A number of universities across the world accept the test as an optional part of their application process for mathematics-based courses.
[1] The TMUA exams from 2017 were paper-based; however, since 2024 it has transitioned to being administered through a computer, where applicants may use a Whiteboard notebook to write their working out.
These ideas reflect those that would be met early on in a typical A Level Mathematics course: algebra, basic functions, sequences and series, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation, integration, graphs of functions.
The second paper assesses a candidate’s ability to justify and interpret mathematical arguments and conjectures, and deal with elementary concepts from logic.
There is no pass/fail for the test, however a higher score will generally improve the candidate's chances of being admitted to their university of choice.
Entry for the test typically opens in September and candidates must be registered by early October.
[11] Completing past papers is generally agreed to be a highly effective means of preparing for the test, as they are directly representative of what the exam is like.