Cambridge International AS & A Levels: The Ultimate Guide

Announcement:
Cambridge International Education no longer be an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation from December 20, 2024.

Cambridge International AS & A Levels are world-class qualifications taken by over 175,000 students in 160 countries every year. Recognised by the world’s best universities, including the Ivy League and Russell Group, they represent the “gold standard” of international pre-university education.

In this guide, we break down everything from the modular structure and grading thresholds to the specific strategies required to secure an A*.

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1. Understanding the Framework: What are AS and A Levels?

The Cambridge International A Level (Advanced Level) is a two-year course of study, while the AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary Level) typically represents the first year of that journey.

The AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary)

The AS Level is a qualification in its own right. Many students take 4 subjects at the AS Level to maintain breadth before narrowing down to 3 subjects for the full A Level in their final year. It is worth exactly 50% of the total marks of a full A Level.

The A2 Level (The Second Year)

The A2 refers to the second year of the A Level syllabus. It is generally more intellectually demanding, requiring students to synthesize information and apply theories to complex, unseen scenarios. You cannot take the A2 alone; it must be combined with your AS marks to form a full A Level grade.

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2. Flexible Assessment Routes: Staged vs. Linear

One of the most significant advantages of the Cambridge system is the flexibility in how you are assessed. Unlike some national curriculums, Cambridge allows you to choose a path that suits your stress tolerance and academic strengths.

Route 1: Staged Assessment (The Most Popular)

You take the AS Level in one exam series (e.g., May/June of Year 12) and the A2 in a later series (e.g., May/June of Year 13).

• The Benefit: Your AS marks “carry forward.” This reduces the pressure of having your entire grade depend on a single month of exams at the end of two years.
• The Rule: AS Level marks can only be carried forward to a full A Level within 13 months of the original exam.

Route 2: Linear Assessment

You take all papers (both AS and A2 components) in the same exam session at the end of the course.

• The Benefit: This is ideal for “late bloomers” who need the full two years to grasp the subject matter before being tested.

Route 3: Standalone AS Level

You take the AS Level and stop there. This is common for subjects a student is interested in but doesn’t intend to pursue at the university level.

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3. The AICE Diploma: The Cambridge Group Award

Many students are unaware that they can earn a prestigious Group Award alongside their individual A Level certificates. This is known as the Cambridge AICE Diploma (Advanced International Certificate of Education).

The AICE Diploma is highly valued by universities (especially in the US, where it can lead to significant college credit) because it proves a student has a broad, balanced education across multiple disciplines.

AICE Diploma Requirements

To earn the diploma, you must achieve a minimum of 7 credits (where an AS Level = 1 credit and an A Level = 2 credits) across four mandatory groups:

1. Group 1: Mathematics and Sciences (e.g., Biology, Physics, Psychology).
2. Group 2: Languages (e.g., English Language, Spanish, French).
3. Group 3: Arts and Humanities (e.g., History, Economics, Literature in English).
4. Group 4: Interdisciplinary Skills (Compulsory): All AICE candidates must take the Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives & Research.

Important: How to Enter for the AICE Diploma

A common mistake students make is assuming the Diploma is awarded automatically. It is not.

• The Entry Code: When registering for your exams, you (or your exams officer) must enter a specific Group Award Entry Code.
• The 25-Month Rule: All credits for the AICE Diploma must be earned within a 25-month period (typically three consecutive exam series).

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4. The Grading System: From A* to E

Cambridge grading is rigorous. It is important to note that the grading scale for AS Level differs slightly from the full A Level.

Qualification	Possible Grades
Full A Level	A*, A, B, C, D, E
AS Level	a, b, c, d, e

*Why is there no A at AS Level?**

The A* grade was introduced to help top universities differentiate between the very best candidates. It is awarded based on a student achieving a high cumulative score across both AS and A2, with particularly strong performance in the A2 components. Therefore, it is impossible to earn an A* halfway through the course.

Crucial Official Links for Grading:

• Convert Marks to Grades: Every exam series has different “boundaries.” Use this link to see how many raw marks were needed for an ‘A’ in previous years.
• Understanding Grade Thresholds: Learn how Cambridge uses “statistical pegging” to ensure that a grade ‘A’ in 2024 is worth the same as a grade ‘A’ in 2026.
• Percentage Uniform Marks (PUM) Explained: If your results slip shows a number (e.g., 82), this link explains how that “Uniform Mark” is calculated.

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5. Subject Selection: Building Your Future

With over 55 subjects available, students often struggle to choose the right combination. Universities generally prefer “facilitating subjects” that demonstrate high-level analytical skills.

• STEM Pathways: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry are essential for Engineering and Medicine.
• Business & Finance: Economics, Accounting, and Business provide a strong foundation for commerce degrees.
• Humanities & Social Sciences: Psychology, Sociology, History, and English Literature are highly valued for Law and Media studies.

Below are the Subject Groups for the 55 subjects:

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6. Choosing Your Board: Cambridge vs. Pearson Edexcel

Choosing between Cambridge and other boards like Pearson Edexcel is a significant decision. Both are respected globally, but they offer very different academic experiences.

Assessment Style (Linear vs. Modular): The biggest difference is that Edexcel allows for a modular approach. This means you can take individual units (exams) at different times and retake a single unit if you underperform. Cambridge is primarily linear or staged, meaning you must sit all components of a level (AS or A2) together.

Syllabus Breadth: Edexcel’s modular structure often allows for a broader range of topics to be covered across its units. For instance, students heading into Math-heavy university degrees (like Engineering or Physics) often find that Edexcel’s specific modules provide a broader foundation in areas like Linear Algebra or Mechanics.

Depth and Rigor: Cambridge syllabi are designed for “Deep Learning.” While the volume of topics may be more focused than some modular boards, the questions often require a higher level of conceptual synthesis—joining different parts of the syllabus together in a single complex question.

The Verdict: If you prefer a “building block” approach where you test and “bank” your results unit-by-unit, Edexcel may be your preference. If you prefer a structured, two-stage journey (AS then A2) with a focus on deep conceptual mastery, Cambridge is the global leader.

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7. How to Succeed: The Path to the A*

Achieving top grades in Cambridge exams requires a shift from “memorization” to “application.” Examiners want to see that you can use what you know in unfamiliar contexts.

1. Syllabus Mastery: The Syllabus is your “contract” with the examiner. If it isn’t in the syllabus, it won’t be on the exam.
2. Use Model Answers: Seeing how a top-tier student weaves points into a coherent essay is the fastest way to improve. Skolatis provides model answers that demonstrate the exact structure required.
3. Enrol in Skolatis Courses: Our expert-led courses break down complex topics into digestible lessons. We provide you with the exact strategies, marking scheme insights, and personalised support needed to secure your A*.

* Ready to ace your exams? Explore our Course Catalog and start your journey to an A* today.

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8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I retake my exams to improve my grade?

Yes. You can retake any syllabus to improve your grade. However, because Cambridge is a linear/staged board (not modular like Edexcel), you must retake the entire AS Level or the entire A2 component. You cannot retake a single “Paper” (e.g., just Paper 1) in isolation.

How does the “13-Month Rule” work for carrying forward marks?

If you take your AS Level in June 2024, you can carry those marks forward to complete your A Level in November 2024 or June 2025. After 13 months, the AS marks expire, and you would need to retake the AS components again to get a full A Level.

What is the “Best of Both” rule?

If you retake an AS Level within 13 months of your first attempt, Cambridge will automatically use the higher of your two AS results when calculating your final A Level grade. This “safety net” allows students to aim high without fear of ruining their previous progress.

Is the A* available for AS Level?

No. The highest grade for an AS Level is an ‘a’. The A* is only awarded at the end of the full A Level for students who demonstrate exceptional performance across both years (specifically reaching a high threshold in the A2 components).

How many A Levels do I need for university?

• UK Universities: Most require 3 full A Levels. Competitive courses like Medicine or Law at Oxford/Cambridge may prefer 4.
• US Universities: They typically look for 3 or 4 A Levels. High grades in A Levels often earn you University Credit, allowing you to skip introductory freshman courses.
• Germany/Europe: Most European public universities require a minimum of 3 A Levels in specific subjects (usually including a language and a math/science).

* Read more about AS & A Level frequently asked questions.

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Still Have Questions?

The journey to an A* is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether you are struggling with organic chemistry or trying to master macroeconomics, Skolatis is here to help. Simply leave a comment in the comment box below, a friendly Team Skolatis will attend to your query promptly.

[Enrol in a Skolatis Course Today] | [Browse Our Model Answer Library]

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Resources

Our valuable A* resources had produced thousands of A* scorers around the world. Check them out below.

A* Model Answers:

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.

Online Courses:

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.

Past papers:

We have the most complete past exam papers library on earth (no kidding!). Choose your exam board and download everything with one click.

• Edexcel iGCSE past papers (updated up to Oct/Nov 2024 exam series)
• Edexcel IAL past papers (updated up to Oct/Nov 2024 exam series)
• Cambridge IGCSE past papers (updated up to June 2025 exam series, 2027 specimen papers are now available)
• Cambridge O Level past papers (updated up to June 2025 exam series, 2027 specimen papers are now available)
• Cambridge AS/A Level past papers (updated up to June 2025 exam series, 2027 specimen papers are now available)

Subject syllabus:

Get the latest exam syllabus and plan your study accordingly.

• Edexcel iGCSE syllabus
• Edexcel International AS/A Level syllabus
• Cambridge IGCSE syllabus
• Cambridge O Level syllabus
• Cambridge AS/A Level syllabus

Key Dates:

Find out the exam registration and results released key dates for IGCSE and AS/A Level.

• Edexcel board key dates
• Cambridge board key dates

Exam Timetables:

Check your administrative zone, the exam dates and time. For both IGCSE and AS/A Level.

• Edexcel exam timetables (June 2026, November 2026 exam timetables are now available)
• Cambridge exam timetables (March 2026, June 2026 exam timetables are now available)

Exam Centres:

Find and locate the nearest exam centre for your location.

Note: CIE (Cambridge International Examination board) has its name changed to CAIE (Cambridge Assessment International Education) since October 2017.

In October 2023, CAIE updated its name, logo, look, and messaging. Cambridge International Education is the new name of the awarding body of Cambridge University Press & Assessment. This name will be used on materials related to administering exams and awarding qualifications.

Note: All relevant info taken from CIE.