Many of you have questions about carrying forward from AS Level to A Level and we appreciate the options available can be complex. The information in the sections below will help you to understand the carry forward choices available.
You can find information about:
What are the different assessment approaches for Cambridge International AS and A Level?
There are three possible assessment approaches:
- Standalone assessment (AS Level)
Candidates take the Cambridge International AS Level only.
- Staged assessment (A Level)
Candidates take the Cambridge International AS Level in Year 1 and complete the Cambridge International A Level in Year 2.
- Linear assessment (A Level)
Candidates take all papers of the Cambridge International A Level course in the same series, usually at the end of Year 2.
What are double carry forwards?
Some syllabuses offer the opportunity to carry forward AS Level components (e.g. coursework) separate from the rest of the AS Level. If an AS Level is achieved by carrying forward a component from a previous series, this AS Level is itself no longer eligible to be carried forward. In other words, ‘double carry forward’ is not allowed for any Cambridge International syllabuses.
Can I also use component exemptions?
You should choose whether the staged, A2-only, best of both or linear route entry option is the most appropriate for your candidates taking A Level. You can then additionally choose to apply for component exemptions for eligible AS or A2 Level components. Our component exemptions pages outline what component exemptions are available for a particular exam series.
Candidates do not carry forward an exam mark for the A2-only route, so component exemptions at AS Level are not applicable for these candidates.
Find out more about component exemptions available in the June 2022 series.