Support and guidance for digital exams

Multiple-choice questions (MCQs): candidates choose their answers on-screen from a selection of options. Multiple-choice questions may be presented in different formats, including circular/radio buttons or drag-and-drop interactions.

Longer response questions: For questions requiring shorter text responses or essays, candidates type their answers into a text box. Formatting and support tools are available, such as bullet points and bold or italic text.

Listening questions: Listening questions include an audio file within the digital exam platform. Depending on the exam, candidates may have different playback options and navigation restrictions:

• The audio will begin playing as soon as the question is opened.
• Candidates cannot pause, rewind or fast-forward the audio.
• In some exams, candidates may be able to listen to the audio a second time by selecting the Play button. The exam instructions will confirm whether this is available.
• In some cases, candidates will not be able to move to the next question until the audio has finished playing. The exam allows time for this.
• Candidates can adjust the volume of the recording using the Volume icon.
• Individual headphones are required for candidates to listen to the audio during the exam.

Questions with resources, such as extracts: Resources are displayed alongside the response area. Candidates can adjust the size of the resource and response panels to suit their needs.

The digital exam platform has a range of accessibility and support features, including:

• background colour options
• adjustable line height
• text resizing (for essay responses only)
• extra time and rest breaks (where approved as part of access arrangements)
• a digital notepad
• highlighter tools
• screen zoom controls.

All answers are saved automatically on the platform. Candidates do not need to write anything by hand and will not be able to copy from outside the digital exam.

Yes, learners can explore our interactive tutorials to familiarise themselves with the digital exam platform, including how to navigate exams, use the available tools and features, and answer different question types.

• Interactive tutorial one – Navigation through a digital exam
• Interactive tutorial two – Understanding the exam tools available
• Interactive tutorial three – Answering questions on a digital exam

To share a tutorial, click the three dots at the bottom of the tutorial, select Share, then click Copy Short URL. You can then paste this URL into an email and send it to your learners.

Visit the demo site to access a preview of the digital exam.

Please do not copy and paste the link from your browser to share it, as the URL will change and may prevent it from working properly.

We recommend the following:

• Participate in our Digital Mocks Service
• Watch our tutorials
• Try our demo site
• Contact your regional team to express your interest in digital exams:

If you would like to explore digital exam content further, specimen digital exams are available for components with a digital exam option on School Support Hub in the 'Syllabus and specimen materials' section of the relevant syllabus page.

Our exams are delivered through a digital exam platform developed in collaboration with a third-party supplier.

Candidates will use their unique username and password to securely access each exam.

No. During live digital exams, candidates will not be able to navigate away from the exam platform to use other software. Many other functions on the device will also be made inaccessible for the duration of the exams.

Candidates will receive the same username throughout the exam series. However, they will receive a different password for each exam they are entered for.

Digital exams represent a significant change for schools. A phased rollout allows us to ensure schools and learners are well-prepared and fully supported throughout the transition, whilst maintaining the quality, fairness and reliability that schools expect from Cambridge.

Eligibility depends on your region, the exam series and your school’s readiness. If digital exams are not yet available in your region, we encourage you to register your interest so we can keep you informed.

We are expanding access in a phased approach. If your region is not yet included, we recommend registering your interest so we can share updates, guidance and future opportunities to participate.

No. We are introducing subjects gradually. Discover our roadmap for digital Cambridge IGCSE and International AS & A Level exams.