The main distinction between Edexcel and Cambridge A Levels is that Edexcel only has one set of question papers, which means both difficult and easy questions are in one paper except in mathematics, whereas Cambridge A Levels is a tiered examination system that has both foundation and higher levels. Both Edexcel and Cambridge A Levels are highly accepted international qualifications. The guidelines for these examinations are provided by the Joint Committee for Qualifications. They provide opportunities for local and international students to pursue their higher education by entering higher education institutes or universities. Cambridge A Levels is offered by Cambridge International Examinations, and Edexcel is offered by a subsidiary of the Pearson Publishing Company. Both these generally have the same difficulty level, but people have different opinions on their subject-wise difficulty. For example, Cambridge A Levels is considered easier in English yet harder in Maths.
Key Takeaways
- Edexcel has a single set of question papers, while Cambridge A Levels has a tiered examination system with foundation and higher levels.
- Both Edexcel and Cambridge A Levels are internationally recognized and accepted qualifications.
- Cambridge A Levels is considered easier in English but harder in Maths compared to Edexcel.
What is Edexcel A Levels?
Edexcel A Levels is an internationally recognized modular system examination. It was formed in 1996 with the merging of two institutions, BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) and ULEAC (the University of London Examination and Assessment Council), but in 2005 Pearson plc took full control over it and became the only large private examination board. Edexcel A Levels is more focused on the UK; therefore, their course and paper structures are similar to the UK system. It is a module-based system, and there are 6 modules per subject. Because of this module method, students can retake them if they need to improve their subject grades. They can sit for 1-2 papers per subject at the end of 5-6 months. These exams are usually held in May and November each year, but it varies depending on the country.
The students can take up the exams when they are ready. If only one exam in a subject is taken, the results are ‘banked,’ and when all the exams are completed, all the ‘banked’ results are taken into consideration, and the grades are offered.
What is Cambridge A Levels?
Cambridge A Levels is an international level preparatory qualification for university education. It has a history of more than 25 years and is a firm base for university education. Cambridge A Levels is created especially for international students. Therefore, it is precisely made in a way that is suitable and meets the needs of international students. Most importantly, it is free of cultural bias, so it is acceptable in Cambridge schools worldwide. The students find Cambridge A Levels flexible because there is a wide range of subjects. It also offers almost any combination so that the students can select the subjects that are appropriate for them. It even offers opportunities for students whose first language is not English. Passing Cambridge A Levels is considered academic excellence because many universities worldwide need this when accepting admissions. Since many British universities seek the ability to communicate in English as a requirement, passing this is considered proof of their English competency.
What is the Difference Between Edexcel and Cambridge A Levels?
Cambridge A Levels is offered by Cambridge International Examinations, whereas Edexcel is offered by a subsidiary of the Pearson Publishing Company. The key difference between Edexcel and Cambridge A Levels is that in Edexcel there is only one set of question papers, which means both difficult and easy questions are in one paper except mathematics, while Cambridge A Levels is a tiered examination system where there is a foundation level and higher levels.
Summary – Edexcel vs Cambridge A Levels
Edexcel A Levels is an internationally recognized modular system examination. It is more UK-focused, with all the difficult and easy questions in a single paper. Cambridge A Levels is an international level preparatory qualification for university education. It is a tiered system, and students can either do foundation or higher level based on their competency level. So, this is the summary of the difference between Edexcel and Cambridge A Levels.
