Cambridge AICE Diploma qualification

The Cambridge AICE Diploma is a group certificate which requires learners to study a compulsory core subject, Cambridge AS Level Global Perspectives & Research, with Cambridge AS & A Level subjects drawn from three curriculum areas: mathematics and science (Group 1), languages (Group 2), and arts and humanities (Group 3). There is the option to study interdisciplinary subjects (Group 4). 

We hold Cambridge International AS & A Level exam series twice a year, in June and November. Results are issued in August and January. In India only, we offer a March exam series with results issued in May.

Cambridge AICE Diploma Credits 

To achieve the Cambridge AICE Diploma, learners must achieve a minimum of seven credits (including Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives & Research) from subject groups 1, 2, and 3 (and optionally Group 4) to be awarded the Diploma. Learners must achieve at least one credit from each of Groups 1, 2 and 3. 

The remaining credits can come from any of the groups. A Cambridge International AS Level is awarded one credit, and a Cambridge International A Level is awarded two credits. 

Learners who pass the Cambridge International A Level in Global Perspectives & Research meet the compulsory requirement of the core group and also have one credit which may then be included in Group 4 to contribute to the overall requirement of seven credits. 

Learners counting Cambridge International A Level Global Perspectives & Research towards their Diploma may also use one outcome either from General Paper (at AS Level only) or Thinking Skills (at AS or A Level). In this case, the use of Cambridge International A Level Thinking Skills in addition to Cambridge International A Level Global Perspectives & Research is allowed, even though this will exceed the two credit limit for Group 4. This is only allowed where this combination gives a learner their best overall outcome.

The following combinations of credits are valid for the Diploma:

When a learner’s best overall outcome is achieved through a combination of Cambridge International A Level Global Perspectives & Research and three Cambridge International A Levels, this will be allowed even though it equates to eight credits. The maximum number of points a learner can be awarded is 420.

Study and assessment options

Cambridge International AS Level is typically a one-year course and Cambridge International A Level is typically a two-year course. The structure of the course content and assessment makes it possible to co-teach learners who are following both the Cambridge International AS and A Level routes. 

• Take all Cambridge International A Level components in the same examination session at the end of the course of study, normally the end of the second year. 
• Follow a staged assessment to Cambridge International A Level by taking the Cambridge International AS Level qualification in one examination series, and the final part of assessment (Cambridge International A Level) in a subsequent series. 
• Take the Cambridge International AS Level only. 

Accumulating results over multiple exam series 

A learner can accumulate results to be used towards the Cambridge AICE Diploma over more than one exam series. They can use up to five exam series to take the equivalent of seven full credit examinations as long as they are taken within a 25-month period. For example, a candidate entering for the Cambridge AICE Diploma in November 2017 may only use previous results gained in the November 2015, June 2016, November 2016 and June 2017 examination series. 

These candidates must be entered for the Cambridge AICE Diploma in the final exam series. Please refer to the Cambridge Guide to Making Entries for information on how to enter students for the Cambridge AICE Diploma. The guide is available to Cambridge exam officers on CIE Direct or you can contact us to request a copy.

Assessment

Cambridge International A Level uses a wide range of assessment processes and techniques to supplement formal written examinations – orals, practicals, projects and coursework of various types are all used in various subjects where they are the most effective and appropriate means of measuring attainment. 

Cambridge International A Level subjects are graded from A* to E. Cambridge International AS Level subjects are graded A to E. There is no A* grade awarded at Cambridge International AS Level. The Cambridge AICE Diploma is awarded on a points system, so each grade is converted to a number of points as shown in the table below. 

Grade A* is awarded 140 points, however the maximum number of Cambridge AICE Diploma points is capped at 420.

Learners who meet the requirements of the group award will receive a Cambridge AICE Diploma at one of three levels: Pass, Merit or Distinction. The level awarded is based on the overall Cambridge AICE Diploma score. 

Cambridge AICE Diploma with Distinction: awarded to students with a score of 360 points or above. The maximum Diploma score is 420 points.

Cambridge AICE Diploma with Merit: awarded to students with between 250 and 359 points. 

Cambridge AICE Diploma at Pass level: awarded to students with between 140 and 249 points. 

Learners who do not meet the requirements of the group award will receive certificates for their individual subjects.