GCE O level

The following set of frequently asked questions give information about the GCE O-level qualification.
 
GCE O-levels FAQs


Question:What are GCE O-levels?
Answer:Ordinary levels (O-levels) are probably the best-known school-leaving qualification in the world. Generations of students have developed their skills and knowledge with O-levels. They have been available for over 50 years, and are examination-based qualifications.
  
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 GCE O-levels.
  
Question:Where can I study for GCE O-levels?
Answer:You can study for GCE O-levels at your nearest approved centre. To find out which one is closest to you, please contact your local Edexcel regional office.
  
Question:How are GCE O-levels graded?
Answer:GCE O-levels 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 GCE O-levels?
Answer:Most students will do GCE AS & A-levels or a BTEC National after their GCE O-levels. Some prefer to go straight into work.
  
Question:Who normally takes GCE O-levels?
Answer:Students normally take their GCE O-levels 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 GCE O-levels available. Subjects include art, English, history, mathematics and the sciences. For a full list please go to the Qualifications area of our website.
     
Question:Will GCE O-levels get me a better job?
Answer:Good results in these qualifications provide an effective way of entering further education or a profession.