Mathematics Placement Test (MPT)
To determine if you need an MPT score, check the Course Criteria chart: https://www.mun.ca/undergrad/fyi/charts/math-criteria.php.
FAQ
- What is the MPT?
- Who should write the MPT?
- When is the MPT offered?
- Can I re-take the MPT?
- How do I register for the MPT?
- I registered for the MPT but I can't see the date or time!
- Can I register for my math course before I write the MPT?
- What score do I need to get on the MPT?
- What material does the MPT test?
- Can you provide me with study materials?
- What materials should I bring to when I write the MPT?
- What if I fail my MPT?
- How will I get my MPT result?
The use of a calculator is neither required nor permitted on the MPT.
You must present a photo ID when you write the MPT. A Memorial University student ID or valid driver's license is acceptable. Online students registered in MATH 1MPT-081 must present both a MUN student ID and a piece of government issued photo ID.
The MPT may be written only once1.
What is the MPT?
The MPT (Math Placement Test) is a two hour diagnostic of basic skills in mathematics administered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. It has been carefully designed by mathematics educators to measure levels of competence in specific core areas of mathematics covered in grade school -- arithmetic of integers, rational numbers, and reals, algebraic expressions, trigonometry, basic geometry, and simple functions. The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, in 20 topics/areas, broken down into five questions each. Students have 2hrs to complete the test.
Your MPT score is used to determine the math courses for which you have the prerequisite knowledge to succeed.
The use of a calculator is neither required nor permitted on the MPT.
You must present a photo ID when you write the MPT. A Memorial University student ID or valid driver's license is acceptable. Online students registered in MATH 1MPT-081 must present both a MUN student ID and a piece of government issued photo ID.
Who should take the MPT? (For Fall 2023 Registration)
Students should review the information in the Course Criteria Chart to determine whether or not they need to write the MPT.
When is the MPT offered?
Starting June 2023, in response to the cancelation of NL public exams in grade 12, the MPT will be administered sometime in the final weeks of the school year. This webpage will be updated by March 31, 2023 with details of when and where students may take the test. The MPT is also administered the day before the start of classes in the fall, and on the first day of classes in winter and spring. Distance students have a two-week window of time in which to take the test prior to the start of classes.
Can I re-take the MPT?
Under usual circumstances, the MPT may be written only once. If a significant amount of time has passed (6 or more years) or you have upgraded your math skills by taking an external course or through other means, you may contact the Program Officer to discuss the possibility of retaking the test.
How do I register for the MPT?
You register for the MPT as you would a regular course, using the course number "MATH 1MPT". You may check the course offerings posted by the Office of the Registrar to see the specific time and place for each section of MATH 1MPT. Note that MATH 1MPT is listed at the bottom of the list of math courses. Once you have registered, you can view the course information for MATH 1MPT on your Self-Service to see the date, time, and location of your Math Placement Test.
If you are registered for an online section of a math course (MATH 1000-081*, or MATH 1090-081*), and you will not be taking courses at the St. John's campus in the same semester, you may register for the online MPT: MATH 1MPT-081*. Note that the online MPT may have a single date listed on the self-service system, but once you register you will receive instructions on how to schedule your personal date and time. Students registering for any classes at one of our campuses must write an MPT scheduled to be written at that campus. You must be a genuine distance student to take the distance MPT.
*Online sections are numbered 081, 082, or 083.
If you are a student with a disability who requires an academic accommodation to write the MPT (e.g., large print or extended time), please contact the Glenn Roy Blundon Centre, Office of Student Affairs and Services, to discuss your request.
I registered for the MPT but I can't see the date or time!
The date and time associated with your particular MATH 1MPT registration is listed in Self-Service. Look at the course information for MATH 1MPT.
Can I register for my math course before I write my MPT?
Yes, you may. Once registered for MATH 1MPT, and assuming you have met the minimum mathematics standard for entrance to MUN (grade 12 academic math) the system will allow you to co-register for MATH 1090, MATH 1050, or MATH 1051. If you also have "advanced math" on your record, as assessed by the Office of the Registrar from your high school records, you may register for MATH 1000. 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. Students who have not completed the equivalent of a grade 12 academic or advanced math course may not write the MPT and do not meet the minimum requirement to take mathematics courses at Memorial.
What score do I need to get on the MPT?
If you need to write the MPT the required scores are as follows:
| Course | Required MPT Score |
| MATH 1000 | 75% |
| MATH 1090 | 55% |
| MATH 1050 | 50% |
| MATH 1051 | 50% |
What material does the MPT test?
The following .pdfs explain what you will encounter on your MPT:
- Synopsis and Examples Representative of the Math Placement Test
- Answers for Examples in the Synopsis of the Math Placement Test
- Sample MPT (answer key will not be provided*)
*An answer key is not provided. It is assumed that you have already learned how to answer all the questions on the MPT through your grade 4 - 12 schooling. 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. If you do not know how to check your answers on the sample test, then you should consider upgrading your high school mathematics before taking a university level mathematics course.
Can you provide me with study materials?
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.
What materials should I bring to when I write 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.
What if I fail my MPT?
If you do not obtain the required mark for a Math & Stats course, you will be advised to upgrade your math skills at another institution either before or concurrently with your studies at Memorial. Some suggestions are outlined here: https://www.mun.ca/math/undergraduates/first-year-courses/#upgrading.
How will I get my MPT result?
Within 24hrs of the writing of a regularly scheduled MPT, your score will be emailed to your @mun.ca address. If you write with the Blundon Centre please allow 48hrs to receive the email. If you write the test online, your score is given when you finished the test.