Mathematics Placement Test (MPT)
Notice of Changes to the Math Placement Test
A significant revision of the Math Placement Test was put into practice starting June 1, 2026. Scores obtained before that date will not satisfy prerequisite requirements for courses.
New Sample MPT (No Answers Provided*)-New Shorter Version
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MPT for Winter 2027 Courses
Use the chart above to determine if you will need an MPT score to take an entry-level MATH or STAT course in the winter 2026 semester. Students who have already written the MPT since June 1, 2026 are not permitted to retake the test unless they show evidence of having done some kind of course (that can be officially recognized) that would have likley improved their math proficiencies (see Upgrading to Access First Year Math Courses).
Eligible students may do the MPT to meet the prerequisite requirement for a winter course at the following times:
- November 5, 2026, at 10:30am in A-1043. Register using this form: REGISTER
- November 18, 2026, at 9:00am in A-1043. Register using this form: REGISTER
- November 25, 2026, at 9:00am in A-1043. Register using this form: REGISTER
- January 7, 2027 at 7:00pm in A-1043. Registration is automatic. For example, if you have registered to take MATH 1090 in winter and you do not have an MPT score, then you are automatically registered to do the MPT on Jan. 7, 2027. At some point as we get closer to January you will see MATH 1MPT in your Brightspace.
General Information
The MPT (Math Placement Test) is a diagnostic of basic skills in mathematics. It measures competence in specific core areas of mathematics covered in grade school -- arithmetic of integers, rational and real numbers, algebraic expressions, trigonometry, basic geometry, and simple functions. The test is comprised of 40 questions, to be answered in 40 minutes. The test will be administered during the first lecture of the associated class, and at several times over the summer in St. John's and Corner Brook.
To maintain registration in a first MATH or STAT course, a Math Placement Test score is required if no alternate prerequisite requirement is met. Students who do not yet have an MPT score will be able to register, with the understanding that the MPT must be written by the end of the first class. The score required to meet prerequisite requirements is indicated in the Course Criteria Chart.
Calculators or other electronic devices are not permitted when taking the MPT.
Clarifications Regarding the Format of the MPT
- The new format MPT may be attempted only once. A student who registers for two or more courses for which an MPT score is required must have completed the MPT by the end of the first class in one of those courses.
- Writing the old two hour version of the MPT does not count as having attempted the new version of the MPT. (Someone who scored insufficiently on the old version will be able to register for a math course and write the new MPT.)
- A student who has passed MATH 1090 is not required to write the MPT again to proceed with MATH 1000.
- All students taking a first MATH or STAT course in Fall 2026 will require a new MPT score, regardless of whether you passed the old version of the MPT. The old MPT score may be considered if the new MPT score is insufficient.
- Students who take the MPT over the summer (see 'Early MPT Sessions' below) are not permitted to re-do the test in September (secondary writings will be discarded.)
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Nursing students doing STAT 2500 in the 2026-27 year may request a PR waiver if they got at least 50% on the old MPT, or scored under 50% on the old MPT and have since than completed an ‘upgrade’ course. Nursing students incoming this year who would not typically do STAT 2500 until the 2027-28 academic year will need an MPT score to take STAT 2500.
Early MPT Sessions (End of June to Early August)
Tests will take place in various locations across the province in June 2027. There will be several opportunities over the summer to do the test in St. John's. More information will be posted here when details are available.
The Math Placement Test is a diagnostic used to help place students in appropriate first year MATH or STAT courses based on demonstration of the skills and knowledge required for success. A particular score on the MPT is required to maintain registration in certain MATH and STAT courses.
The use of a calculator is neither required nor permitted on the MPT.
Bring a pencil, a back-up pencil, a good eraser, and either your MUN student ID card, or a piece of government issued photo ID. Calculators are not permitted. Scrap paper is provided.
Online students registered in MATH 1MPT-081 must present both a MUN student ID and a piece of government issued photo ID.
May 11, 2026 results will be emailed to your @mun.ca email address, from tstuckless@mun.ca.
Early MPT results may take up to two weeks to process and will be emailed to you from tstuckless@mun.ca.
Start-of-Term MPT results will appear in your course Brightspace.
The MPT score is relevant only to your MATH or STAT course registration (and courses that have a MATH or STAT course set as a co-requisite, such as PHYS or ENGI courses).
If you do not obtain the required mark for a Math & Stats course, make sure to read the information posted in your course Brightspace, and pay close attention to emails from your instructor. Depending on how close you were to the required score you may be permitted to continue. You may be advised to upgrade your high school math skills. Some suggestions are outlined here: https://www.mun.ca/math/undergraduates/first-year-courses/#upgrading.
The MPT is not a test of knowledge, but of proficiency. It's expected that you have seen all this material before, and understand how to do the exercises. The MPT evaluates the level of your fluency. We do not expect students to study a particular text to prepare for this test. Years of learning mathematics should have prepared you for this.
The Mathematics and Statistics Department does not endorse any particular resource for preparation. We provide a sample test (on this page) and from that you can identify if there are any particular weaknesses you want to work on before you take the test. The internet is a great source of practice problems.
Yes. Everyone will be permitted to register. Many students will write the MPT in the first class. The MPT must be written before the end of the first class in order to secure your seat in the class.
If you cannot add a MATH or STAT course then your record might be missing an indication of your level of high school math. You need either grade 12 academic math, or grade 12 advanced math to register for a MATH or STAT course. If you can't see your high school records on your Self-Service, and you know they have been submitted to the University, you should contact the Office of the Registrar for assistance.
An answer key is not provided. It is assumed that given enough time, any incoming student can answer all the questions on the MPT. The purpose of the MPT isn't to test knowledge, but proficiency. You need to be proficient in arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry to keep pace with the mathematics demonstrated in your lectures.
Under usual circumstances, the MPT may be written only once. If you have upgraded your math skills by taking a course from another institution, you may contact the Program Officer to discuss the possibility of retaking the test.
We ask that you carefully select the date and time of your Early MPT as to avoid the need to change. That being said, if you need to cancel your Early MPT registration and book a different date/time, you can submit a new registration using the online form.
In 2026, the format of the MPT was shortened from 100 to 40 questions. The previous version (100 question test) is now referred to as the 'Long MPT'. The new version is now called the Math Placement Test, but may be referred to as the 'short' MPT.
Starting Fall 2026 anyone taking their first MATH or STAT course will need to do the new 40-question version of the MPT.*
*Nursing students doing STAT 2500 in the 2026-27 academic year may appeal for entry based on an MPT score obtained prior to June 1, 2026.