How to Master IGCSE Design & Technology: Essential Exam Tips for an A*
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Announcement: Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and AS & A Level June 2025 past papers are now available.
Choosing an acceptable calculator for IGCSE Mathematics exams can be confusing, especially with strict regulations enforced by CIE. While exam boards do not restrict students to a single specific make or model, bringing an unapproved device into the exam hall can lead to severe malpractice penalties.
In this guide, we break down official CIE guidelines for scientific and graphic calculators across Mathematics (0580), Additional Mathematics (0606), and International Mathematics (0607) to ensure you bring a fully compliant model on exam day.
CIE has provided the answers for this frequently asked question.
Due to the sheer number of different calculator models available worldwide, we cannot give specific details of which models or makes of calculators are permitted in our exams.
Where the use of calculators is allowed in examinations, calculators used must not be able to manipulate algebra; they must be purely numerical integration/differentiation. Calculators with any of the following facilities are prohibited, unless specifically stated otherwise in the syllabus:
Cambridge will regard the use of any such calculator as malpractice. Students requiring more information should contact the Examinations Officer at their school.
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Whilst graphical calculators are indeed an excellent tool for students to use in class, as part of our assessment we often assess the candidate?s ability to plot graphs accurately, that they understand how to draw a best-fit line, and can correctly calculate a gradient showing their working. These are basic skills, which would not be assessed if candidates were to return an answer from their calculator.
(There is an exceptional case for candidates taking International Mathematics (0607) )
To ensure your device qualifies as an acceptable calculator for IGCSE Mathematics, you must make sure it follows these fundamental exam hall rules:
Depending on which specific IGCSE Mathematics syllabus code you are taking, the rules regarding graphic display calculators differ.
The syllabus says:
Conclusion: You must take into consideration of the criteria from CIE answers above, and make sure the model that you are getting is not “Algebraic or graphical calculator”.
The syllabus says:
Conclusion: You must take into consideration of the criteria from CIE answers above, and get a calculator with “scientific functions”. Plus, get the confirmation from your school / exam centre for permitted models.
The syllabus says:
Conclusion: You must take into consideration of the criteria from CIE answers above, and make sure the model that you are getting does not contain “symbolic algebraic logic or other applications and programmes”.
Take the A* Readiness Assessment. The goal of this diagnostic is to identify how close you are to A*−level precision, and what refinement may still be required.
Arun Joseph
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136 responses
Hello, I have two calculators for both 0607 and also 0606 (TI-84 CE Plus and Casio Classwiz).
I am wondering if I can take them both into my 0607 exam. If not, does this confirm I can only take ONE calculator into my exams?
Hi Andy,
Thanks for asking.
It is pretty common for students to take a backup calculator into an examination. Just make sure that your spare calculator meets CAIE’s regulations.
We also suggest you check with your exam administrator at school or the exam centre for confirmation.
We hope this helps. Good luck with your exams.
hello Blessing,
I am a Y10 British curriculum student, I was supposed to have my maths Cambridge exams in May-June but they got canceled so now Cambridge wanted us to take an online assessment instead. I’m going to go to AS next year and we will take only 3 subjects, I’m planning to take chem, bio, and physics. So I wanted to know if I fail my maths assessment does it mean I won’t get promoted to AS? I’m planning not to take maths next year. Can you please shed some light on this matter?
Hello Rabeeah,
It is important to take note that Maths is considered as a core subject when applying to college/university. Therefore, if you are you going to pursue further studies, you must pass Maths at IGCSE and consider taking Maths at AS Level.
Furthermore, some schools require at least five IGCSE certificates at grades 9 to 4/A* to C to continue at AS/A Level
We strongly suggest that you check with your preferred college/university for their entry requirement.
We hope this helps.
thank you for your reply! I guess it is important for me to pass. Do you have any tips on how to revise for maths? I’m taking tuitions for math but I don’t find it helpful and my parents don’t allow me to take online classes. What do you think is the best way to study math? I would keep forgetting what I already learned and I’m very weak in this subject as well
Hello Rabeeah,
Here are some tips for you:
1. Learn and understand the key concepts and formulas. Familiarise/memorise the key equations/formulas (refer to the latest syllabus on what is expected: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/).
2. Do revision based on the latest syllabus and practice with the latest past exam papers (https://igcsecentre.com/cambridge-igcse-past-exam-papers/ ). Pay attention to the most common mistakes you always seem to make. Make notes and revise them, so you can avoid making the same mistakes in your actual exam.
Tips:
Minimise your reference checks. Try solving a problem with the formula without looking it up. You MUST do this as many times as you can. You will be able to remember the formulas/key equations better when you repeat this step.
Hope this helps.
thanks again for ur reply and ur time. I appreciate you always helping other people and making time for us. But it would also be nice if we can get notifications or messages that u replied back, I wouldn’t know until I leave this tab open.
Thanks for the tips! It’s very helpful. Nice website!
Hello Rabeeah,
Thank you so much for your kind words. We shall take note of your suggestion.
Thank you once again.
btw are u from cambridge ? Don’t mind me asking
Great work with this website, u must been working hard on it. Its a great and helpful website 😀
Hello Rabeeah,
Thank you so much for appreciating our hard work. This means so much to us.
To clarify, we are not Cambridge. We are a different organisation that assists students and parents worldwide with regards to IGCSE and A-Level.
If you need any assistance, please feel free to write to us. We are here to help!
For my IGCSE exams, my school only allows casio fx-350, which is pretty scuffed because it it cant solve polynomial equations and it cant integrate or differentiate