probably advisable to prioritise the AEA. If you need a good STEP grade for another offer (e.g. Cambridge, Imperial, Warwick), you might even consider taking the AEA as a back-up to secure a reduced offer for UCL, if you are concerned about meeting the STEP/A Level offer conditions.

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STEP is good for...

STEP is much more similar in style to undergraduate mathematics than A Level or IB, which is precisely why it is used by Cambridge as a (very accurate) predictor of success at undergraduate level. Even if the TMUA or AEA are more sensible options for meeting offer conditions/reduced offer threshold, studying for STEP provides much better preparation for university study, so you might consider taking it for this reason.

Furthermore, STEP takes place later in the year, so it provides another opportunity to do well in an admissions test if TMUA didn't go to plan. There is no harm in taking it (aside from the registration fee) because STEP is an exam, not a qualification: you don't need to list on your academic record if it doesn't go well.

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If you aren't sure...

The best way to find out which test you are best suited to is to try a few past papers from each. You will very quickly understand the differences in style and difficulty, which might help you to make your decision.

Every applicant's circumstances are different, and there is not a 'one size fits all' approach to admissions tests. We hope this article has helped you to consider the different factors which may affect your decision. If you would like personalised advice, you are welcome to contact us or book a free consultation with me.

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