Percentage Uniform Marks (PUM) Explained: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding your Cambridge International exam results can often feel like decoding a complex language. While your final letter grade (A*,
Announcement: Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and AS & A Level June 2025 past papers are now available.
Pearson Edexcel International AS & A Level (IAS/IAL) are globally recognised qualifications that offer progression from International GCSEs, and open opportunities to top universities worldwide. Edexcel International AS qualifications can be taken as a separate, stand-alone qualification and contribute to an Edexcel International Advanced Level.
Candidates typically take Edexcel International AS & A Level after International GCSEs. Having said that, candidates can also take them at any age. They are available to candidates attending international Schools (outside the UK) and attending online schools. However, they are not available to schools in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or British Armed Forces schools overseas.
Edexcel International AS & A Level are available in 21 subjects. All the assessments are exam-based only, and the exams are held thrice a year, e.g.: January, June and October. They use a modular assessment structure for all subjects (except for Law).
The modular assessment enables candidates to focus their revision on fewer exams as they test them on the application of each unit. Therefore, candidates can sit for the exams when they feel fully prepared and ready.
Candidates can choose to take the exams at the end of each unit of study or take all the units together at the end of the course. On the other hand, they can also choose to repeat a single unit independently without having to repeat an entire level. Only the highest mark scored in any attempt will automatically be taken into account.
Once a candidate has sat a unit exam and received a unit grade, that unit result is banked until they have completed all units. After the ‘cash in’ process, a candidate will have a complete Edexcel International AS & A Level qualification. “Cash-in“ is requesting a qualification grade after the completion of all required units in a subject.
Edexcel International AS & A Level are comparable to the UK GCE AS & A Level, as confirmed by NARIC. NARIC is the national agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide. It also applies the same rigorous standards to all Pearson Edexcel qualifications.
The main difference is that Edexcel GCE AS & A Level use linear qualifications where candidates take the exams at the end of the programme. Furthermore, England has decoupled AS and A Level. Edexcel GCE AS Level results do not count towards an Edexcel GCE A Level. As a result, the Edexcel GCE AS Level becomes a stand-alone qualification.
| Edexcel GCSE AS & A Level | Edexcel International AS & A Level | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Linear structure | Modular structure |
| AS Level qualification | AS Level is a stand-alone qualification and does not count towards an A level | AS Level can be used as a stage on the way to completing an A Level |
| Assessment | A mix of coursework and examinations | No coursework (100% examination) |
| Exam series | June | January, June, October |
| Availability | UK, International | International only |
| Regulator | Regulated by Ofqual | Regulated by Pearson and confirmed by UK NARIC to be comparable to UK AS & A Level standard |
* Note:
Pearson Education Ltd. (known as Pearson) is recognised by Ofqual and CCEA Regulation from April 1, 2010. Recognition number RN5133.
To ensure that Edexcel International AS/A Level is being accepted by your university of choice, please contact the university directly.
Over 100,000 students in over 80 countries take Pearson Edexcel qualifications each year. Universities worldwide recognise them for having qualifications that align with the British educational system.
Pearson Edexcel sets the standard for worldwide recognised qualifications aligned to the British educational system. Accepted by over 650 higher education institutions across the world – including top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Columbia University and Yale University. As a result of that, leading to prestigious employment opportunities with global companies.
Our valuable A* resources had produced thousands of A* scorers around the world. Check them out below.
Our internationally loved exam model answers had helped thousands of students in scoring A/A*. Schools and teachers worldwide have used these resources to aid in their teachings. Learn what an A* answer like, copy the style and score A* in your exam.
Our word-renowned IGCSE and AS/A Level courses had produced more than 1100 A/A* scorers worldwide. They are suitable for schooled or home-schooled candidates, and as full course or revision course.
We have the most complete past exam papers library on earth (no kidding!). Choose your exam board and download everything with one click.
Get the latest exam syllabus and plan your study accordingly.
Find out the exam registration and results released key dates for IGCSE and AS/A Level.
Check your administrative zone, the exam dates and time. For both IGCSE and AS/A Level.
Find and locate the nearest exam centre for your location.
Please kindly read the FAQs here.
* Note: All relevant information is taken from Pearson Edexcel.
Join 62,169 (and counting) IGCSE & AS/A Level subscribers who've taken our insanely valuable FREE email courses. Learn exam tips & score A* in your exam!
Join 62,169 (and counting) IGCSE & AS/A Level subscribers who’ve taken our insanely valuable FREE email courses. Learn exam tips & score A* in your exam!
Arun Joseph
Botswana
Understanding your Cambridge International exam results can often feel like decoding a complex language. While your final letter grade (A*,
If you are wondering what is A level, it is one of the most recognised pre-university pathways in the world,
Preparing for your IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL) exam can feel daunting. You are not just learning grammar
Choosing the right educational pathway for your child is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. In
.