Math Competency Exam

All Primary/Junior (P/J) teacher candidates must complete our math competency exam with a mark of 75%, or higher, in order to complete your program and receive your Bachelor of Education degree (BEd).

This compulsory exam helps to ensure that all P/J teacher candidates understand basic mathematical concepts at their desired teaching level. Depending on your division, you will need to complete the following courses by passing the math competency exam successfully:

  • All P/J teacher candidates must complete EDUC 0450: Mathematics Competency Exam, which will test your math content knowledge up to grade six/seven

For more information about the math competency exam, use the following resources:

Teacher Candidate Testimonials: 

"...SG taught me about this idea of a “math mindset” and how easily it can be changed. From this, I decided to change my mindset from “I can’t do this” to “challenge accepted!.” This small change was the key to my success. Because I viewed math as a challenge, I was able to take on any problem SG posed. Even if it was a question I was unable to solve right away, I knew that if I kept working on it, I would be able to find the correct answer." (read more)

"My advice to any teacher candidate is to never give-up on your dreams because of a few bad outcomes. Seek help from your academic advisors and instructors because they are there to help you succeed. The most important thing to remember is that, it doesn’t matter how long it takes for you to achieve your goals as long as you come to recognize that it is how we rise to a challenge that defines us..." (read more)

What is the Math Competency Exam?

Our math competency exam is a single test that all P/J teacher candidates must complete with a mark of 75%, or higher, to receive their BEd.

This exam tests your math content knowledge to ensure that you have the necessary expertise to teach in Ontario schools. The exam covers the mathematical concepts that make up the Ontario math curriculum (secondary/elementary) and requires you to demonstrate your understanding in a wide range of areas.

How do I pass the Math Competency Exam?

As a P/J teacher candidate, you must complete our math competency exam successfully. To pass our math competency exam, you must achieve a mark of 75%; if you do not pass the exam within the allotted number of attempts, you will not receive your BEd.

Because our math competency exam can be challenging, we recommend that you review your math skills and use the following resources to help prepare:

When and where is the Math Competency Exam?

The math competency exam will take place on the following date and at the following locations:

Lakehead Thunder Bay
Saturday, September 10, 2022
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Bora Laskin Building

Lakehead Orillia
Saturday, September 10, 2022
10:00 am - 12:00pm
Simcoe Hall, University Avenue

What happens if I miss the Math Competency Exam?

Missing the initial sitting of the Math Competency Exam in September is deemed the first attempt of two that are provided per course registration. Alternate or additional exam sittings are not available; thus, the final exam sitting for the course is in March of the same academic year.

Students in the Primary-Junior division of the two-year professional program who miss the September sitting of the Math Competency Exam in Year 1 are required to meet with the course instructor (EDUC 0450), and enrol in and complete EDUC 3519: Mathematics Curriculum for P/J Teaching. Students with documentation supporting a strong foundation in Mathematics may choose to petition this registration requirement with the Chair of Undergraduate Studies/Programs following a meeting with the course instructor. 

What happens if I fail the Math Competency Exam?

If your initial attempt to pass the math competency exam is unsuccessful, you can re-write it in March of the same academic year. 

If you are a P/J teacher candidate in a Two-Year BEd Professional Program, you are required to enrol in and complete EDUC 3519: Mathematics Curriculum for P/J Teaching in Year 1. 

The second opportunity will take place on the following date and at the following locations:

Lakehead Thunder Bay
Thursday, March 16, 2023
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Contingency date for inclement weather:  Friday, March 17, 2023
Bora Laskin Building

Lakehead Orillia
Thursday, March 16, 2023
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Contingency date for inclement weather:  Friday, March 17, 2023
Heritage Place

If you are a candidate in the two-year Professional Program, and you do not obtain a mark of 75% on your second attempt, you must re-register for and complete EDUC 0450, section YA or YBO that corresponds to your home campus, in the next academic year, and receive two more attempts to write the math competency exam:  September and March.

If you fail your third attempt in September of your second year, you will not be permitted to proceed to the November-December practicum.

If you are again unsuccessful in EDUC 0450 , you will no longer be eligible to receive your BEd or be recommended to the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).