US higher education FAQs

Our grading process for the June 2020 series relies on evidence of student learning, based on Cambridge International’s guidelines for grading. The process provides an equal opportunity for all students to demonstrate their mastery of the content and skills for each course.

Read the full details of how Cambridge International will award grades for the June 2020 exam series (PDF, 83KB).

In developing this approach, we have engaged with different entities worldwide, including other awarding bodies, governments and universities.

To make sure our process is valid and treats all students and schools equally, we are requesting evidence from schools for an audit process. Schools must retain this evidence until final results are released. This means we can conduct audits to make sure our methodology is rigorous and our grades are reliable.

Cambridge International will provide colleges and university partners with clear information about the assessments that have been conducted during the student's participation in IGCSE, O Level, AS & A level, AICE Diploma and Pre-U and the process by which final marks were determined in this unusual year. We will continue to make sure our assessment processes are valid and reliable.

Each college or university will be able to make informed decisions as they have done in the past about their Cambridge International policies regarding admissions, credit granting, advanced standing, and scholarship awards.

Cambridge International is committed to maintaining its current processes in place as much as possible in an unprecedented global situation. We are continuing to provide transcripts for Cambridge AICE Diploma, and AS and A Level course certificates. Governments and universities will receive the information they need to make appropriate decisions.

To further support students, we have worked with higher education institutes to move the vast majority of our transcripts to electronic delivery.

Students will receive grades and diplomas (e.g. Cambridge AICE) as if they had sat for the exam. The grades and diplomas received this year will carry the same weight and prestige as those awarded in the past.

Each university will be able to make informed decisions as they have done in the past about their Cambridge International policies regarding admissions, credit granting, advanced standing, and scholarship awards.

Yes, the AS level grades will carry the same currency and can be used towards the completion of the AICE Diploma. The Cambridge AICE diploma continues to count towards US scholarships (e.g. Bright Futures in Florida).

Cambridge International will provide governments with clear information about the assessments that have been conducted during students’ participation in the one and two years of the Cambridge AS and A Levels, and the process by which final marks were determined in this unusual year. We will continue to make sure our assessment processes are valid and reliable.

Each entity will then be able to make informed decisions about the use of Cambridge International data for accountability and policy development.

Cambridge International has established a working group, comprised of senior Cambridge International staff, that, with continuous input from both K-12 and higher education stakeholders, is addressing all needs for schools, higher education, and students during the Covid-19 pandemic.

We correspond regularly with our US Higher Education Advisory Council (HEAC) and regional US HEACs, consisting of higher education admission leaders, regarding Cambridge International’s response to the spread of Covid-19.

Cambridge International is communicating with higher education partners through email, meetings, website, and national organizations such as AACRAO.

We will continue to monitor the situation and will update you online with any further information and implications for universities and colleges.

Colleges and universities with additional questions may contact Cambridge International Customer Services.

As in prior years, Cambridge International will release scores in August, this year on 11 August 2020.