IMSA Practice Test

What the IMSA is and how it works

According to Algonquin College Test Centre, “in person with an Algonquin College proctor or virtually with the virtual proctoring service Meazure Learning.”^[1]

The Intermediate Math Skill Assessment (IMSA) is an admission assessment administered by the Algonquin College Test Centre to evaluate mathematical readiness for college programs. Because minimum score benchmarks vary by program, candidates should verify their specific requirements with the Registrar's Office.

Testing is delivered either in person with an Algonquin College proctor or virtually through the virtual proctoring service Meazure Learning. The assessment is untimed, meaning candidates can work at an unhurried pace, and Extra Time accommodations are neither needed nor available.

The standard assessment fee is $50 CAD per attempt for in-person testing. Virtual appointments through Meazure Learning include an added proctor fee of $45 CAD, bringing the total fee to $95 CAD. Assessment fees apply each time a candidate takes the test.

Candidates may be permitted up to 2 re-writes, allowing a total of 3 attempts per intake period or semester, specifically across September, January, and May. Following the test, all results are forwarded automatically to the Registrar's Office. Assessment results remain valid for two application years.

IMSA Exam at a Glance

What changed for IMSA in 2026

• Oct 25, 2026: Retake policy changed to Up to 2 re-writes (3 attempts) per intake period; fees apply each time (previously Up to 2 re-writes (3 attempts) per intake period).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Time limit changed to Untimed (previously Untimed (3-hour Test Centre sessions)).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Score release changed to Results are forwarded automatically to the Registrar's Office (previously Results sent automatically to your email and the Registrar's Office).^[2]

Worked examples: how to reason through IMSA questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: Events A and B are mutually exclusive. P(A) = 0.3 and P(B) = 0.4. What is P(A or B)?

1. 0.7
2. 0.12
3. 0.1
4. 1.0

Answer: A. 0.7

Explanation:

Option A is correct because mutually exclusive events cannot happen at the same time. The addition rule states that P(A or B) equals P(A) + P(B). Adding 0.3 and 0.4 gives 0.7. Option B is incorrect because 0.12 comes from multiplying 0.3 by 0.4, which represents the probability of independent events both occurring rather than their union. Option C is incorrect because 0.1 represents the difference between 0.4 and 0.3 rather than their sum. Option D is incorrect because 1.0 represents absolute certainty rather than the combined chance of events A and B. Remember that mutually exclusive events share no overlap, so calculating the probability of either event occurring requires adding their individual probabilities directly.

Example 2

Question: Which of the following is the formula for the area of a circle?

1. πr^2
2. πr
3. 2πr
4. 2πr^2

Answer: A. πr^2

Explanation:

Option A is correct because the area of a circle measures the planar space enclosed within its boundary, calculated by multiplying the constant π by the square of the radius, expressed as πr^2. Option B is incorrect because πr represents half of the boundary distance rather than an area measurement. Option C is incorrect because 2πr is the formula for the circumference, measuring the distance around the perimeter instead of interior area. Option D is incorrect because 2πr^2 doubles the area formula and does not correspond to a standard circle measurement. Always remember that geometric area calculations require squared linear units, meaning the area formula for a circle must square the radius variable r as πr^2.

Example 3

Question: What is the median of the following set of numbers: 7, 3, 9, 12, 15?

1. 9
2. 7
3. 12
4. 15

Answer: A. 9

Explanation:

Option A is correct because the median is the middle value in an ordered data set. Arranging the given values in ascending order produces the sequence 3, 7, 9, 12, 15. In this ordered list, 9 occupies the exact central position. Option B is incorrect because 7 is the value located immediately before the center rather than at the midpoint. Option C is incorrect because 12 is positioned immediately after the center rather than at the middle. Option D is incorrect because 15 is the maximum value in the set. When determining the median of any dataset, always remember to arrange all numbers in numerical order before identifying the center position.

How to use these practice tests

Begin your review by establishing foundational concepts using the IMSA Basic and IMSA Number Theory and Arithmetic practice modules. Work through core arithmetic, fractions, and operations to build accuracy before moving to advanced topics.

Next, focus on targeted problem solving. Practice algebraic concepts through IMSA Algebra and Linear Equations and study relationships with IMSA Functions and Graphing. Reinforce practical calculations using IMSA Ratios, Proportions, and Percentages and tackle applied scenarios with IMSA Data Interpretation and Word Problems.

Complete your preparation by reviewing spatial and analytical topics. Practice spatial formulas with IMSA Geometry and Spatial Reasoning, and evaluate data distributions with IMSA Statistical Analysis and IMSA Probability and Combinatorics.

Because the official Algonquin College assessment is untimed, practice working deliberately without rushing. Review every question explanation to identify error patterns, confirm your delivery choice between an in-person proctor or Meazure Learning, and verify required intake dates directly with Algonquin College.

Sources & last verified

1. Algonquin College Test Centre — time limit, exam fee, retake policy, delivery (official source). “The HPAT, ESLA, AMSA, and IMSA tests are untimed, so Extra Time accommodations are not needed or available.” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
2. Algonquin College Test Centre — validity, score release (official source). “Most Accuplacer assessment results are valid for two application years.” Verified Oct 25, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.