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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Kanishka Bhindora
India
Akshaya S T
Singapore
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86 responses
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”.