STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper (Mathematics)) — Free Online Mock Test

STEP exam at a glance

STEP full-length mock tests

Attempt 50 full-length STEP mock tests, each a distinct question set built on the real 12-question, 180-minute pattern — with instant scoring and section-wise analysis. The first 3 are free.

STEP key facts & eligibility

Who is eligible for STEP?

Applicants to mathematics (and some related) degrees at universities that require STEP — chiefly the University of Cambridge and the University of Warwick. It is aimed at the strongest A-level mathematicians.

Last verified July 2026 against STEP Mathematics — OCR. Always confirm current details on the official website before you register.

STEP section breakdown

The STEP mock test on Wrexa Edge replicates the real exam's section structure — same names, same question count per section, same time limits. No inter-section breaks — the timer runs continuously.

• STEP — Full Paper (12 Q)
  12 questions · 180 minutes · ~900 sec/question

STEP scoring & marking scheme

Strategy: STEP has no negative marking. Attempt every question — blank answers cost you potential marks but cannot pull your score down.

Scale: STEP (Grade S/1/2/3/U).

How STEP is conducted

• Mode
  Standard — practice without proctoring on Wrexa Edge, or enable optional webcam proctoring to simulate test-day conditions.
• Test format
  Linear / fixed-form — every candidate sees the same number of questions per section.
• Backtracking
  Allowed — you can revisit and change answers within a section.
• Mark for review
  Available — flag tough questions and return to them before submitting the section.

Tools available during the STEP exam

• Scratchpad
  Digital scratchpad / rough-work area for working out problems.

Wrexa Edge renders these tools inside the mock test exactly as they appear on the real STEP exam — same shortcuts, same behaviour.

STEP time strategy

With 12 questions in 180 minutes, you have about 900 seconds per question on average. Successful candidates aim for the following pacing on each section:

• STEP — Full Paper (12 Q)
  Target ~900 sec/question. If a question takes more than 1350 seconds, mark for review and move on.

Wrexa Edge's analytics show your actual time-per-question after every mock so you can spot which sections you're losing time on.

STEP topics covered

Across the 50 Wrexa Edge variants of STEP, the following topics appear most often (sample distribution from one variant):

STEP — Full Paper (12 Q)

• Probability · 1
• Calculus — Chain Rule · 1
• Calculus — Product Rule · 1
• Calculus — Definite Integral · 1
• Calculus — Limits · 1
• Algebra — Quadratic Formula · 1
• Algebra — Logarithms · 1
• Trigonometry — Equation · 1

STEP difficulty calibration

Elite tier. Elite-tier: among the toughest exams in its category. Most successful candidates prepare for 6-12+ months.

Cambridge admissions math test. 12 long-form questions / 3 hours. · Official language: English.

Verified content — Wrexa Edge's STEP bank has been deeply curated with real exam-aligned content (estimated 100% syllabus coverage).

How Wrexa Edge prepares you for STEP

• Real test-day interface
  Our sat skin mirrors the actual STEP testing software — same timer, palette, tools, and navigation.
• 50 distinct variants
  600 unique practice questions, each variant a fresh test — not just shuffled options.
• Detailed analytics
  Scaled score, section accuracy, topic-wise heatmap, time-per-question — see where to focus after every attempt.
• Spaced repetition (Notebook)
  Wrong answers and flagged questions flow into an SM-2 spaced-repetition deck so you actually retain what you learn.
• Optional proctoring
  Browser-based face-api detection (no install) — turn it on to simulate a high-stakes environment.
• Free to start
  No credit card. Sign up, pick a variant, and your first STEP mock starts in under a minute.

STEP study plan

A phase-by-phase roadmap from your first concept to test-ready. Stretch or compress each phase to fit the time you have before your attempt.

Where STEP can take you

A strong STEP result opens up these careers and higher-study paths:

• Cambridge/Warwick maths offers
  STEP grades are part of conditional offers for maths and related degrees.
• Elite maths preparation
  Builds the problem-solving depth expected in a top maths degree.
• Mathematical maturity
  The rigorous proof-writing carries directly into university study.
• Competitive edge
  A strong STEP result signals exceptional mathematical ability.

Best books & official prep for STEP

• STEP past papers (free, via OCR / the STEP database) — OCR / Cambridge
  Real past papers are the core preparation.
• The STEP Support Programme (maths.org) — University of Cambridge
  Free, structured, official preparation modules.
• Advanced Problems in Mathematics — Stephen Siklos
  A classic guide to STEP-style problem-solving.

Official practice: Start early with the free STEP Support Programme and work past papers to time; STEP rewards persistence on hard, multi-step problems rather than syllabus breadth.

Previous-year papers: A large archive of STEP past papers is freely available for practice.

Frequently asked questions

What is the STEP exam pattern?

Sixth Term Examination Paper (Mathematics) contains 12 questions across 1 section: STEP — Full Paper (12 Q). Total duration is 180 minutes (about 900 seconds per question).

Does STEP have negative marking?

No — STEP has no negative marking. Each correct answer is worth 1 mark, so attempt every question.

How is STEP scored?

Scaled score range: 0 to 100. STEP (Grade S/1/2/3/U).

How can I practise STEP online for free?

Wrexa Edge gives you 3 free full-length STEP mock tests — with instant scoring, detailed explanations and analytics — plus 47 more with Pro. Start practising in under a minute, no card required.

What is the difficulty level of STEP?

STEP is rated Elite difficulty on Wrexa Edge. Elite-tier: among the toughest exams in its category. Most successful candidates prepare for 6-12+ months. Cambridge admissions math test. 12 long-form questions / 3 hours. · Official language: English.

How long is the STEP exam?

STEP runs for 180 minutes total. On Wrexa Edge the timer is enforced exactly as on the real exam — including no inter-section breaks.

What topics are covered in STEP?

STEP is split into: STEP — Full Paper (12 Q). Each section is timed and weighted separately. Cambridge admissions math test. 12 long-form questions / 3 hours. · Official language: English.

What tools or aids are allowed during STEP?

Digital scratchpad / rough-work area for working out problems.

Is the STEP test adaptive?

No — STEP is a fixed-form (linear) test. Every candidate sees the same number of questions per section.

How many STEP mock tests does Wrexa Edge offer?

Wrexa Edge generates 50 distinct STEP variants — each with different question content, not just shuffled options — the first 3 free for everyone and 47 more with Pro. That's 600 unique practice questions in the real test-day interface.

Is there a free STEP test series 2026?

Yes. The Wrexa Edge STEP test series for 2026 gives you 3 free full-length mock tests (50 in total) plus subject-wise and topic-wise tests — instant scoring and detailed analysis, no card required.

Are STEP previous year question–style papers included?

Every STEP mock is modelled on the official exam pattern and the style of previous years' papers — the same 12-question structure, sections and marking — so your practice mirrors the real paper you'll sit.

Which is the best free STEP mock test online?

Wrexa Edge's STEP mock test replicates the real exam interface, timing and marking scheme, with instant score, section-wise analysis and 50 fresh variants — a strong free choice for 2026 preparation.

Can I take the STEP mock test on mobile?

Yes. STEP mock tests run in any browser on mobile, tablet or desktop — no app or download needed. Start on your phone and your progress and analytics sync when you sign in.

What is the STEP syllabus?

The STEP syllabus maps to its 1 section: STEP — Full Paper (12 Q). Wrexa Edge's mock tests cover the complete syllabus topic by topic — see the topics-covered breakdown above — so you practise every area at real exam difficulty.

What is the eligibility for STEP?

Applicants to mathematics (and some related) degrees at universities that require STEP — chiefly the University of Cambridge and the University of Warwick. It is aimed at the strongest A-level mathematicians. Wrexa Edge focuses on realistic STEP practice: 3 free full-length mocks in the exact exam pattern, ready whenever you are.

When is the STEP exam and how should I prepare?

Official STEP exam dates are announced by the conducting body for each cycle — check the latest notification for the current schedule. To be ready, follow a phased study plan and take full-length timed mocks; Wrexa Edge gives you 3 free STEP mocks with instant scoring so you can track your readiness week by week.

Related exams & practice tests

Candidates preparing for STEP also practise these on Wrexa Edge:

Browse more: All University & Higher Ed exams →  ·  All United Kingdom exams →  ·  Full exam catalog →

• Global exam practice tests
• Exam calendar 2026

Ready to ace STEP?

Join thousands of candidates practising on Wrexa Edge. Free signup, 50 variants per exam, instant scoring.