GCSEs in ICT no longer exist, so the options for ICT are Edexcel International GCSE or CAIE IGCSE. Both options are theoretically available to private candidates but both have practical exams that make them difficult to find an exam centre. There are centres which are known to offer Edexcel, which only has one practical paper (and a written one), but CAIE, with 2 practical papers (and a written one) will be very difficult.
Other options to explore are ICT Functional Skills or IGCSE Computer Science (CAIE offer a written exams only qualification). Or go back to the main category page to read more and see other computing qualifications.
Edexcel International GCSE in Information and Communication Technology[]
Edexcel International GCSE Information and Communication Technology page and specification
- Exams from: June 2019
- Available in June and November (from 2023)
- Specification code: 4IT1
Subject content[]
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Information and Communication Technology comprises six topics:
- Digital Devices
- Connectivity
- Operating Online
- Online Goods and Services
- Applying Information and Communication Technology
- Software Skills
Assessment[]
The exam is assessed by 2 final exams. However, one of the exams is a practical paper, needing access to computer and printer which means you need an exam centre who is able and willing to facilitate this.
- Paper 1 - Written Paper -1hr 30mins - 100 marks - 50%
- The examination comprises a mixture of multiple-choice, short- and long-answer questions, and is presented in two sections.
- Covers topics 1-4
- Paper 2 - Practical Paper - 3hrs - 100 marks - 50%
- Three-hour practical examination, inc printing time, set and marked by Pearson, comprising two sections.
- The examination contains series of scenario-based tasks.
- Covers topics 5-6
- The examination will take place during a one week window.
Resources[]
Pearson publish a textbook and an online teachers guide for the specification. Details can be found here
Past papers can be accessed through the specification page or here. Papers with an R suffix were available in a different time zone. They are the same specification and can be used as practice. There are also two specimen/sample sets here.
Pearson's Teaching and Learning resources have a useful qualification guide, schemes of work, sample lesson plans and exemplar material.
Exam centres[]
Centres who are known to have taken candidates for this specification include Tutors and Exams, AEC in Birmingham, and Whiteley Bay School. If you know of others do add them. It is always best to check with a centre before studying as they can and do change what they offer.
Cambridge (CAIE) IGCSE Information and Communication Technology[]
Cambridge offer 2 IGCSEs in Information and Communication Technology from 2020. The difference is in the grading, 0983 being 9-1 and 0417 being A*-G, otherwise the syllabus is identical.
CAIE International GCSE Information and Communication Technology (0983) page and specification
CAIE International GCSE Information and Communication Technology (0417) page and specification
0983 was new in 2020, 0417 the specification was updated for 2020 exams. If looking at 0417 materials be aware that there were some changes to content and assessment. There are further changes and new textbooks for assessment from 2023.
- Exams from: 2020
- Available in Autumn and Summer series
- Specification code: 0983 (9-1) or 0417 (A*- G)
Subject content[]
The CAIE International GCSE in Information and Communication Technology comprises twenty-one topics:
- Types and components of computer systems
- Input and output devices
- Storage devices and media
- Networks and the effects of using them
- The effects of using IT
- ICT applications
- The systems life cycle
- Safety and security
- Audience
- Communication
- File management
- Images
- Layout
- Styles
- Proofing
- Graphs and charts
- Document production
- Databases
- Presentations
- Spreadsheets
- Website authoring
Assessment[]
The exam is assessed by 3 final exams. However, two of the exams are practical papers, needing access to computer and printer which means you need an exam centre who is able and willing to facilitate this.
- Paper 1 - Theory - 1 hr 30 mins - 80 marks - 40%
- Written paper
- Covers full syllabus
- Consists of multiple-choice, short-answer and structured questions
- Paper 2 - Document Production, Databases and Presentations - 2 hr 15 mins - 70 marks - 30%
- Practical test
- Assesses the practical skills needed to use the applications covered in topics 17, 18 and 19
- Candidates must demonstrate the practical skills relevant to sections 11–16
- The examination will take place during an assessment window.
- Paper 3 - Spreadsheets and Website Authoring - 2 hr 15 mins - 70 marks - 30%
- Practical test
- Assesses the practical skills needed to use the applications covered in topics 20 and 11
- Candidates must demonstrate the practical skills relevant to sections 11–16
- The examination will take place during an assessment window.
Resources[]
There are several different textbooks, workbooks and revision books available for this specification - a list can be found here There are new books available for the 2023 onwards exams.
Past papers can be found on the specification pages or sites such as pastpapers.co and papacambridge. Each series of 0417(besides the March series - which is only sat in India) has 3 sets of papers available. These are because they were sat in different time zones. They are the same syllabus and useful for practice. You can use both 0983 and 0417 papers to practice. 0417 papers prior to March 2020 are old specification, although the questions may still be useful for practice as content was similar.
Exam Centres[]
Possibly might be offered by AEC in Birmingham, but do check ahead of studying. No other centres known.
Alternative Qualifications in ITC/IT[]
The IDCL (formerly EDCL) is the International Computer Driving Licence. It is a practical qualification that can demonstrate useful office skills on your CV. There are other British Computer Society vocational qualifications which can be taken at adult education centres throughout the year. Some centres might have age restrictions. ICDL Level 1 - Level 3 is offered with remote invigilation for home educated learners by TeachAllAboutIt.
KanduIT offer Btecs in ICT which can be fully studied from home.