Announcement: Cambridge IGCSE, O Level, and International AS & A Level November 2023 past papers are now available.
Thousands of learners use Cambridge International AS & A Level every year to gain places at leading universities worldwide. Students develop a deep understanding of subjects, as well as independent learning and constructive thinking skills ? abilities which universities value highly.
Cambridge International A Level is typically a two-year course, and Cambridge International AS Level is typically one year.
Learners have the freedom to take Cambridge International AS Levels as qualifications in their own right, or as part of a progression to Cambridge International A Level. Learners can study for AS Level alongside A Level subjects to increase breadth in the curriculum and to build further knowledge and understanding.
The curricula are flexible. Learners can take almost any combination of 55 subjects. Learners can specialise or study a range of subjects, ensuring breadth.
Below are the Subject Groups for 55 subjects:
Learners use Cambridge International AS & A Levels to gain places at leading universities worldwide including in the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Egypt, Jordan, South Africa, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain.
Cambridge International AS & A Levels are viewed as equivalent to the AS and A Levels taken by learners in the UK, and are accepted for entrance to all UK universities.
In places such as the United States and Canada, good grades in carefully chosen Cambridge International A Level subjects can result in up to one year of university course credit.
Over 500 US universities accept Cambridge International AS & A Levels, including all Ivy League and Ivy Plus universities. These universities include Brown, Harvard, MIT, Stanford and Yale.
Research carried out* looked at whether Cambridge International AS & A Levels prepared learners for continued studies in colleges and universities in the US, as well as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate programmes. The findings suggest that Cambridge quali cations compare favourably with the other programmes.
<* Published in the Journal of College Admission (Number 213, Fall 2011)>
Learners receive a separate grade for each subject that he/she takes.
Cambridge International A Levels are graded from A* – E. Candidates who do not obtain enough marks for an E grade at A Level may be awarded a compensatory AS Level.
Cambridge International AS Levels are graded from a to e. Candidates who do not obtain enough marks for grade e at AS Level will be ungraded.
The Cambridge AICE Diploma is a group certificate which requires learners to study subjects drawn from three curriculum areas within AS and A Level: mathematics and science, languages, and arts and humanities.
Learners can choose from a range of assessment options:
Option one
Take the AS Level only. The AS Level syllabus content is half a Cambridge International A Level.
Option two**
Take a ‘staged assessment route’ – take the AS Level in one examination series and complete the final A Level in a subsequent series.
(** The staged assessment route is not possible in all subjects. The outcomes awarded for Cambridge International AS Level language syllabuses cannot be carried forward to Cambridge International A Level.)
Option three
Take all papers of the Cambridge International A Level course in the same examination series, usually at the end of the course.
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 AS & A Level FAQs here.
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.
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When will IGCSE results be out? Usually results will be released in August for June series, and in January for
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86 Responses
Hello,
I am from India and I am going to be writing my A level exam during the Feb/March series and I was wondering if we can use gel pen, or are we only allowed to used ball point pens.
Thank you!
Hi there,
Gel pens are discouraged because they are often illegible when scanned. We suggest that you use a black ink pen.
Good luck with your exams!
Hello Team,
I am grateful for the service you offer on this website and I am even recommending it to my friends ! I live in India and am currently pursuing my AS-Levels.I just wanted to say please suggest a website where I can download teachers’ resources pdf files for free.I need the following subjects…
1. Physics (9702)
2.Chemistry (9701)
3. Business (9609)
Once again I thank you for the favor you have done to me.I look forward to your reply.
Regards,
Ranjit Sharma
Hi Ranjit,
Thank you for your kind words.
We do not host teachers’ resources on our site. If you are a schooled candidate, please ask your school for helpful resources. They can provide with you that.
You can also sign up for our AS/A Level newsletter for exam tips and techniques. Kindly tick AS/A Level to receive our emails when you sign up here: https://www.skolatis.com/newsletter/.
Thank you so much for being so understanding. Good luck with your exams!
Hello i finished my IGCSEs and got good marks such as A* in accounts and A in economics and I am current doing AS levels in those subjects plus geography and English language, however i got a C in maths and didn’t take it up for AS level, i would like to study economics or accounts but seemingly most universities want AS level mathematics so am i wasting my time and won’t get accepted no matter how high my grades will be in economics and accounts?
Hello Sakhiwo,
Thank you for writing in.
Mathematics is one of the core subjects when applying to colleges and universities. We would suggest that you take Maths at A Level so you can meet their subject entry requirements.
Furthermore, it is best that you inquire directly to your chosen university as they are the only one who can confirm this part for you.
Thank you.
Hey I am from India , I’ve heard from my teachers that in India you can do commerce with AS and A levels But you can’t do any science degrees with these . To do that do I really have to opt for CBSE , please answer as soon as possible .
If I wish to continue , I have to go abroad to do my sciences , is it true?
Hello Manish,
AS and A Level offer both science and commerce subjects. Please kindly read the article above and find out the subject groups.
If your school does not offer AS/A Level science subjects, you may register as a private candidate with your local British Council. We strongly suggest that you first find out what are the AS/A Level subjects available in your local British Council.
hey can I get a discount of 30 to 40 % in online single cources because i cannot pay 75 pounds for a subject even .
Hello Yash,
Thank you for your message.
Please kindly subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.skolatis.com/newsletter/ to receive alerts for our promos, discounts and scholarship programmes.
thank you for response , i have already subscribed
but i have not got any message .
Hello Yash,
Please kindly wait for our free email series. Furthermore, we are having another free lessons soon so please kindly watch out for that.
hi igcse centre can i get a paid pack for AS level subjects if yes then how
Hello Yash,
Thank you for your interest.
We are planning to launch our A Level online courses second half of this year. We suggest that you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.skolatis.com/newsletter/ to receive the announcement once the registration opens.
Alternatively, you might want to consider our #AskTheExaminer programme. It is similar to having your own private home tutor. You can send in your questions and our qualified examiners will provide A* answers – including step-by-step solutions and theoretical reference. For more information, kindly visit this page: https://www.skolatis.com/asktheexaminer-programme/
Should you have further questions, feel free to contact us. Thank you.
Thank you but can you give me a discount for online cources because I can’t pay that much high fees and enroll the pack.
Hello Yash,
Thank you for your message.
Please kindly subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.skolatis.com/newsletter/ to receive alerts for our promos, discounts and scholarship programmes.
I am want to appear for English in As level and A levels. Will that be a problem and are there any drawbacks to it?
Hello Misti,
A Level qualification is made up of two components: AS Level and A2. In order to complete the A Level qualification, you must study AS Level too.
You can either take the staged assessment route where you take the AS Level in one examination series and complete the final Cambridge International A Level at a subsequent series. Or you can take all papers of the A Level course (AS and A2) in the same examination session, usually at the end of the course.
We strongly suggest to students to make sure they cover the whole syllabus adequately and only register for the exams when they are ready.
I’m Kennedy, from Nigeria but I live in Accra, Ghana. I want to study law and I have severally questions to ask regarding the areas I’m confused. firstly, which course is mostly important to pick when one want to write Cambridge international AS & A levels.
secondly, Do I have to write both Cambridge IGCSEs and Cambridge international A levels to gain admission to my preferred Universities, Or is it only one exam that I can write or both two, if its only one that’s most important which particular exam?
Thirdly, How much can it’s cost me for the Exams? and is it possible to take is here in Nigeria or Ghana.
Thank you.
Looking forward for your answers.
Hello Alozie,
Thank you for writing in. Please kindly read our answers below:
1. In practical, anyone could study Law as long as he/she obtains the minimum required grades for the Law colleges/institutions/universities. English is the most important subject that you need to have and obtain very high grade, minimum A in order to enter a reputable Law colleges/institutions/universities. As the command of language must be strong in this field.
We have seen students from the science group entered Law degree, and also students from the art group entered Law degree. There are also working adults who in search for career advancement taking Law degree as well.
If you want to know a specific subject needed, it would be a good idea to check on the universities’ websites and find out from there.
2. Many universities worldwide require a combination of IGCSEs and A Levels to meet their entry requirements. IGCSE is an international certification for end of secondary school and usually taken in Year 11. Kindly read this page to learn more: https://www.skolatis.com/what-is-igcse/. After IGCSE, they proceed to A Level in Year 12 – 13.
However, you may check the possibility of entering university at IGCSE level. Some universities offer foundation programs which do not require A level. We strongly suggest that you check the entry requirements either from the university’s website or contact the university directly.
3. You may register to your local British Council or locate any registered Cambridge schools near you here: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/i-want-to/find-a-cambridge-school/ and check with the school if they accept private candidate.
Exam fees vary from school to school, and even different from British Council. You can always register with the exam centre which is nearest to you and more convenient to you.
You may want to consider our A* Subscription Courses for your exam preparations. Our courses are complete and comprehensive, and it also comes with our bespoke A/A* guarantee. Please have a read at this page to learn how it works: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-revision-courses/
Feel free to contact us for any questions. We hope this helps.
Please I am confused must someone write both AS level and A level exam or only one
Hello Salma,
Thank you for writing in.
There are three assessment options:
1.Take the AS Level only. The syllabus content is half A-Level and the students have about 180 guided learning hours per subject over the duration of the course (normally one year).
2.Take a ‘staged’ assessment route (A2) – take the AS Level in one examination series and complete the final Cambridge International A Level at a subsequent series. AS Level marks can be carried forward to a full A Level twice within a 13 month period.
3.Take all papers of the A-Level course in the same examination session, usually at the end of the course. The whole syllabus has approximately 360 guided learning hours per subject over the duration of the course (normally two years).
We hope this helps. Thank you.
hello,
I am international student planning to do 3 A-levels (2021), but I am not sure where to find the syllabus and what are the components of the papers for biology, chemistry and physics in order to practice past papers. So, could you please inform me (or where to find) about what are the components and syllabus if I wanted to do As levels in a session and A levels in another session, and if I wanted to combine them together in one session ?
Hello Ahmed,
Thank you for writing in. You may find the resources here:
Syllabus: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-international-as-a-level-syllabuses/
Past papers: https://www.skolatis.com/as-a-level-past-exam-papers/
Furthermore, please kindly check the syllabus for the required paper components of each subject.
We hope this helps.
Hello,
I had a question regarding the results for the march 2020 A level examination…
My doubt is that will the grade thresholds be lower than usual due to the current pandemic the world is facing?
Ziaan Talab
Hello Ziaan,
Please do not worry about this. Grade thresholds are based on the difficulty level of the exam and overall candidates’ performance, not based on “pandemic”.
Hey, isn’t there government & politics as an option?
Hi Liz,
These are all the available syllabus under AS & A-Level programme. If you wish you to request for new subjects, please kindly contact CAIE directly. You may reach them through their website: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/. Thank you.
Hi,
This is for my friend. It’s regarding AS level exam 2020. Is it possible to write Physics and Chem in May/June and Math in Oct/Nov. Please reply as as soon as possible .
Hi Saritha,
Yes, your friend may take Physics and Chemistry during the June exam series and Mathematics on November exam series. We do suggest that they only register when they’re ready. Furthermore, they may also get the final confirmation from their school, if they are schooled students. Alternatively, they may register as private candidates.
Please kindly find out the key dates here: https://www.skolatis.com/exam-registration-dates/
Im in Zimbabwe and would like to know the benefits of A level over AS or vice versa if any. Does one need to write both or you can pick either? . Which one is needed for admission into uni’s?.Kindly assist so i make an informed decision.
Thank you
Faith
Hello Faith,
There are different assessment options to gain Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications:
1. Take the Cambridge International AS Level only. The syllabus content is half a Cambridge International A Level.
AS Level syllabuses are designed on the assumption that students have about 180 guided learning hours per subject over the duration of the course (normally one year).
2. Take a ‘staged’ assessment route (A2) – take the Cambridge International AS Level in one examination series and complete the final Cambridge International A Level at a subsequent series.
AS Level marks can be carried forward to a full A Level twice within a 13 month period.
3. Take all papers of the Cambridge International A Level course in the same examination session, usually at the end of the course.
The whole A Level syllabuses are designed on the assumption that students have approximately 360 guided learning hours per subject over the duration of the course (normally two years). For private candidate, the hours could be different depending on the number of hours spent on studying.
Students typically study four subjects at AS-level and three subjects at A-level. The standard admission requirement for UK universities is three A-level subjects.
If you have further questions, do not hesitate to write again.
I have a really burning question.
If my students sat for AS Business 9609 in November 2019 and scored an F or an E…..and now in 2020, they would like to sit for A2 (paper 3 ) this Nov 2020. Is that permitted? What if they choose to write A2(paper 3 ) in May/June 2021?
Hello Samson,
Please kindly read CAIE’s statement regarding carrying forward marks: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/news/news-details/view/update-for-cambridge-schools-on-june-2020-series-22-april-2020/
Furthermore, we suggest that you write to CAIE directly. You may reach them through their website: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/
Hi,I am kamala krishnan from India.I am getting ready to face my AS level examination in the May/June series 2020.I have selected to write accounting,business,economics,english general paper and IT.We do not have any teachers for accounting and business.Do you have any websites which gives useful learning skills that can help in my exams ?.It will be very useful for all the our classmates in my class.Please considerthe above message.Waiting for your reply
Hi Kamala,
We suggest that you download the Examiner’s Report here: https://www.skolatis.com/as-a-level-past-exam-papers/. It will give you additional insights on how to structure your response properly and learn from the common mistakes students make.
Here are some tips for you:
Accounting:
– You should show your workings for computational questions. You will not get credit for partially correct answers if workings are not shown.
– You should make sure that you provide sufficient development to your answers. One or two word answers will seldom suffice.
– You must develop greater analytical skills and learn to extract information from scenarios to make your answers relevant.
– Marks are frequently awarded for the correct entry, this being the value with correct terminology/narrative. This applies across the different statements such as ledger accounts and financial statements.
Business:
– Read and interpret questions carefully before commencing an answer.
– Spend an appropriate amount of time determining which essay question to select in Section B of the paper. Effective responses require sound understanding of the business concepts associated with particular questions.
– Application marks in section B can only be awarded if candidates address the particular context given in a question. This can be specific such as examples. You must do more than merely repeat words that are in the question as this will not count as application and will limit the number of marks awarded.
– Analysis marks in Section B are awarded when candidates have clearly gone beyond making a brief statement or description and have assessed the impact of any point made.
– In order to access evaluation marks candidates need to make a critical comment or counter argument rather than a summary that repeats what they have already said. Evaluation occurs when a judgement has been made on the evidence presented.
Hope this helps.
Hi There
I have 2 questions:
Firstly, is it mandatory to do IGCSE before doing AS for any subjects?
The second is, if I fail a subject at IGCSE, will I be excluded from being allowed to write the AS exam for that subject?
Thank you.
Hi Safron,
To answer your questions,
First, you must take IGCSE or equivalent qualification (e.g. O-level) before you can proceed to AS or A-Levels.
Second, the subjects you take in IGCSE is affecting what subjects you could take in AS or A Level. We strongly suggest you visit the colleges/school’s website to find out what are the minimum grades and subjects that you need in order to get an admission into their AS or A Level courses.