The following set of frequently asked questions give information about the IGCSE qualification.
IGCSE FAQs
- What is the Edexcel IGCSE?
- How many do I study?
- How long does it take to do them?
- Where can I study for IGCSEs?
- How are IGCSEs graded?
- What can I do after I finish IGCSEs?
- Who normally takes IGCSEs?
- What subjects are available?
- Will IGCSEs get me a better job?
| Question: | What is the Edexcel IGCSE? |
| Answer: | The Edexcel International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a new qualification that embraces the best practice of O-levels and GCSEs. All IGCSEs can be awarded by 100% external examination, although most also contain a coursework option. IGCSEs aim to provide students with an international perspective to their studies, so that work can be based on their own region, where possible, making study more relevant and rewarding. |
| Question: | How many do I study? |
| Answer: | Students normally study between seven and ten subjects. |
| Question: | How long does it take to do them? |
| Answer: | Students normally study over a two-year period for their IGCSEs. |
| Question: | Where can I study for IGCSEs? |
| Answer: | You can study for IGCSEs at your nearest approved centre. To find out which one is closest to you, please contact your local Edexcel regional office. |
| Question: | How are IGCSEs graded? |
| Answer: | IGCSEs are graded in the same way as GCSEs. Foundation-tier papers are targeted at grades C–G and Higher-tier papers are targeted at grades A*–D. This allows students of all abilities the opportunity to gain good results. |
| Question: | What can I do after I finish IGCSEs? |
| Answer: | Most students will do GCE AS & A-levels or a BTEC National after their IGCSEs. Some prefer to go straight into work. |
| Question: | Who normally takes IGCSEs? |
| Answer: | Students normally take their IGCSE examinations at the age of 16. People at work who may want to get back into education, or who simply want to update or develop new skills that they can use at work, may be interested too. |
| Question: | What subjects are available? |
| Answer: | There are a large number of IGCSEs available. Subjects include IT, business, art, sciences and English. For a full list please go to the Qualifications area of our website. |
| Question: | Will IGCSEs get me a better job? |
| Answer: | Good results in these qualifications provide an effective way of entering further education or a profession. |