An International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exam consists of several components that, depending on the subject, can include written papers, oral exams, and practical work. It is graded on a scale from A* to G, with the result determined on the basis of overall performance across all parts of the exam. Many subjects are offered at a Core and an Extended level, and results are usually released about ten to twelve weeks after the exam session.
Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about how IGCSE exams work, how they are graded, and how to prepare for them.
What Components Make Up an IGCSE Exam?
Depending on the subject, an IGCSE exam consists of two to four components that test different skills. These typically include written papers, supplemented in some subjects by oral exams, practical lab work, or portfolios. Cambridge determines the exact composition individually for each subject.
- Sciences: Subjects such as biology, chemistry, or physics often include a practical component, which can be completed either as a lab exam or as an alternative written practical paper.
- Languages: Oral communication plays an important role and is assessed separately.
- Math and economics: The focus is on written exams that contain a variety of task formats, from multiple choice to detailed calculations and essays.
Does Coursework Count Toward the IGCSE Grade?
In some subjects, coursework, that is, school assignments assessed continuously throughout the year, is also part of the overall assessment. This work is graded by teachers and then moderated by Cambridge to ensure consistent grading quality.
How Are IGCSE Exams Graded and What Grades Are There?
IGCSE exams are graded on a scale from A* to G, with A* being the highest grade and G the lowest passing grade. Anyone who does not meet the minimum requirements receives a U (ungraded). The grade is based on the weighted overall performance across all exam components.
The grades do not reflect fixed percentage thresholds; instead, they are determined by so-called grade boundaries, which Cambridge sets after each exam session based on the actual performance of all candidates. This means the exact point thresholds can vary slightly from year to year.
For university admissions and scholarships, grades from A* to C are generally considered a solid foundation. Many advanced programs expect at least five IGCSE grades in this range, especially in core subjects such as math and English.
What Is the Difference Between the Core and Extended Curriculum?
In the IGCSE, many subjects are offered at two levels: the Core curriculum and the Extended curriculum.
| Level | Aimed at | Grade range |
|---|---|---|
| Core curriculum | Students with solid foundational knowledge | C to G |
| Extended curriculum | Students ready for more demanding content | A* to G |
The key difference therefore lies not only in the difficulty of the material but also in the highest grades that can be achieved. Students who are aiming for a grade higher than C must choose the Extended curriculum. For this reason, many schools generally recommend the Extended level to high-achieving students, since it opens up more opportunities for university admission worldwide.
The decision between Core and Extended should be made together with the subject teachers, as it can have a significant impact on later university planning. Some subjects do not offer this choice and have a single curriculum for all candidates.
How Does the Exam Day Itself Work?
On exam day, students check in at the designated exam room in good time before the exam begins and take their assigned seats. Electronic devices and unauthorized aids must stay outside the room. The invigilator explains the rules before the exam officially begins.
Depending on the subject and component, exam times vary from 45 minutes to several hours. During the exam, students may generally use only approved materials such as calculators or dictionaries, provided Cambridge permits them for the subject in question. Water is usually allowed.
At the end of the exam, the exam papers are collected, sealed, and forwarded to Cambridge. Each exam is graded by trained, independent examiners to ensure an objective and fair assessment. Students should familiarize themselves in advance with the specific rules of their exam center, as there may be minor differences in how things are organized.
When and How Do Students Receive Their IGCSE Results?
IGCSE results are usually released about ten to twelve weeks after the end of the exam session. For the main May/June exam session, results typically come out in August. Cambridge makes the grades available directly to schools, which then pass them on to students.
In 2026, students can view their results online via the Cambridge portal, provided their school has set up this access. They also receive an official certificate documenting the grades achieved in all exam subjects. This IGCSE Certificate is internationally recognized and can be used for university applications worldwide.
Can Students Challenge an IGCSE Result?
Students who disagree with a result can request a review of the grading. This process, known as an Enquiry about Results, must be initiated through the school and involves a fee.
How Can Students Best Prepare for IGCSE Exams?
The most effective preparation for IGCSE exams combines structured learning with regular practice using real exam questions from previous years. Cambridge makes so-called past papers publicly available, which give an accurate picture of the task formats, level of difficulty, and assessment criteria.
In addition, it is advisable to start preparing early, ideally at the beginning of the school year in grade 10. A structured study plan helps cover all subjects evenly and close learning gaps in good time. It is particularly helpful to study mark schemes, Cambridge’s official answer guidelines, in order to understand how answers need to be worded to earn full marks.
- Use past papers: Practicing regularly with real exam questions from previous years is one of the most effective preparation strategies.
- Analyze mark schemes: The official marking guidelines show which key terms and argument structures Cambridge expects.
- Create a study plan: A realistic schedule spanning several months prevents stress during the exam period.
- Form study groups: Reviewing material together with classmates fosters understanding and uncovers blind spots.
- Actively involve teachers: Clarifying open questions early avoids misunderstandings that can be costly in the exam.
How Does ISR International School on the Rhine Support IGCSE Preparation?
We know how much well-structured preparation contributes to success in the IGCSE. At ISR International School on the Rhine in Neuss, near Düsseldorf, Germany, we support our students in grades 9 and 10 in a targeted and systematic way on their path to the IGCSE Certificate at ISR.
- A structured curriculum: Our curriculum is consistently aligned with Cambridge’s requirements and prepares students step by step for all exam components.
- Weekly assessments: Regular progress checks allow us to identify learning gaps early and take targeted action before they become relevant in the exam.
- Experienced subject teachers: Our teachers know the requirements of the Cambridge system from practical experience and prepare their classes for real exam formats.
- Small classes and individual support: Every student receives the attention they need to reach their full potential.
- Proven results: Our final grades are consistently above the German and global averages, which demonstrates the success of our approach.
Would you like to learn more about our IGCSE path or get a personal impression of our school community? We warmly invite you to attend one of the ISR Info Days.
