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.
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*.
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 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 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.
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.
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).
You take all papers (both AS and A2 components) in the same exam session at the end of the course.
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.
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.
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:
A common mistake students make is assuming the Diploma is awarded automatically. It is not.
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.
With over 55 subjects available, students often struggle to choose the right combination. Universities generally prefer “facilitating subjects” that demonstrate high-level analytical skills.
Below are the Subject Groups for the 55 subjects:
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.
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.
* Ready to ace your exams? Explore our Course Catalog and start your journey to an A* today.
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?
* Read more about AS & A Level frequently asked 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]
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.
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.
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!
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
86 responses
Greetings team members,
I would like to know if it is possible to take an A level subject without taking its As level
Hi Mariyah,
To answer your question – AS levels can be taken as a stand-alone qualification, or as the first part of an A level course. On the other hand, A2 exams and coursework are added on to an AS level, bringing it up to A level standard. You can refer to Assessment section in the article above for assessment options.
Hope this clarifies 🙂
Hi,
i am IGCSE student, if i want to take A Level how many IGCSE subjects are usually required?
how many minumin subject i need to take in IGCSE in order to apply for it?
how about the Grade, minimum Grade that required? is it the courses i want to take in A level based on the subject that i take during my IGCSE?
Hello Sha,
Yes, the subjects you take in IGCSE is affecting what subjects you could take in 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 A Level courses.
Which is better A Level or AS Level for middle east university ?
Hello Abdallah,
You need to check with your desired university which is better for you and that will help your target course.
My son has passed IGCSE o levels with six subjects including maths and science , How many subjects does he need to do for AS levels to get an equivalent of 12th Grade of Indian Boards.
Can he do them long distance without attending regular school if so what subjects can he opt for.
Thanks in advance for the valuable information.
Hello Mangala,
We do not know the requirement of Indian Boards. Please check with the exam boards for their requirements.
If your son is looking for studying AS/A Level privately, he is free to do so. You will then register him with your local British Council to sit for the exam.
I took english and accounts as my AS LEVEL and business,economics as A LEVEL and i did not do my 10th from cambridge… are 4 subjects are enough or do i have to take one more?
Hello Sanjana,
You have to look at what is the university’s entry requirement for the course that you wish to apply. It is not about the number of subjects that you took, it is about taking the right subject and obtain the required grades to get an admission into the university.
Hey, I gave 6 subjects which were English, Urdu, Business studies, Pakistan studies, Islamiyat, Economics. Can it be attested from the foreign ministry since I wanted to apply for America and the university is ready to take me for the foundation?
Hello Farah,
We strongly suggest you contact the university you want to attend and know their entry requirement.
What are the required grades in AS and A level to get into the top universities for Biomedical Science?
Hello James,
Each university has their own set of entry requirements. It is best to check with the university directly.
Thank you.