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.
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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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Amal Elsayed
Kuwait
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86 responses
Hello. May I know the consequences of writing the wrong centre number? I think I may have been writting my centre number wrong for the first half of my exams and I am worried if the papers may be graded U. My candidate number and name are correct, does that help in tracking my papers back to me?
Hi Julian,
There are some cases if the name and candidate number is written on the paper then CIE can still manage to grant the grade to the candidate properly. It will just cause some minor manual handling? So next time please read the instructions and write properly.
But you may contact CIE, https://www.cie.org.uk, directly regarding this matter.
Hi there I am a mom we are in Qatar as expect teachers my son is in grade 12 now cambridfe cirriculumbut is very unhappy at school how can i vo about to homeschool his last year but Im unable to teach him though
Dear Nadine,
If you wish to embark on homeschooling your son, please follow this step-by-step guidance, to find out if home education is for you: https://www.skolatis.com/what-is-homeschooling/ . You decide the subjects, together with your son, based on what he wants to study in the future.
These resources might also help him with his revision:
A-Level syllabus: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-international-as-a-level-syllabuses/
A-Level past papers: https://www.skolatis.com/as-a-level-past-exam-papers/
You may also need to source private tuition help if you are unable to teach him.
Hi,
I will be entering A Level after completing IGCSE, and when i downloaded all the past paper’s I found that math’s 9707 has been divided into 3 parts: Pure Mathematics, Mechanics, Probability and Statistics. When I checked the sciences (Bio, Phy, Che) they were not.
My teacher told me to check again but I didn’t find anything. So, I am asking you.
Thanks,
Hi Ali,
At AS level, teachers can choose from three different routes to Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics: Pure Mathematics only, Pure Mathematics and Mechanics, or Pure Mathematics and Probability & Statistics.
At A Level, teachers can also choose from different routes to Cambridge International A Level Mathematics depending on the choice of applied mathematics (Mechanics and/or Probability and Statistics).
Please note: From 2020 Cambridge International A Level Mathematics has two different routes: Pure Mathematics and Probability & Statistics only; or Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Probability & Statistics.
You may check the subject syllabus for more details: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-international-as-a-level-syllabuses/
You may also refer to CIE?s website here: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-international-as-and-a-level-mathematics-9709/
Hello,
I just wanted to know whether after remarking if your marks decrease, they let you choose between the original one and the remarked one or the final remarked one is your final score sheet. Thank you for your time.
-Shivani
Hi Shivani,
The remark is the final one that counts, whether it was better or worse than your original.
I have completed my 10th grade from an Indian board.Can I sit for as level exams as a private candidate?
Hi George,
Yes, you may register as a private candidate. Once you have decided to register as a private candidate, you will have to check the British Council at your local area or you can also find a list of registered Cambridge schools in your local area here: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/i-want-to/find-a-cambridge-school/ and check with school if they accept private candidate