What it is
Cambridge (Cambridge Assessment International Education, part of the University of Cambridge) offers an internationally recognized PreK–12 curriculum and exam pathway used at Cambridge and international schools. Its best-known qualifications are the IGCSE (mid-secondary), AS & A Levels (advanced), and the AICE Diploma — a group award popular in the U.S., especially Florida.
Format & structure
- Cambridge Primary & Lower SecondaryWith Checkpoint diagnostic tests at the end of each stage
- IGCSEThe International General Certificate of Secondary Education — ages 14–16 (grades 9–10), taken subject by subject
- Cambridge International AS & A LevelsAdvanced, college-level courses — ages 16–19 (grades 11–12); AS = one year/credit, A Level = two years/credits
- AICE DiplomaThe Advanced International Certificate of Education — a group diploma earned by passing 7 credits across three areas (Math & Science; Languages; Arts & Humanities) plus the core (Global Perspectives & Research), within a 25-month window
How it's scored
Cambridge grades are subject-by-subject: IGCSE is graded A*–G (some subjects use 9–1); AS Level is graded a–e (one credit) and A Level is graded A*–E (two credits). A passing grade of E or higher can earn college credit at many U.S. universities. The AICE Diploma is awarded for accumulating the required 7 credits across the three areas plus the core.
Registration & cost
Students take Cambridge through a registered Cambridge International School; your school handles exam registration and fees. In the U.S., families can send official Cambridge/AICE grade transcripts to colleges through Cambridge's services.
Test dates & timing
Cambridge exams are offered in two main series a year — June and November. AICE Diploma candidates accumulate results across sessions within a 25-month period, entering for the diploma in the final series.
How to prepare
- Work steadily through the coursesCambridge is course-based — consistent study across the year matters
- Use past papersCambridge publishes past papers and mark schemes — the best practice
- Plan the AICE credit mix earlyMap your subjects across the three areas plus the core to reach 7 credits in time
- Lean on your school's Cambridge coordinatorThey manage entries and timelines
Strategies & tips
- Choose subjects strategicallyBalance the three AICE areas and your university plans; A Levels count double
- Aim above the passing gradeHigher grades earn more credit and stronger applications
- Watch the 25-month AICE windowSequence your exam series so all credits count
- Confirm each university's credit policyRecognition is set subject-by-subject by each school
How scores are used
Cambridge AS & A Levels earn university admission and college credit worldwide (each university sets its policy; passing grades of E+ often earn credit — Florida public universities award up to ~30–45 hours). In Florida, earning the AICE Diploma plus community-service hours automatically qualifies students for the Florida Academic Scholars award through Bright Futures — regardless of GPA or SAT/ACT — making it a popular, scholarship-rich path.
Accommodations & support
Cambridge offers access arrangements for students with documented needs, coordinated through the school and Cambridge.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the difference between IGCSE and A Level?IGCSE is mid-secondary (ages 14–16); AS & A Levels are advanced, college-level courses (ages 16–19).
- What is AICE?A group diploma built from Cambridge AS & A Levels — 7 credits across three areas plus the core.
- How does AICE help in Florida?The AICE Diploma + community service earns the Florida Academic Scholars (Bright Futures) award and up to ~30–45 college credit hours.
- Cambridge, IB, or AP?All three are respected advanced pathways; schools choose which to offer, and universities recognize each subject-by-subject.
- When are exams?June and November series.
Key facts
- WhatInternational curriculum & exams (Cambridge / CAIE)
- PathwayPrimary → IGCSE → AS/A Level
- GradingIGCSE A*–G · AS a–e · A Level A*–E
- AICE Diploma7 credits (3 areas) + core
- Bright FuturesAICE Diploma → Florida Academic Scholars
- SessionsJune & November
Where to learn more
Confirm current details with the official source and your school: