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STEP

Structure

Overview

Overview

STEP is the hardest entrance written examination among UK mathematics examinations, led by the Cambridge Faculty of Mathematics. Unlike MAT, STEP is closer to university-level mathematics in style: questions require complete derivations and arguments, and often demand extended thinking. The Cambridge Faculty of Mathematics typically requires a STEP 2 result of Grade 1 or S.

Format

Format
Published format

STEP 2 & 3: 12 questions each (8 Pure + 2 Mech + 2 Stats), answer any 6. All written proof.

Format guidance

STEP 2 and STEP 3 are each independent: each paper has 12 questions (8 pure + 2 mechanics + 2 statistics); answer 6 of them, with full written derivations.

Structure

Structure Details

STEP 2 tests A-Level Pure Mathematics content; STEP 3 includes Further Mathematics content. Every question is worth the same number of marks, and only 6 questions are chosen to be answered on each paper. The difficulty gradient across the questions is steep, and question 6 is usually extremely challenging.

Scoring

Scoring

Maximum 20 marks per question, 120 marks in total. Grades: S (Outstanding, ≈100+), 1 (very good), 2 (good), 3 (fair), U. Cambridge mathematics usually requires 1,1 or S,1.

Preparation tips

Key Tips
  • ▸STEP is far harder than A-Level — do not estimate STEP timing from your A-Level speed; each question may take 20–30 minutes.
  • ▸You only need to choose 6 questions: first look through all 12 questions, then choose the 6 you are most confident about; do not be greedy.
  • ▸Cambridge officially provides the STEP Support Programme (a free online course), which is the best preparation material.
  • ▸Grade does not depend on the absolute score—with STEP 2, full marks on 4.5 questions is enough for an S—do not aim to do everything, aim for precision.
  • ▸Prepare for STEP 2 & 3 separately; most Cambridge applicants only need STEP 2.

Registration and results

Registration & Results
Registration windowUsually opens in 3 each year and closes before early 5
How to registerRegister with OCR through your exam centre (school or authorised centre); private candidates need to contact a centre that accepts external candidates.
Test datesUsually in 6
Results datesUsually announced in mid-8 (close to A-Level results day)
How to access resultsCheck via the OCR 'Results' online system or the test centre; scores are sent to the relevant institutions.
Official registration ↗Official results information ↗

Dates and arrangements change. Check the current official information before registering.

Official registration ↗Official sample questions ↗