✅Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry Syllabus (2026–2028)
An official guide to the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry syllabus,
covering Core and Extended content, assessment structure,
and strategies for achieving a Grade 9 (A*).
This syllabus guide focuses specifically on the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry curriculum for the 2026–2028 examination series.
If you are looking for a complete overview of IGCSE Chemistry, including level selection (Core vs Extended), exam strategy, paper structure, and Grade 9 (A*) planning, you can explore our IGCSE Chemistry Guide here.
This in-depth guide provides a comprehensive explanation of the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry syllabus for the 2026–2028 examination series. It is designed as a long-form educational reference for students, parents, and teachers seeking a clear understanding of the course structure, content, and assessment.
Contents
This section helps you quickly navigate the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry syllabus and find the topics and assessment details you need.
Overview of the IGCSE Chemistry Curriculum
IGCSE Chemistry introduces students to the fundamental principles that govern chemical reactions and material behaviour. The course balances theoretical understanding with experimental and practical skills, encouraging students to think scientifically and analytically.
Throughout the syllabus, students learn how chemical knowledge is applied in everyday life, industrial processes, and environmental contexts. Emphasis is placed on accurate scientific language, data interpretation, and problem-solving.
CORE vs EXTENDED
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry is offered at two levels of entry: Core and Extended.
Both pathways cover the same topic areas, but the Extended syllabus includes
greater depth, more demanding calculations, and more detailed explanations.
CORE
Suitable for students targeting grades C–G.
Focuses on fundamental understanding with
simpler calculations and structured questions.
EXTENDED
Designed for students aiming for grades A*–G.
Requires deeper conceptual understanding,
multi-step calculations, and exam-style reasoning.
IGCSE Core vs Extended: What is the difference?
Success in the IGCSE Chemistry examination begins with choosing the correct level of entry: Core or Extended.
Each pathway is designed for different academic targets, levels of confidence, and future study plans.
The comparison below clearly explains which option is most suitable for you.
Key Academic Difference
Students entered for the Extended level are examined on both Core and Extended content, while Core candidates are assessed only on Core material.
As a result, Extended provides broader coverage, deeper understanding, and stronger preparation for further study in chemistry.
Important Note
Choosing Core while aiming for top grades is a common mistake.
Students entered for Core cannot achieve grades A or A*, regardless of performance.
For this reason, students should carefully choose between Core and Extended
based on their target grades and future academic plans.
| Aspect | Core | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| Target Grades | C to G | A* to G |
| Mathematical Demand | Basic calculations and simple numerical problems | More complex calculations, including mole calculations and multi-step problems |
| Depth of Content | Focus on understanding and describing key concepts | Requires detailed explanations and deeper conceptual understanding |
| Use of Theory | Mainly descriptive explanations | Explanations based on theory, models, and scientific reasoning |
| Stoichiometry | Simple reacting mass calculations | Full mole concept, gas volumes, and solution calculations |
| Chemical Bonding | Basic descriptions of ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding | Explanation of properties using bonding and structure |
| Electrochemistry | Identification of products of electrolysis | Prediction of products with half-equations and reasoning |
| Energetics | Recognition of exothermic and endothermic reactions | Energy profile diagrams and bond energy calculations |
| Organic Chemistry | Recognition of functional groups and basic reactions | Reaction pathways, conditions, and extended organic chemistry questions |
| Exam Papers | Paper 1 + Paper 3 + Paper 5 or 6 | Paper 2 + Paper 4 + Paper 5 or 6 |
| Preparation for IB / A-Level | Limited | Strong and appropriate |
Choosing between Core and Extended is one of the most important decisions in IGCSE Chemistry.
A detailed explanation of how this choice affects exam papers, grade potential, and future pathways is explained step-by-step in our
IGCSE Chemistry Guide.
Which Level Should You Choose? (Decision Guide)
CORE – Choose Core if:
• You are aiming for grades C to G.
• You need a solid understanding of fundamental chemical concepts without excessive mathematical demand.
• You find multi-step calculations challenging and prefer structured, guided questions.
• Chemistry is not required at a higher level (IB, A-Level, AP) in your future studies.
• You want a qualification that demonstrates basic scientific literacy and understanding.
EXTENDED – Choose Extended if:
• You are targeting A*, A or B grades (9–7 in the 9–1 system).
• You are confident with algebra, ratios, graphs, and multi-step calculations.
• You plan to study IB Chemistry, A-Level Chemistry, AP Chemistry or a science-related subject.
• You are comfortable applying concepts rather than memorising facts.
• You want stronger preparation for analytical and exam-style problem solving.
Common Misconception
A frequent mistake is choosing Core despite aiming for high grades.
Students entered for Core are not eligible for A* or A grades, regardless of exam performance.
Final Advice
If you are unsure, it is generally safer to begin preparation at Extended level.
Students can move down to Core later if necessary, but moving from Core to Extended close to the examination date is significantly more difficult.
Exam Board
This syllabus guide is based on the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry specification (0620 / 0971).
Assessment Structure
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry is assessed through a combination of written examination papers and a practical component. Each paper is designed to assess different skills, including knowledge, application, and experimental understanding.
Core Papers
Paper 1 – Multiple Choice
Tests knowledge and understanding of the Core syllabus.
Paper 3 – Theory
Assesses structured and extended response questions based on Core content.
Extended Papers
Paper 2 – Multiple Choice
Covers both Core and Extended syllabus content.
Paper 4 – Theory
Requires deeper conceptual understanding and more advanced problem-solving.
Practical Assessment
Paper 5 – Practical Test
Hands-on laboratory examination assessing experimental skills.
Paper 6 – Alternative to Practical
Written paper testing practical knowledge and experimental techniques.
Topic List (Syllabus Units)
The IGCSE Chemistry syllabus is designed to balance fundamental chemical knowledge,
quantitative calculation skills, and the analytical thinking required in examinations.
🟢 Physical Chemistry
• Atomic structure
• Stoichiometry
• Energetics
• Rates of reaction
• Acids and bases
Inorganic Chemistry
• Periodic table
• Metals and reactivity
• Extraction of metals
• Air and water chemistry
🔵 Organic Chemistry
• Hydrocarbons
• Alcohols and acids
• Polymers
• Basic reaction types
The depth of these topics varies between the Core and Extended levels.
With the correct level of entry, the syllabus becomes more manageable
and achieving higher grades becomes significantly more attainable.
Detailed
1. States of Matter
This topic introduces the particle model of matter and explains how the physical state of a substance depends on particle arrangement, movement, and energy.
Key learning focus
- Differences between solids, liquids, and gases
- Changes of state and energy transfer
- Diffusion explained using kinetic particle theory
Extended-level students explore heating and cooling curves and explain gas behaviour in terms of pressure, temperature, and molecular motion.
2. Atoms, Elements and Compounds
This section forms the theoretical backbone of IGCSE Chemistry. Students learn how matter is built from atoms and how atomic structure determines chemical behaviour.
Topics include atomic structure, isotopes, electronic configuration, and the Periodic Table. Chemical bonding is introduced through ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding models.
Extended candidates are expected to explain properties of substances using bonding and structure, rather than simple description.
3. Stoichiometry
Stoichiometry develops students’ ability to use chemical equations quantitatively. This topic is essential for examination success and is a major source of calculation-based questions.
- Writing and balancing chemical equations
- Relative atomic and molecular masses
- Reacting mass calculations
Extended students also work extensively with the mole concept, including calculations involving gases and solutions.
4. Electrochemistry
Electrochemistry focuses on chemical reactions involving electricity. Students study electrolysis and learn how ions move in molten compounds and aqueous solutions.
A strong emphasis is placed on predicting products at electrodes and writing ionic half-equations, particularly at Extended level.
5. Chemical Energetics
This topic explores energy changes during chemical reactions. Students distinguish between exothermic and endothermic processes and interpret energy level diagrams.
Extended-level questions often require calculation of enthalpy changes using bond energies.
6. Chemical Reactions
Students investigate how and why reactions occur, including factors that affect reaction rate and the concept of reversible reactions.
The syllabus introduces oxidation and reduction (redox) in terms of electron transfer and oxidation numbers.
7. Acids, Bases and Salts
This topic connects theory with practical chemistry. Students study the properties of acids and bases, pH, and the preparation of salts through different reaction methods.
Extended students must distinguish between strong and weak acids and explain reactions at the ionic level.
8. The Periodic Table
The Periodic Table is used as a tool to predict chemical behaviour. Students explore trends across periods and down groups, with particular focus on Group I, Group VII, noble gases, and transition elements.
9. Metals
This section examines the physical and chemical properties of metals, their extraction from ores, and their uses in industry.
Topics such as corrosion, rust prevention, and alloys are frequently assessed in both Core and Extended papers.
10. Chemistry of the Environment
Environmental chemistry highlights the role of chemistry in sustainability and global challenges.
Students study water purification, air pollution, fertilisers, and the chemistry behind climate change.
For a topic-by-topic breakdown with study priorities and common exam mistakes, see our IGCSE Chemistry topic guide.
11. Organic Chemistry
Organic chemistry introduces carbon-based compounds. Students learn about hydrocarbons, alcohols, carboxylic acids, and synthetic polymers.
Extended-level questions often test reaction pathways and interpretation of organic reactions.
12. Experimental Techniques and Chemical Analysis
Practical skills are assessed throughout the course. Students must demonstrate knowledge of laboratory techniques, experimental design, and chemical tests.
This topic includes chromatography, titration, and qualitative analysis of ions and gases.
Each topic in the IGCSE Chemistry syllabus requires a different study approach.
Explore the full topic breakdown below to focus your preparation effectively.
Practical Skills & ATP (Paper 6)
Practical skills are a core component of the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry assessment. Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical) evaluates a student’s ability to interpret experimental data, analyse procedures, and apply practical understanding without performing laboratory experiments.
What Paper 6 Assesses
• Interpretation of experimental data, tables, and graphs
• Understanding of laboratory procedures and experimental design
• Identification of variables and sources of error
• Analysis of results and drawing valid conclusions
• Knowledge of standard laboratory apparatus and techniques
• Understanding of chemical tests, observations, and safety procedures
Why Practical Skills Matter
• Practical-based questions appear regularly across multiple exam papers
• Strong practical understanding improves performance in theory papers
• Many students lose marks due to weak data interpretation rather than weak theory
• Mastery of practical skills is essential for high-grade (A*/9) performance
This section highlights that the IGCSE Chemistry syllabus is not only about
learning content, but about understanding how chemistry is tested
and applied in examinations.
Many students lose marks in Paper 6 not because of weak chemistry knowledge,
but due to difficulties in data interpretation, experimental logic,
and understanding examiner expectations.
Targeted practice and personalised feedback can significantly improve
performance in ATP-style questions and practical exam technique.
👉 Grade 9 (A*) Strategy
Master Extended-level content with confidence
Apply chemistry concepts to unfamiliar contexts
Show precision in calculations, units, and significant figures
Use correct scientific language in explanations
Avoid common mark-loss errors in structured and data-based questions
Strategic Focus Areas
Paper 4 (Extended Theory):
Depth of understanding, multi-step reasoning, and structured answersPaper 2 (MCQ):
Speed, accuracy, and elimination of distractorsPaper 6 (ATP):
Data interpretation, experimental logic, and source-of-error analysis
Key Message for High Grades
Students aiming for Grade 9 (A*) must be entered for the Extended syllabus and prepare with a strategy that integrates:
syllabus coverage
exam-style practice
and regular performance analysis
🎯 Achieving Grade 9 (A*) is not about covering more content — it is about studying the syllabus at the correct depth and applying it under exam conditions.
Many high-achieving students benefit from personalised guidance to align syllabus coverage with exam strategy.
Who is this course for?
This IGCSE Chemistry syllabus guide is designed for:
• Students studying Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (Core or Extended)
• Students aiming for Grade 9 / A* and top exam performance
• Learners who want to understand what is examined — not just what is taught
• Students planning to continue with IB, A-Level or AP Chemistry
• Parents who want a clear overview of the syllabus and assessment structure
• Students who feel confident with theory but struggle with exam-style questions and application
Note on Exam Boards
This syllabus guide is based on the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0971 / 0620) specification.
While Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry follows a similar topic structure, assessment formats and depth may differ.