How Long Do A Level Exams Last?: Full Breakdown

If you’re busy planning your revision schedule, you might be wondering, “How long do A Level exams last?” Knowing what to expect will be crucial for effective preparation. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the typical exam lengths for each subject so you can start your revision with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Most A Level exams last between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on your subject and exam board.

• You'll typically sit 2-3 papers per subject across your exam period.

• Maths and sciences generally have shorter papers (1.5-2 hours), whilst humanities often have longer papers (2.5-3 hours).

• AS Level exams are shorter than A Levels, usually lasting 1.5-2 hours per paper.

Overview of A Level Exam Durations

A Level exam durations typically range from 1.5 to 3 hours per paper, but the exact timing depends on your subject and which exam board your school uses.

Bear in mind that A Level subjects require you to sit 2-3 separate papers. This means you'll spend roughly 4-9 hours in total taking exams for each subject you're studying.

Exam lengths do tend to vary. A specific exam’s length  depends on what it assesses. Subjects with lots of calculations might need less time per question, whilst essay-based subjects require longer periods for you to develop your arguments properly.

Subject-by-Subject A Level Exam Timings

Let's dive into the exam durations for popular A Level subjects by exam board, including AQA (opens in a new tab), Edexcel (opens in a new tab), OCR (opens in a new tab), and WJEC (opens in a new tab).* Remember, these timings can change slightly each year, so always check your school's specific timetable.

A Level Maths

A Level Further Maths

A Level Chemistry

A Level Biology

A Level Physics

A Level English Literature

A Level English Language

A Level History

A Level Geography

A Level Religious Studies

A Level Business

A Level Economics

A Level Computer Science

A Level Psychology

A Level Sociology

A Level Spanish

A Level French

A Level German

* WJEC A Level qualifications are awarded after completing the AS element and A Level element of the course. The tables above only include the A Level papers of the WJEC courses.

What Are the Average AS Level Exam Timings?

AS Level exams are generally shorter than their full A Level counterparts. This makes sense since you're covering less content and the assessment is less demanding.

Most AS Level papers last between 1.5 and 2 hours. You'll typically sit 2 papers instead of the 3 required for full A Levels.

Here are some typical AS Level timings:

• AS Maths: Two 1 hour 30 minute papers

• AS Chemistry: Two 1 hour 30 minute papers plus one 2 hour paper

• AS English Literature: Two papers of 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours each

• AS History: Two 1 hour 30 minute papers

The shorter duration reflects the reduced content coverage, but don't let this fool you into thinking AS exams are easy. You still need solid preparation and good time management. Keen to find out more about AS Levels? Check out our handy guide that explores the difference between AS and A Levels.

Time Management Tips For Long A Level Exams

Sitting through a 3-hour exam can feel overwhelming. Here are practical strategies to help you manage your time effectively:

• Plan your essays before writing: Spend 5-10 minutes at the start of each exam planning each essay question. A clear structure will save you time and help your writing flow better. Try not to skip this step, even when you're feeling rushed.

• Allocate time per question based on marks: Use the mark allocation as your guide. If a question is worth 25 marks out of 100, it should get roughly 25% of your exam time. Write this timing next to each question at the start.

• Practice with past papers under exam conditions: There's no substitute for timed practice. Set aside proper 2-3 hour blocks to complete the past papers available at Save My Exams and explore the exam specification section of our Learning Hub to get to grips with exactly what you need to know for each subject. 

• Take care of your stamina: Long exams are as much about endurance as knowledge. In the weeks before exams, make sure you're getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating well. During the exam, use any natural breaks (like turning pages) to briefly stretch your hand and refocus.

• Use reading time wisely: Many exam boards give you 5-15 minutes of reading time. Use this to plan your approach. Don’t start writing. Read all questions, decide your order, and make rough time allocations.

• Don't get stuck on difficult questions: If you're stuck on a question, move on. Come back to it at the end if you have time. It's better to attempt all questions reasonably well than to perfect one while leaving others blank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Longest A Level Exam?

The longest A Level exams are typically English Literature and Religious Studies. Some of these papers reach 3 hours.

These marathon exams test your stamina as much as your knowledge. The key is building up your concentration through practice and making sure you're physically prepared.

Are A Level Exams Longer Than GCSEs?

Yes, A Level exams are generally longer than GCSE exams. Most GCSE papers last 1-2 hours, whilst A Level papers typically run for 1.5-3 hours.

This reflects the increased depth and complexity of A Level content. You're expected to write longer, more detailed responses and tackle more challenging questions.

Can You Get Extra Time in A Level Exams?

Students with certain learning difficulties, disabilities, or medical conditions may be eligible for extra time in exams. Our comprehensive overview of how to get extra time in A Level exams digs a little deeper, but common allowances include:

• 25% extra time (most common)

• 50% extra time (for more severe difficulties)

• Rest breaks during the exam

• Use of a computer instead of handwriting

Your school's SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) can help you apply for these accommodations. You'll need recent evidence from educational psychologists or medical professionals.

How Do NEAs Affect Exam Length?

Non-Examined Assessments (NEAs) don't directly affect the length of your written exams. However, subjects with substantial coursework components might have fewer or shorter exam papers.

For example, some A Level subjects allocate 20-30% of marks to coursework, which means the final exams carry less weight. Always check your specific subject requirements, as this varies between exam boards and subjects.

The NEA work is completed over several months during your course, not during the exam period itself.

Final Thoughts

A-level exam lengths can look pretty intimidating at first, but once you know what to expect from your exam board, they’re a lot less scary. 

The key is to use past papers, practise working to time, get comfortable with the structure, and use Save My Exams revision notes to boost your exam confidence. If you go in prepared, those hours in the exam hall will feel way more manageable.

References

AQA - A Level Subject Guidance (opens in a new tab)

OCR - A Level Subject Guidance (opens in a new tab)

Edexcel - A Level Subject Guidance (opens in a new tab)

WJEC - A Level Subject Guidance (opens in a new tab)