Numera FAQ: the questions that come up most often

Straightforward answers to the questions Ontario teacher candidates ask most about Numera and MPT preparation. Keep it bookmarked.

About Numera

What is Numera? Numera is a free practice app for Ontario teacher candidates preparing for the Math Proficiency Test. It combines step-by-step solutions on every problem, full mock exams that match actual MPT format and timing, complete offline access, and coverage of both the math content and pedagogy sections of the test. Live at app.numeracode.com.

What makes it different? Three things in combination: step-by-step explanations on every problem (not just answers), full offline access (the only comprehensive MPT resource that works without wifi), and equal coverage of both MPT sections (most resources skip pedagogy). Each of those exists individually elsewhere; the combination is unique.

Is Numera affiliated with EQAO or OCT? No. It's an independent tool built by developers who recognized that Ontario teacher candidates needed free, accessible MPT prep — not affiliated with the Education Quality and Accountability Office, the Ontario College of Teachers, or any government body. It aligns with MPT requirements but isn't an official resource.

Who built it? Independent developers focused on making MPT preparation accessible without expensive tutoring or paid resources.

Using Numera

How do I start? Visit app.numeracode.com, click "Start Practising", and choose either a Mock Exam or a Strand Drill. No signup. Begin practising immediately.

Do I need an account? No account is required for the free version. Optional accounts let you sync progress across devices and unlock advanced analytics if you upgrade to Pro. Most candidates use the free version without an account.

Can I use it on my phone? Yes — iPhone, Android, tablet, or laptop. For best mobile experience, install it as a PWA: visit the site on your phone, then "Add to Home Screen" (iOS) or "Install App" (Android). That gives you offline functionality and a native-app feel.

What devices does Numera support? Anything with a modern browser. iPhones, Android phones, tablets, Windows or macOS computers, Chromebooks. Install as a PWA on mobile to enable offline mode.

How offline works

Does it really work offline? Yes — fully. Once loaded, all mock exams, all practice problems, all explanations, and your progress data live on your device and don't require connectivity. Study on the GO Train, in subway tunnels, in rural placements, anywhere with patchy or no wifi.

How do I get it offline? Install as a PWA on your phone (Add to Home Screen / Install App), let it load once with a connection, then it works without internet from then on.

What's covered

What math topics does Numera include? The full Grade 3–9 Ontario math curriculum tested on the MPT — Number Sense and Numeration (whole numbers, fractions, decimals, integers, percentages), Measurement (length, area, volume, time, angles, perimeter), Geometry and Spatial Sense (2D/3D shapes, transformations, coordinates, symmetry), Patterning and Algebra (patterns, variables, equations, relationships), and Data Management and Probability (graphs, charts, mean/median/mode, probability).

Does Numera cover the pedagogy section? Yes. The MPT is roughly 70% math content and 30% pedagogy. Numera includes pedagogy-aligned content covering how to explain math concepts to students, teaching strategies for different topics, and pedagogical applications worked into practice problems.

How many mock exams are available? The free version includes a limited number of full mock exams (sufficient for most candidates' prep). Pro unlocks unlimited mocks. Each mock mirrors the actual MPT in structure, timing, difficulty, and question types.

What are strand drills? Focused practice on a specific math strand — Number Sense drills, Measurement drills, Geometry drills, Algebra drills, or Data Management drills. Use them to target weaknesses your mock exams surface.

Does every problem have an explanation? Yes. Every problem includes a step-by-step solution showing the work, a concept explanation of why the approach works, and where relevant, alternative methods. The point is to teach the how, not just give you the answer.

Passing the MPT

Can I pass using only Numera? Many candidates have. It's comprehensive — both sections covered, explanations on every problem, realistic mocks. The candidates who pass with just Numera follow a consistent pattern: take mock exams to identify weak areas, use strand drills to fix those weaknesses, study the explanations to build real understanding (not memorization), and practise until consistently scoring 70%+ in both sections.

How long should I study? Two to four weeks for most candidates. Strong math background: 1–2 weeks. Moderate confidence: 2–3 weeks. Math anxiety or significant gaps: 3–4 weeks plus Khan Academy for foundation review. Numera includes a guided 2-week plan if you want structure.

What score do I need? 70% in each section independently — math content section AND pedagogy section. You can't compensate: 90% on math but 60% on pedagogy fails the test.

How do I know if I'm ready? Take a mock exam under realistic conditions (timed, no phone, no notes, no breaks). Score it. If you're consistently above 70% in both sections, you're ready. If not, focus on whichever section is below the line.

Numera vs. other resources

How is Numera different from EQAO practice? EQAO publishes official released Grade 9 assessments — they're authoritative for math content, free, but answer-key only and math-only (no pedagogy section). Numera adds step-by-step explanations, both MPT sections, offline access, and a much larger question pool. Use both: EQAO for official-format math practice, Numera for comprehensive prep with explanations.

Do I need paid tutoring? Most candidates don't. Numera plus the free EQAO/Khan Academy/Growing Success resources are sufficient for the vast majority. Consider tutoring only if you've tried self-study and still struggle significantly, you have specific learning needs requiring personal attention, or you have severe math anxiety that meaningfully blocks self-study.

About Numera Pro

What is it? A paid upgrade with unlimited mock exams, advanced progress analytics, detailed performance insights, and priority support.

Is it required? No. The free version provides everything most candidates need to pass.

How much? A small monthly subscription, much less than tutoring or prep courses. Current pricing is on app.numeracode.com.

Technical questions

Does it work on iPhone? Yes. Visit app.numeracode.com → Add to Home Screen → works as an app, offline included.

Does it work on Android? Yes. Visit app.numeracode.com → Install App → works as an app, offline included.

Does Numera collect my data? Numera stores your practice data locally on your device for offline access. With no account required for basic use, data collection is minimal. If you upgrade to a Pro account, your data syncs to the cloud for cross-device access — that's the only case where data leaves your device.

Is there a native app? Numera is delivered as a Progressive Web App (PWA) — works like a native app (install on any device, full offline functionality, no notifications you didn't opt into) but distributed via the web rather than app stores. The benefits: install on any device, instant updates without app-store delays, no download size limits.

Getting help

How do I get support? For the free version: in-app help and the FAQ on this page. For Pro users: priority email support.

Where can I learn more? The website at app.numeracode.com and the blog at numeracode.com/blog cover features, study strategies, and MPT preparation in depth.

Start practising at app.numeracode.com. Step-by-step solutions, both MPT sections, offline access. Free.

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Numera FAQ: The Questions That Come Up Most Often