Utrecht University Math Entrance Exam (OMPT)

Utrecht University requires OMPT-A with a minimum score of 75% for two bachelor programmes: Economics and Business Economics at the Utrecht University School of Economics, and Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE). Both allow a maximum of three attempts and also accept Boswell-Bèta and CCVX certificates. Examify verified this on the official application and admission pages on 23 July 2026.

Utrecht University OMPT requirements by programme

The pattern is simple because the list is short. Utrecht uses one module, one threshold and one attempt rule, and applies them to the two programmes with an economics core. The alternatives are the same on both pages: a Boswell-Bèta certificate or a CCVX certificate in Mathematics A or B. The CCVX route is a written exam sat in Utrecht on fixed dates; the OMPT can be booked online from anywhere.

The unusual part is the restriction. Utrecht University states that OMPT-A is accepted for these two programmes only, and not for admission to any other Utrecht programme. Do not book the test for a programme outside this table without checking its own admission page first. Neither page publishes a validity period for the OMPT certificate.

Which OMPT module Utrecht University uses and what it looks like

Utrecht uses OMPT-A only. The figures below come from the official OMPT-A syllabus.

The eight chapters are Numbers, Algebra, Linear formulas and equations, Systems of linear equations, Quadratic equations, Functions, Exponential functions and logarithms, and Differentiation. The first five are secondary-school algebra and most candidates half know them already. Functions and Differentiation are the largest chapters and carry most of the weight, and Exponential functions and logarithms is the one applicants most often report as rusty. The full chapter list with topic counts is on Examify's OMPT-A syllabus page.

Utrecht University OMPT minimum score in context

Utrecht's 75% sits at the top of the 60% to 75% range that most programmes use. It matches Maastricht SBE, which also asks 75% on OMPT-A, and is higher than Erasmus IBEB at 70% on OMPT-A (first attempt only) and Tilburg at 70% with a maximum of two attempts. Radboud asks 55% on OMPT-D, but that is a different and longer module.

What Utrecht gives back is room to retry. Three attempts is the most generous rule in this group, so a first attempt that lands at 70% is a setback rather than the end of the route. On OMPT-A, 75% means about 39 correct answers out of 52, so you can miss 13 questions. Aim 10 to 15 points higher on a mock, at 85% to 90%, before you book: mock scores move between sittings, and the real exam adds a proctor, an ID check and strict final-answer grading. The full comparison of thresholds is in OMPT passing scores.

How to prepare for the Utrecht University OMPT test

The official estimate for OMPT-A is about 80 hours. A 75% target on a two-hour test makes pace and accuracy matter as much as coverage, so the plan below is built around timed work from the second week onwards.

1. Sit a full-length diagnostic mock first: 52 questions, 120 minutes, timer on, answers typed. The free OMPT practice test shows two of the harder OMPT-A questions in the real answer box so you learn the input rules; then take the full OMPT-A generation-1 mock built by Examify.
2. Score the mock per chapter, not just overall. Rank the eight chapters from weakest to strongest and give the weakest ones the first hours. If Numbers and Algebra score above 80%, skip them until the final week.
3. Spend the bulk of the 80 hours on Functions, Exponential functions and logarithms, and Differentiation. These are the chapters where "method unknown" errors live; the early chapters mostly produce slips.
4. Practise in the answer format from day one. The OMPT checks final answers with a computer algebra system and a mathematician reviews formatting, so a correct method with an ambiguous final answer earns nothing.
5. From week two, run every drill set at 2.3 minutes per question. At 75% you cannot afford to leave questions blank at the end.
6. Take a second full mock about a week before your planned test date. Book only if it lands at 85% or above; otherwise move the slot rather than spend one of the three attempts early.

For a week-by-week version see improve your OMPT score in 30 days. If you are unsure how many of the 80 hours you actually need, how long does OMPT preparation take shows how to convert a diagnostic score into hours and how hard is the OMPT puts the 75% bar in perspective.

Booking, deadlines and results for Utrecht University applicants

An OMPT-A slot has to be booked at least 72 hours in advance, and each attempt costs €240 (€270 applies only to OMPT-D and OMPT-F, which Utrecht does not use). Results and the digital certificate arrive within 8 business days, which is about 12 calendar days depending on the weekday.

Utrecht's application deadline is not reproduced here; take it from the programme page you are applying to and count backwards. With one attempt and no buffer, the last safe test date is about 12 calendar days before that deadline. If you want one retake in reserve, which Utrecht's three-attempt rule allows, count 38 days: 12 for results, 14 to fix the weak chapters and rebook, and 12 for the second result. Add your study weeks in front of that. The booking steps, ID rules and proctoring setup are in how to book the OMPT, and the programme table with source links is kept current on the Utrecht University page.

Requirements can change between intakes, so confirm the module, score and attempt limit on the official Utrecht admission page before you pay for a slot. Examify is independent and not affiliated with the OMPT, SOWISO or any university.