Cambridge O Level is an internationally recognized qualification equivalent to Cambridge IGCSE and UK GCSE. Cambridge O Level provides learners with excellent preparation for academic progression to Cambridge Advanced as well as other progression routes.

We designed Cambridge O Level for an international audience. It is sensitive to the needs of different countries and for learners whose first language may not be English. This is acknowledged during the assessment process.

In some countries, schools use Cambridge O Level as an international alternative or addition to the local government’s examination.

A broad curriculum

The Cambridge O Level curriculum enables teaching to be placed in a localized context, making it relevant wherever you teach it. You can choose from more than 40 subjects in any combination.

The Cambridge O Level curriculum emphasizes broad and balanced study across a wide range of subjects. It develops learners’ skills in creative thinking, inquiry, and problem solving and is structured so they build practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

Cambridge O Levels develop learner knowledge, understanding, and skills in:

• Subject content
• Applying knowledge and understanding to familiar and new situations
• Intellectual inquiry
• Flexibility and responsiveness to change
• Working and communicating in English
• Influencing outcomes
• Cultural awareness.

Cambridge O Level is compatible with other curricula. We update the curriculum regularly to ensure it stays relevant to learners’ needs.

Cambridge O Level qualification

Cambridge O Level leads to internationally recognised qualifications, accepted by leading universities and employers worldwide as evidence of academic ability.

Assessment takes place at the end of the course and includes written, oral and practical examinations. This gives learners a variety of ways to show their knowledge and skills, particularly when their first language is not English.

Grades are benchmarked using six internationally recognised grades, from A* to E, which have clear guidelines to explain the standard of achievement.

Cambridge O Level examination series occur twice a year, in June and November. Results are issued in August and January.

Past papers with mark schemes for each subject are available for you to download, along with examiner reports from previous exam sessions, and specimen papers. To find them, go to the Cambridge O Level subjects page and choose your subject.

Cambridge teachers can download a much wider selection of syllabus materials from our password-protected School Support Hub.