Recognition of Cambridge qualifications

More than 1000 institutions across the United States formally recognise our qualifications and many more will accept them on application. Universities and colleges with formal recognitions or credit policies include all the Ivy League institutions, as well as other renowned institutions across the country.

Cambridge works closely with US higher education institutions to make sure that Cambridge students – both domestic and international – can progress smoothly to the next stage of education.

As part of this work, we have formed regional Higher Education Advisory Councils in the USA. Each regional council is comprised of higher education leaders at colleges and universities across the US.

The regional councils:

• advise Cambridge on issues relating to college and university credit, placement, admissions, and recognition policies.
• give feedback on the development of Cambridge Advanced courses and exams.
• help increase understanding of Cambridge courses and assessments among the US college and university community.

Cambridge Advanced (International AS & A Level) recognition

Cambridge International AS & A Level courses and exams prepare global secondary students and US high school students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college and university. Many subjects can be started as a Cambridge International AS Level and extended to an A Level. The Cambridge AICE Diploma recognizes students with exceptional achievements in Cambridge International AS & A Level exams.

Due to the depth of knowledge and transferable skills the qualifications require, students are also frequently able to use their Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications to gain college credit and/or advanced placement (advanced standing) against their chosen degree programme, depending on the grade achieved.

Cambridge AICE Diploma recognition

The Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma is a rigorous academic curriculum that recognizes achievement in Cambridge International AS & A Levels.

To receive the Cambridge AICE Diploma students must attain seven or more Cambridge credits in three subject and the core required subject, Global Perspectives & Research groups. Credits are earned by passing Cambridge International AS & A Level exams. For passing AS Level grades, students receive one credit, for A Level they receive two credits.

The Cambridge International AS & A Levels that make up the Cambridge AICE Diploma are welcomed by universities and colleges across the US.

Cambridge Upper Secondary or Pre-Advanced (IGCSE and O Level) recognition

Students holding five Cambridge IGCSE or Cambridge O Level qualifications at Grade C and above may be accepted for admission into some US universities. These are the minimum requirements students must meet in order to compete for admission. However, they will not guarantee entrance as higher level qualifications, such as Cambridge International AS & A Levels, may also be required.

Acceptance with Cambridge IGCSE or Cambridge O Level alone is more likely in two-year junior or community colleges. Leading universities will typically require Cambridge International AS & A Level for admission but may also consider the student’s Cambridge IGCSE or Cambridge O Level results in order to make an offer.

Cambridge Pre-U recognition

Cambridge Pre-U is now withdrawn. No further examinations are available. The last examinations for the majority of subjects were in June 2023, with a resit available in June 2024. However, student’s holding this qualification will still apply to university in forthcoming years.

Cambridge Pre-U was a post-16 qualification which prepares students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed at university. Further information on the Cambridge Pre-U can be found on our website. All the Ivy League colleges accept Cambridge Pre-U and so do many other leading universities in the US.

Search for university recognition and credit policies

You can find out which universities in the US recognise Cambridge qualifications by searching our recognitions and credit database. You can select by location, state, institution name, and qualification. We encourage you to check each institution’s own website for more details on their admissions requirements and enrolment policies. Many more universities than those listed in the database will accept Cambridge qualifications.