AEIS places international students into Singapore mainstream schools. At the primary level, the test assesses Mathematics only — English is not part of the AEIS exam itself. Instead, students must meet a Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQ) requirement as part of eligibility. Many students strengthen their English foundation through the Certificate in English Language before attempting CEQ. Think of the process as two steps: CEQ confirms English readiness, and AEIS evaluates Mathematical ability for placement.

Why this matters for planning

• Treat CEQ as an independent milestone. Select the correct CEQ level, book early and secure the result before you touch the AEIS form.

• Plan Mathematics as your main study track. Your practice should mirror the structure you will face on test day.

The two AEIS-Primary papers and who sits what

AEIS groups primary candidates into two Mathematics tests:

• Primary 2/3 for entry around Primary 2 or 3

• Primary 4/5 for entry around Primary 4 or 5

Which paper you sit depends on age and intended level. Whatever the placement target, you are expected to be familiar with topics from the level just before the one you want to enter.

At a glance

• Aiming for P3 entry, revise P2 topics.

• Aiming for P5 entry, revise P4 topics.

• Train non calculator methods and clear written workings for both tests.

Parents often pair this preparation with structured programmes like the
Preparatory Course for AEIS Primary to ensure syllabus alignment and exam familiarity.

Primary 2/3 Mathematics test format

This paper checks number sense, early measurement, basic geometry and simple word problems. The structure is fixed and predictable.

Timing and components

• Part 1 Multiple choice, 29 items, 25 minutes

• Part 2 Short answer, 17 items, 40 minutes

• Rules No calculators. Shade MCQ on the optical sheet. Show workings for short answers.

Typical question types

• One step arithmetic, addition and subtraction within hundreds, early multiplication and division facts

• Simple fractions of shapes or sets, halves and quarters

• Measurement with whole units, length and mass in familiar contexts

• Basic geometry, properties of common 2D shapes and simple 3D recognition

• Word problems with one clear operation, sometimes two steps with guidance

How to prepare efficiently

• Build confidence with number bonds and mental sums.

• Practise explaining your method with pictures or short phrases.

• Run short, timed MCQ drills, then longer practice for written solutions.

• Use a tidy layout: spaced working lines, boxed answers, correct units.

Strong fundamentals in both literacy and numeracy help students transition smoothly; many families use the Certificate in English Level 1 & 2 to reinforce basic academic English used in exam instructions and problem contexts.

Primary 4/5 Mathematics test format

This paper raises the cognitive demand. Expect deeper fractions and decimals, multi step word problems and open ended questions that require extended reasoning.

Timing and components

• Part 1 Multiple choice, 30 items, 35 minutes

• Part 2 Short answer and open ended, 8 short answer + 6 open ended, 50 minutes

• Rules No calculators. Full working required for all written items. MCQ shaded on the optical sheet.

Typical question types

• Fractions and decimals, equivalence, ordering, four operations with fractions and decimals

• Ratio and percentage at introductory level, part whole and simple percentage change

• Measurement with compound units, area and perimeter, elapsed time

• Geometry, properties of quadrilaterals and triangles, symmetry, simple nets

• Data interpretation with tables or basic graphs

• Multi step word problems that reward model drawing or systematic equations

Targeted preparation

• Keep a notebook of problem types: comparison, part whole, change, rate.

• Use bar models to visualise ratio and percentage.

• Practise full solutions with units and concluding sentences. Many marks sit in method.

• Mix formats in one sitting so switching between MCQ, short answer and open ended feels natural.

Students aiming for upper-primary often strengthen academic English and analytical writing through the Certificate in English Level 3 to better interpret long problem statements and express workings clearly.

What counts as “AEIS primary maths topics”

Use the MOE Primary Mathematics Syllabus as your anchor. AEIS expects readiness for the level before your target entry.

Core strands across lower to upper primary

• Numbers and operations: place value, the four operations, order of operations, estimation

• Fractions, decimals, ratio and percentage by upper primary

• Measurement: length, mass, volume, time, money, then area and perimeter

• Geometry: 2D shapes and 3D solids, properties and simple transformations

• Statistics: reading tables, picture graphs and bar graphs

• Problem solving: representation with bar models and clear reasoning

Turn the syllabus into a weekly plan

• Map prior level topics, for example P2 if you seek P3.

• For each topic, rotate three drills: core skills, mixed word problems, timed mini test.

• Keep variety. See number, geometry and data every week rather than in long single strand blocks.

Marking expectations that cost or save marks

Candidates often lose marks not for weak concepts, but for weak presentation.

Do this well

• Line up working vertically for column algorithms and long division.

• Draw clear model diagrams for comparison and part whole problems.

• State units consistently, for example cm, m, g, kg, l, ml.

• Box the final answer or underline it after completing workings.

Avoid these

• Skipping steps that show how you reached an answer, especially in open ended items.

• Using calculators. They are not permitted.

• Rushing MCQ without a reasonableness check.

Exam habits for the two primary papers

Primary 2/3

• Spend the first minute scanning the MCQ to grab quick wins.

• In short answer, mark the required operation before you compute.

• Leave space between working lines to avoid overwriting.

Primary 4/5

• Allocate time across short answer and open ended according to marks.

• For open ended, write a closing sentence that answers the question, not just a number.

• If stuck, draw a bar model or simple figure first to expose structure.

A simple two week tune up plan

Use this when you are close to test day and need structure without stress.

Week 1

• Day 1: Number operations drill, 20 MCQ, 10 short answer

• Day 2: Fractions and decimals set, include at least 2 open ended if Primary 4/5

• Day 3: Measurement and time problems, with units on every line

• Day 4: Geometry basics and data reading

• Day 5: Mixed mini paper, mark and correct

• Weekend: One AEIS style section under time, full corrections next day

Week 2

• Day 1: Word problems by type, comparison and part whole

• Day 2: Ratio and percentage, with bar models

• Day 3: Error log redo, attempt past errors cold

• Day 4: Speed round MCQ, then short answer with neat layouts

• Day 5: Mini paper again, focus on presentation

• Weekend: Light simulation, then rest and pack documents

Families who want structured academic monitoring often combine AEIS prep with the General Management Certificate (E-Learning) approach, which focuses on consistent weekly progression and assessment.

FAQ, AEIS Primary format and syllabus

Q: Is there any English paper for AEIS Primary now
A: No. At primary, AEIS assesses Mathematics only. English readiness is evidenced through CEQ during eligibility.

Q: Which paper will my child take, Primary 2/3 or Primary 4/5
A: It depends on intended level and age. Revise topics from the level before the one you seek.

Q: Where can I see the official list of topics
A: Use the latest MOE Primary Mathematics Syllabus to map topics by level, then revise the prior level accordingly.

Q: What are the exact timings and question counts
A: For Primary 2/3: Part 1 MCQ 29 items in 25 minutes, Part 2 short answer 17 items in 40 minutes.
For Primary 4/5: Part 1 MCQ 30 items in 35 minutes, Part 2 has 8 short answer and 6 open ended items in 50 minutes. No calculators. Workings required.