Cambrıdge IGCSE Chemıstry Syllabus (0620 / 0971)
IGCSE Chemistry Syllabus 2026–2028
Core & Extended + Grade 9 Strategy
Complete breakdown of the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry syllabus for 2026–2028. Core vs Extended, full topic list, paper structure, practical skills, and a step-by-step Grade 9 (A*) strategy.
In this syllabus guide
What is included in IGCSE Chemistry syllabus?
The IGCSE Chemistry syllabus includes 12 main topics covering physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry. Key areas include atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, energetics, electrochemistry, and organic reactions.
IGCSE Chemistry Syllabus: Quick Overview
📘 Core (C–G)
Basic concepts, simpler calculations, Papers 1 & 3. Solid foundation in chemistry.
🎯 Extended (A*–C)
Advanced topics, multi-step calculations, Papers 2 & 4. Required for IB / A-Level.
📝 Assessment
MCQ + Theory + Practical/ATP. Each paper tests different skills.
📄 Official Cambridge Syllabus 2026–2028
Complete IGCSE Chemistry (0620) syllabus – Core & Extended, all topics, assessment objectives, and paper details. Free download.
CORE vs EXTENDED: What is the Difference?
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. Students entered for Core cannot achieve grades A or A*, regardless of performance.
📘 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*–C. Requires deeper conceptual understanding, multi-step calculations, and exam-style reasoning.
| Aspect | Core | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| Target Grades | C to G | A* to G |
| Mathematical Demand | Basic calculations | Complex calculations, mole concept, gas volumes |
| Depth of Content | Understanding and describing concepts | Detailed explanations, deeper conceptual understanding |
| Stoichiometry | Simple reacting mass calculations | Full mole concept, gas volumes, solution calculations |
| Chemical Bonding | Basic descriptions | Explanation of properties using bonding and structure |
| Electrochemistry | Identification of products | Prediction with half-equations and reasoning |
| Energetics | Exothermic/endothermic recognition | Energy profile diagrams, bond energy calculations |
| Organic Chemistry | Functional groups, basic reactions | Reaction pathways, conditions, extended questions |
| Exam Papers | Paper 1 + Paper 3 + Paper 5/6 | Paper 2 + Paper 4 + Paper 5/6 |
| IB / A-Level Preparation | Limited | Strong and appropriate |
📌 Which Level Should You Choose? (Decision Guide)
✅ Choose CORE if:
• Aiming for grades C–G
• Need solid fundamentals without excessive maths
• Multi-step calculations are challenging
• Chemistry not required for IB/A-Level
• Want a qualification demonstrating basic scientific literacy
✅ Choose EXTENDED if:
• Targeting A*, A or B (9–7)
• Confident with algebra, ratios, graphs
• Planning IB Chemistry, A-Level Chemistry, or science-related field
• Comfortable applying concepts, not just memorising
• Want stronger preparation for analytical problem solving
⚡ Critical Decision: Core or Extended?
Choosing the wrong level can cost you grades. In a free 40-minute trial lesson, we'll assess your level and guide you to the right path.
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Assessment Structure: Papers 1–6
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry is assessed through a combination of written examination papers and a practical component. Each paper is designed to assess different skills: knowledge, application, and experimental understanding.
🟢 Core Papers
Paper 1 – Multiple Choice
Tests knowledge and understanding of the Core syllabus (45 min, 40 marks).
Paper 3 – Theory
Structured and extended response questions based on Core content (1h 15min, 80 marks).
🟡 Extended Papers
Paper 2 – Multiple Choice
Covers both Core and Extended content (45 min, 40 marks).
Paper 4 – Theory
Requires deeper conceptual understanding and advanced problem-solving (1h 15min, 80 marks).
🔵 Practical Assessment (All Students)
Paper 5 – Practical Test
Hands-on laboratory examination assessing experimental skills (1h 15min, 40 marks).
Paper 6 – Alternative to Practical (ATP)
Written paper testing practical knowledge, experimental techniques, and data interpretation (1h, 40 marks). Schools choose either Paper 5 or Paper 6.
📊 Grade Weighting
Multiple Choice: 30%
Theory: 50%
Practical/ATP: 20%
📚 Full Topic List – IGCSE Chemistry (0620)
The syllabus balances fundamental chemical knowledge, quantitative calculation skills, and analytical thinking. Depth varies between Core and Extended levels.
🟢 Physical Chemistry
- 1. States of Matter – particle model, changes of state, diffusion, heating/cooling curves (Extended)
- 2. Atoms, Elements & Compounds – atomic structure, isotopes, electronic configuration, ionic/covalent/metallic bonding
- 3. Stoichiometry – balancing equations, mole concept, reacting masses, gas volumes, solutions (Extended)
- 4. Electrochemistry – electrolysis, half-equations, predicting products, electroplating
- 5. Chemical Energetics – exothermic/endothermic, energy level diagrams, bond energy calculations (Extended)
- 6. Chemical Reactions – rates of reaction, reversible reactions, equilibrium, redox (electron transfer)
- 7. Acids, Bases & Salts – pH, neutralization, preparation of salts, strong vs weak (Extended)
🟡 Inorganic Chemistry
- 8. Periodic Table – trends across periods, Group I, Group VII, noble gases, transition elements
- 9. Metals – reactivity series, extraction, corrosion, rust prevention, alloys
- 10. Chemistry of the Environment – water purification, air pollution, fertilisers, greenhouse effect
🔵 Organic Chemistry
- 11. Organic Chemistry – alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, polymers, reaction pathways (Extended)
- 12. Experimental Techniques & Analysis – chromatography, titration, qualitative analysis of ions and gases
📌 Extended students must cover all topics in greater depth, including organic mechanisms, advanced stoichiometry, detailed energetics, and explanation of properties using bonding models.
To truly master these topics, consistent practice is essential. You can access real exam questions in our IGCSE Chemistry past papers collection.
📄 Practice with Real Exam Questions
Download IGCSE Chemistry past papers and start practicing with real exam questions.
Practical Skills & Alternative to Practical (Paper 6)
Practical skills are a core component of 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 apparatus and techniques
• Chemical tests, observations, safety procedures
⚠️ Why Practical Skills Matter
• Practical-based questions appear across multiple papers
• Strong practical understanding improves theory paper performance
• Many students lose marks due to weak data interpretation, not weak theory
• Mastery of practical skills is essential for Grade 9 (A*) performance
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.
→ IGCSE Chemistry Tutoring🎯 Grade 9 (A*) Strategy
Achieving Grade 9 (A*) in IGCSE Chemistry is not about covering more content — it is about studying the syllabus at the correct depth and applying it under exam conditions.
📌 Key Requirements for Grade 9
• 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, structured answers
Paper 2 (MCQ): Speed, accuracy, elimination of distractors
Paper 6 (ATP): Data interpretation, experimental logic, source-of-error analysis
🎯 Build Your Grade 9 (A*) Strategy
One-to-one guidance for Paper 4, Paper 2, and Paper 6. Past paper analysis, mark scheme interpretation, and personalized feedback.
Who is this syllabus guide 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
✓ Students who feel confident with theory but struggle with exam-style questions
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Core and Extended?
Core covers fundamental content and is designed for students targeting grades C–G. Extended includes additional depth, more complex calculations, and is required for students aiming for A*–C grades. Only Extended students can achieve A* or A grades.
Can I switch from Core to Extended during the course?
Yes, but it requires significant catch-up. It is safer to start preparing at Extended level and move down if needed, rather than the reverse.
How many papers do I take for IGCSE Chemistry?
All students take 3 papers: one Multiple Choice, one Theory, and one Practical (either Paper 5 laboratory test or Paper 6 Alternative to Practical). Core students take Papers 1, 3, and 5/6; Extended students take Papers 2, 4, and 5/6.
What is Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical)?
Paper 6 is a written exam that tests practical skills without requiring a laboratory. It includes data interpretation, experimental design, identification of variables, error analysis, and chemical tests.
How can I achieve Grade 9 (A*)?
Enter for Extended, master the full syllabus, practice past papers under timed conditions, study examiner reports, and focus on Paper 4 depth, Paper 2 speed, and Paper 6 data interpretation. Personalised guidance can significantly improve outcomes.
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