Multiplication tables check: IT guidance

Preparing for check administrationadministration 

It is a statutory requirement for schools to administer the multiplication tables check (MTC).). 

We recommend reviewing this guidance beforein advance of the MTC service opensopening, to ensure sufficient time to resolve any compatibility issues,issues if they occur.occur.  

IT support staff and check administrators should complete thechecks recommended actions  within this guidance to ensure pupil devices are ready before pupils take the MTC..  

You can find important MTC dates in the ‘Important dates’ section 2 of the 20262025 key stage 2 (KS2) assessment and reporting arrangements (ARA).

Essential technical requirementsrequirements 

The MTC service is intended for use on modern operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, iOSiOS* and Android. It is suitable for desktop, laptop and tablet devices.

The*The MTC will only work on iOS16, or more recent versions, due to the age and limitations of this technology. If your iPad still uses an older operating system, we recommend updating it to the latest availableoperating version.system available.

MTC service firewall requirementsrequirements 

School staff will access the MTC service using via DfE Sign-in.

Where pupil devices have restrictions applied,applied limiting access to limited trusted websites, you should ensure the MTC service links below are accessible.

The following links below are included to support early accessibility checks, and you should ensure they are in your network’s list of allowed websites:websites:  

• Once

  once staff have signed intoin to DfE Sign-in, they will select the ‘Multiplication‘multiplication tables check’check’* from their list of ‘Services’‘services’. –This this will direct them to: to: https://admin.multiplication-tables-check.service.gov.uk   

• Pupils

  pupils will access the ‘try it out’ check and official check at: at: https://pupil.multiplication-tables-check.service.gov.uk

If*If you access the ‘Multiplication‘multiplication tables check’ service link before it opens,opens you will see a service closure message. This is correct and means your early accessibility check is successful.

AllowingSupporting supporting services

The MTC service and pupil application needneeds to communicate with supporting services.services.  

It is important that you ensure the following services are within your school’s allowed list:list:  

• *.windows.net – for data submissionsubmission  

• *.msecnd.net – for Microsoft Telemetry, which is mandatory to support usersusers 

• *.googletagmanager.com – for Google analytics, which is optional and can be switched on or off in the cookie policy

You should also enable the school’s network and internet browser to communicate securely over the ‘TLS 1.2’ protocol and ensure secure browsing over HTTPS is permitted – by default, this usually takes place on port 443.

Recommended browsers

The MTC was designed to support common browsers, such as:as:  

• Chrome

  Chrome 

• Safari

  Safari 

• Edge

  Edge 

• Brave

  Brave 

• Firefox

Other browsers may also work with the MTC service, but we suggest you use the ‘try it out’ check to ensure your browser can communicate with the supporting services listed above. We recommend that you update your chosen browser to the latest version before pupils take the official check in June.

The MTC will not work on Internet Explorer due to the age and limitations of this browser technology. If your device still uses Internet Explorer, we recommend updating to Microsoft Edge or one of the other recommended browsers above that are free to download.

YouBrowser versions can usuallycommonly identifybe youridentified browser versions in the ‘Help’ section withinin your browser settings.

Using the audio version of the checkcheck: (questionquestion reader)reader

TheCheck pupiladministrators applicationcan isenable notan compatibleaudio withversion thirdof partythe screencheck readers.as However,an checkaccess administratorsarrangement canto enablemeet ana pupil’s specific needs. The audio version of the MTC,check is designed to workbe withincompatible with the timingstiming of the questions, as anthe accesspupil arrangementapplication tois meetnot acompatible pupil’swith specificthird needs.

Theparty screen readers. However, the MTC audio will not work on any version of Internet Explorer or old versions of Microsoft Edge, before version 14, due to the technical limitations of these browsers.

New browsers may also offer text-to-speech services that are an inbuilt option or downloadable extension. These services should be switched off or disabled, to ensure they do not disrupt the pupil’s check.

Recommended actions before check administration

We recommend IT staff and check administrators complete the activities below to ensure all pupil devices are prepared for the check and to minimise the risk of disruption.

Check your devices are ready to use

You should ensure that:that: 

• all devices and hardware with batteriesa battery are fully charged

charged 
• all devices have recently been updated with the latest operating system and that there are no scheduled or automatic updates on the day of the check

• all devices are tested to ensure there are no issues – for example, slow running, sticky or missing keys on the keyboardkeyboard 

• you have disabled standby, hibernate or sleep modemode 

• if the device requires a mouse, it is tested to ensure it is fully charged and functioning with the devicedevice 

• if using a keyboard, all number keys work correctlycorrectly 

• if using a keyboard with a number pad, the ‘NUMnumber Lock’lock is switched onon 

• if using the audio version of the check, headphones are tested to ensure the sound is at an appropriate level for the pupilpupil 

• if using the QR code on the printed PIN slips to access the pupil app URL, your device has a working camera with a minimum resolution of 480x320480*320 pixels

Update your operating system

You should ensure pupil devices have recently been updated with the latest operating system and that there are no scheduled or automatic updates on the day of the check.

Secure your internet connection

You should ensure your internet connection is working and stable at the start of each day you plan to administer checks.

Prepare your internet browser

You should:should: 

• close any unnecessary tabs on the browser and any other applications being used by the device, before the pupil starts taking the checkcheck  

• ensure the browser is not in privacy or incognito modemode  

• ensure cookies are enabledenabled  

• ensure your browser has local storage access enabledenabled  

• ensure pop-up blocker software is disabled

• ensure any text-to-speech services are disabled

Further support

For further IT support, you cancan:

• visit visit our MTC help centre
• use our virtual assistant
• contact us directly directly

If you are still unable to find an answer to your question, you can contact the national curriculum assessments helpline on 0300 303 3013, selecting the option for MTC.

When contacting the helpline, they will ask for information about your device to helpassist with troubleshooting. Please ensure you can confirm the:

• type of device you are using – for example, desktop, laptop, tablet or iPadiPad 

• operating system – for example, Windows, macOS, iOS or AndroidAndroid 

• browser you are using – for example, Edge or ChromeChrome 

• issue with as much detail as possible – if possible, we recommend taking a screenshot

For information about accessing accessing DfE Sign-in,Sign-in, including how to manage users, select DfE Sign-in ‘Help’, which is available when you are signed in,in or ask the DfE Sign-in virtualhelp assistant. If required, you can also submit a a DfE Sign-in ‘contact us’ form.

YouFurther can find more information about the MTC andis howavailable toin administersection it9 inof the 2026the 2025 KS2key stage 2 ARA.

Information andabout administering the check is available in the MTC administration guidance.