Course

At the AS Level, the Information Technology examination has two components. Paper 1 allows 1 hour and 45 minutes to answer compulsory questions based on topics 1-11 of the syllabus. The paper consists of short-answered and structured questions. Paper 2 is a compulsory practical paper which tests sections 8–11 of the syllabus content. Candidates perform practical tasks within a structured problem-solving context and submit their work electronically. They will also need to apply their knowledge from sections 1–7 of the syllabus content. Candidates must answer all questions. Candidates must not have access to the internet or email.

At the A Level, the Information Technology examination requires two additional components. Paper 3 is a compulsory written paper which tests sections 12–20 of the syllabus content. The content of sections 1–11 is assumed knowledge. The paper consists of a variable number of short-answer and structured questions of variable mark value. Candidates must answer all questions. Paper 4 is a compulsory practical paper which tests sections 17–20 of the syllabus content. The exam also includes practical tasks from sections 8–10 within a problem-solving context. Candidates perform practical tasks and submit their work electronically. Candidates apply their knowledge from all sections of the syllabus. Candidates must answer all questions. Candidates must not have access to the internet or email.

For Papers 1 & 3, calculators are not allowed.
For Papers 2 & 4, candidates will work with electronic resource files provided by Cambridge International. These files must be loaded onto the candidate’s computer system before the start of the examination.
Candidates must save their work in the format specified in the tasks. If work is saved in an incorrect file format, candidates will not receive marks for that task. To ensure candidates are able to convert/export files in any format during the practical tests, file conversion software must be available to candidates on their computers.