The Ultimate IGCSE Chemistry Exam Guide: Papers, Syllabus & How to Smash It!
Feeling overwhelmed by the IGCSE Chemistry exam? You’re not alone. With multiple papers, tricky calculations, and what feels like a mountain of content, knowing where to start is half the battle.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know — from the structure of Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620 / 0971) to proven strategies for acing each paper. Whether you’re aiming for a Grade 9 (A*) or simply want to feel confident going into the exam, this is your roadmap to success.
1. Understanding the Exam Boards & Your Path (Core vs. Extended)
While there are different exam boards worldwide, Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) is by far the most commonly taken IGCSE Chemistry board, especially by international students.
One of the most important decisions you’ll make early on is choosing between Core and Extended.
The Critical Choice: Core vs. Extended
| Level | Papers | Grades Available | Who Is It For? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Papers 1, 3, 5/6 | C–G | Students aiming to pass confidently |
| Extended | Papers 2, 4, 5/6 | A*–G | Students targeting top grades & universities |
🔹 Key advice:
If you’re aiming for top universities or competitive sixth forms, Extended is strongly recommended. While it is more demanding, it opens the door to A* grades and builds stronger foundations for A-Level Chemistry.
Always discuss your choice with your teacher — but if you’re capable, Extended is the smarter long-term path.
If you’re still unsure which level is right for you, see our Core vs Extended explained in detail guide.
2. Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry Papers – A Detailed Breakdown
This section is the heart of the exam. Understanding how each paper works helps you revise smarter, not harder.
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry Papers at a Glance
| Paper | Type | Duration | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | MCQ (Core) | 45 min | 30% |
| Paper 2 | MCQ (Extended) | 45 min | 30% |
| Paper 3 | Theory (Core) | 1 hr 15 min | 50% |
| Paper 4 | Theory (Extended) | 1 hr 15 min | 50% |
| Paper 5 | Practical Test | 1 hr 15 min | 20% |
| Paper 6 | Alternative to Practical | 1 hr | 20% |
Paper 2 – Multiple Choice (Extended)
🕒 “The 45-minute sprint”
40 multiple-choice questions
Tests breadth of knowledge across the entire syllabus
Speed and accuracy are essential
✅ Top Tip:
Use elimination techniques and be very careful with negative phrasing like:
“Which of the following is not correct?”
Many students lose easy marks here by rushing — this paper is a huge grade booster if done properly.
Paper 4 – Theory (Extended)
💥 “The big one!”
Worth 50% of your final grade
Includes:
Calculations
Written explanations
Graphs & data analysis
Chemical equations
🧠 Command Words Matter
State → short factual answer
Explain → give a reason
Describe → say what happens, step by step
✏️ Always show your working in calculations — method marks can save you even if the final answer is wrong.
You can explore the complete IGCSE Chemistry exam structure with paper-specific strategies in our main hub.
Paper 5 / 6 – Practical Skills
If you don’t take the lab-based Paper 5, you’ll take Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical) instead.
You’ll be tested on:
Designing experiments
Identifying variables
Drawing labelled diagrams
Interpreting results
Lab safety and accuracy
📌 Must-memorise:
Key tests for gases, cations, and anions appear every year.
3. What Exactly Do I Need to Study? Key Topics at a Glance
Instead of thinking in hundreds of pages, focus on big themes you’ll master throughout the course.
For a topic-by-topic overview, see our full IGCSE Chemistry syllabus breakdown.
The Big Themes You’ll Master
Particle Theory of Matter
Atomic Structure & Periodic Table
Stoichiometry & The Mole ⚠️
Acids, Bases & Salts
Electrolysis
Metals & Reactivity
Energetics
Rates of Reaction
Organic Chemistry
Environmental Chemistry
Make-or-Break Topics
🔴 Stoichiometry (The Mole)
This topic appears everywhere — MCQs, theory questions, and multi-step calculations. It requires consistent practice, not memorisation.
🟢 Organic Chemistry
Success comes from:
Learning functional groups
Drawing structures neatly
Practising reaction pathways
4. Your Action Plan: Top 5 Revision Strategies for an A*
1️⃣ Befriend the Syllabus
The syllabus is your official checklist.
Print it. Highlight it. Tick off each learning objective only when you truly understand it.
2️⃣ Past Papers Are Your Best Friend
This is the single most effective revision tool.
✔ Do them timed
✔ Do them topic-by-topic
✔ Analyse every mistake
Improvement happens after the paper, not during it.
3️⃣ Master Command Words
Create flashcards for:
Suggest
Compare
Evaluate
Describe
Your answer must match the command, or marks are lost — even if your chemistry knowledge is correct.
4️⃣ Conquer Practical Skills (Paper 5 / 6)
Practise:
Experimental design
Labelled diagrams
Identifying variables
Accuracy & reliability questions
Memorise standard tests — these are easy guaranteed marks.
5️⃣ Form Your Study Squad
Explaining concepts to others forces clarity.
If you can teach it, you truly know it.
Some students benefit from structured IGCSE Chemistry support alongside self-study.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is IGCSE Chemistry hard?
A: It’s challenging, but very structured. Students who work consistently almost always succeed. Last-minute cramming rarely works.
Q: Which paper is the most important?
A: Paper 4 (Theory) is worth 50%, so it’s crucial.
However, Paper 2 (MCQ) is an easy marks booster — don’t neglect it.
Q: How do I get better at calculations?
A: Use a fixed method every time:
Write the balanced equation
Find moles of the given substance
Use the mole ratio
Convert to the required answer
✏️ Always show every step.
Final Thoughts
You’ve got this. 💪
IGCSE Chemistry is a marathon, not a sprint. By understanding the exam structure, focusing on high-yield topics, and using smart revision strategies, you’re setting yourself up for success.
Now grab your syllabus, open a past paper, and take that first step.
Good luck!
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