We revise our qualifications regularly to make sure that they continue to meet the needs of learners, schools and higher education institutions around the world and reflect current thinking. We have updated this syllabus and all assessment materials so they are clearer and more consistent across the three sciences. This is helpful for teachers who are teaching more than one science syllabus, and students who will enjoy a more coherent experience across each science. Please see the 2023–2025 syllabus document for full details on the changes.
What are the main changes to the syllabus?
To support teachers and learners, we have:
- updated the learning objectives to demonstrate the depth you should teach each topic. The wording looks different in many places, but the teaching content remains largely the same
- updated the topic structure to make sure topics and sub-topics are clearly linked
- removed and added topics; making sure that the teaching time is still within the guided learning hours
- reviewed the balance and progression between core and supplement.
What are the main changes to the assessment?
- We will provide the 'Notes for use in qualitative analysis' for Paper 6.
When do these changes take place?
The updated syllabus is for examination from June 2023 onwards. Please see the 2023-2025 syllabus for full details.
Support
We are developing a comprehensive range of materials to help you teach the updated syllabus. These resources will be available from June 2021 onwards (before first teaching) through our School Support Hub and include:
- Scheme of work
- Learner guide
- Teacher guide
- Specimen Paper Answers
- Resource Plus update
- Example Candidate Responses (after first examination).
Training
Face-to-face and online training will be available. For up-to-date information, visit our Events and training calendar.
Endorsed resources
View the latest resources that are being developed by our Endorsement Partners for the Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Chemistry syllabus (0971).

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (Fourth edition) (Hodder Education)
Written by renowned expert authors, our updated resources enable the learner to effectively navigate through the content of the updated Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry syllabus.
Read more on the Hodder Education website

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (Third edition) (Collins)
This course provides complete coverage of the updated Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry syllabus and is packed full of questions, in-depth content, practical investigative skills features and more.
Read more on the Collins website

Marshall Cavendish Education Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (Marshall Cavendish Education)
This series consists of print and digital learning materials that promote active learning through an inquiry-based approach. It provides many opportunities to extend learning and explore concepts through its activities and relatable real-life applications.
Read more on the Marshall Cavendish Education website

Chemistry for Cambridge IGCSE (Fifth edition)
(Cambridge University Press)
Through extensive research, including lesson observations, teacher interviews and work with our online research community, these new editions of our chemistry resources have been designed to meet the specific challenges of science teachers and learners.
Read more on the Cambridge University Press website