How Many IGCSE Chemistry Papers Are There?

Planning your IGCSE Chemistry revision? Confused about how many papers you'll actually sit? You're not alone!

The number of Chemistry papers depends on:

• Your exam board:

  • Cambridge IGCSE

  • Edexcel International GCSE

  • Oxford AQA International GCSE

• Your Science choice:

  • Chemistry

  • Combined Science

  • Co-ordinated Science

  • Science (Double Award)

Don't worry though, once you know the structure, it's actually quite straightforward.

Quick Answer: IGCSE Chemistry and Science Exam Overview

Chemistry only courses

• Edexcel (4CH1): 2 papers

• Oxford AQA (9202): 2 papers

• Cambridge (0620 / 0971): 3 papers 

  • (MCQ, Theory and Practical OR Alternative to Practical)

Science courses (that include Biology, Chemistry and Physics content)

• Cambridge Combined Science (0653): 3 papers total 

• Cambridge Co-ordinated Sciences (0654 / 0973): 3 papers total

• Edexcel Science Double Award (4SD0): 3 papers total 

• Edexcel Science Single Award (4SS0): 3 papers total

• Oxford AQA Combined Science (9204): 3 papers total 

Summary of Grading 

If you are unsure which course you are on, check the syllabus code on your school’s entry information or ask your teacher. 

The code decides both the number of papers and how your grades are reported.

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry courses

Cambridge offers different versions of IGCSE Science. Which one you take will decide how many Chemistry papers you sit and how your grade is reported:

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620 / 0971)

• You take 3 Chemistry papers:

  Paper	Duration	Marks	Focus
  Paper 1 (Core MCQ) / Paper 2 (Extended MCQ)	45 minutes	40	Multiple-choice questions (recall & application)
  Paper 3 (Core Theory) / Paper 4 (Extended Theory)	1 hour 15	80	Structured questions, explanations, calculations
  Paper 5 (Practical Test) OR Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical)	Paper 5: 1 hour 15 Paper 6: 1 hour	Paper 5: 40 Paper 6: 40	Experimental skills, data handling, evaluation

• Tiered entry: 

  • Core: up to grade 5 (9 - 1 scale) / up to grade C (A* - G scale)

  • Extended: full grade range available

• Award: 

  • One IGCSE Chemistry grade.

Cambridge IGCSE Sciences - Co-ordinated (Double) (0654 / 0973)

• You take 3 Science papers, each testing Biology, Chemistry and Physics content

• Tiered entry: 

  • Core (grades CC to GG) 

  • Extended (grades A*A* to GG).

• Award: 

  • Two IGCSE Co-ordinated Science grades.

For Core and Extended tiers in all courses, you’ll sit either Paper 5 (Practical Test) or Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical). Your school decides which option you take.

What is covered in each paper?

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620 / 0971)

Paper 1 / 2 (Multiple Choice)

• Quick recall and application of Core (Paper 1) or Core + Extended (Paper 2) topics.

Paper 3 / 4 (Theory) 

• Structured questions testing explanations, calculations, and problem-solving. 

• Paper 4 includes more advanced concepts and synoptic questions.

Paper 5 (Practical Test) 

• Hands-on lab assessment of experimental and analytical skills.

Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical) 

• Written assessment of the same practical skills

• The focus is on experiment design, data handling, and evaluation.

For a full breakdown of Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry topics, see our “IGCSE Chemistry Topics by Exam Board: Full List” article

Cambridge IGCSE Sciences - Co-ordinated (Double) (0654 / 0973)

Co-ordinated Sciences (0654 / 0973) tests Biology, Chemistry, and Physics content, though in less depth than taking the individual science courses.

For a full breakdown of Cambridge IGCSE Sciences - Co-ordinated (Double) topics, see our “IGCSE Science Topics by Exam Board: Full List” article

Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry and Science courses

Edexcel offers Chemistry as a separate subject and as part of Science awards.

Which one you take will decide how many Chemistry papers you sit and how your grade is reported:

Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — Separate Chemistry

• You take 2 Chemistry papers:

• Tiered entry: 

  • There is no tiering, so all students sit the same papers.

• Award: 

  • One IGCSE Chemistry grade (9–1).

What is covered in each paper?

Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (4CH1)

Paper 1C

• This paper covers core physical and inorganic chemistry. 

• It has a focus on atomic structure, bonding, energetics, rates, equilibria, acids and bases, metals, air & water. 

• There is a strong emphasis on calculations and structured explanations.

Paper 2C

• This paper covers organic and analytical chemistry, plus more advanced physical chemistry. 

• It includes data handling, extended response, and practical/experimental skills.

Edexcel International GCSE in Science (Double Award) (4SD0)

• You take 3 exam papers:

• Tiered entry: 

  • There is no tiering, so all students sit the same papers.

• Award: 

  • Two IGCSE Science grades (e.g. 8-8, 7-6).

For a full breakdown of Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry topics, see our “IGCSE Chemistry Topics by Exam Board: Full List” article

Edexcel International GCSE Science — Double Award (4SD0) & Single Award (4SS0)

Both Science (Double Award) tests Biology, Chemistry, and Physics content, but in less depth than the Separate Sciences.

For a full breakdown of Cambridge IGCSE Sciences - Co-ordinated (Double) topics, see our “IGCSE Science Topics by Exam Board: Full List” article

Oxford AQA International GCSE Chemistry and Combined Science courses

Oxford AQA offers Chemistry as a separate subject and as part of Science awards. Which one you take will decide how many Chemistry papers you sit and how your grade is reported:

Oxford AQA IGCSE Chemistry (9202)

• You take 2 Chemistry papers:

• Tiered entry: 

  • There is no tiering, so all students sit the same papers.

• Award: 

  • One IGCSE Chemistry grade (9–1).

Oxford AQA International GCSE Combined Science Double Award (9204)

• You take 3 exam papers:

• Tiered entry: 

  • There is no tiering, so all students sit the same papers.

• Award: 

  • Two IGCSE Science grades (e.g. 8-8, 7-6).

What is covered in each paper?

Oxford AQA IGCSE Chemistry (9202)

Paper 1

• This paper can assess any part of the Chemistry syllabus. 

• It includes a mix of structured and open-response questions (no multiple choice).

• Practical and investigative skills are assessed within the paper.

Paper 2

• This paper also covers the full Chemistry syllabus, with the same format and weighting as Paper 1.

There is no official separation of topics between Paper 1 and Paper 2. So, both papers can test the entire course.

Oxford AQA IGCSE Combined Science Double Award (9204)

Combined Science tests Biology, Chemistry, and Physics content, but in less depth than the Separate Sciences.

How to Revise for Each IGCSE Chemistry Paper

Multiple Choice Papers (e.g. Cambridge Papers 1 & 2, Edexcel Paper 1C section)

These papers are all about quick recall and sharp thinking. You don’t have much time per question, so efficiency is key.

How to revise:

• Drill key terms and definitions 

  • Make flashcards for things like chemical tests, formulae, and important vocabulary.

• Practice spotting distractors 

  • Examiners love to include one or two answers that look right but aren’t. Get used to ruling out wrong options fast.

• Do timed practice 

  • Set yourself short bursts (10–15 minutes) of past paper MCQs to build speed and accuracy.

• Watch the calculations 

  • MCQs often hide a maths trap. Always double-check units and significant figures.

Theory Papers (all boards: Cambridge Papers 3 & 4, Edexcel Papers 1C & 2C, Oxford AQA Papers 1 & 2)

This is where you need to explain, calculate, and apply your knowledge. Questions can range from short definitions to extended problem-solving.

How to revise:

• Work on clear explanations 

  • Practise writing in full sentences, using correct scientific language. 

  • Avoid vague phrases like “it reacts” 

  • Be precise (e.g. “hydrogen gas is released”).

• Get confident with diagrams 

  • Draw dot-and-cross structures, apparatus set-ups, and organic molecules. 

  • Make sure they’re neat and properly labelled.

• Practise chemical equations 

  • Balance equations until it becomes second nature. 

  • Don’t forget state symbols when asked.

• Tackle calculations 

  • Molar mass, concentration and gas volume questions are regular favourites.

  • Always show your working for method marks.

• Mix up your revision 

  • Switch between short-answer practice and extended response questions so you can handle both under timed conditions.

Practical Papers (Cambridge Paper 5 or 6, Edexcel/Oxford AQA practical skills)

Practical exams check how well you understand experiments and data. Even if you’re not in a lab (e.g. Paper 6: Alternative to Practical), you still need to show you know how experiments work.

How to revise:

• Learn the classic experiments that often appear

  • Titrations

  • Gas tests

  • Flame tests

  • Chromatography

  • Electrolysis

• Practise data handling 

  • Work through past papers where you have to interpret tables, graphs, and results.

• Know your tests 

  • Memorise the colours and results for cation/anion tests, flame colours, and gas identification.

• Understand “errors and improvements” 

  • Practise suggesting ways to make experiments more reliable (e.g. repeat readings, control variables).

• Safety first 

  • Know your lab safety symbols, e.g. corrosive, irritant

  • Be aware of common precautions, like wearing goggles and handling acids carefully.

  • These small marks can add up.

Final Thoughts

The number of Chemistry papers you'll sit isn't as complicated as it first seems. Once you know your exam board and whether you're taking Chemistry or Science, the structure becomes crystal clear.

Remember, there are plenty of revision tools on offer to help you prepare. Save My Exams offers a variety of resources to help you succeed in IGCSE Chemistry, from practice papers and mark schemes to topic questions and flashcards. By using these tools, you can maximise your revision efforts and boost your chances of achieving top grades.

Start exploring our resources today and feel ready to tackle your IGCSE Chemistry exams:

Explore IGCSE Chemistry Revision Resources

References:

CIE IGCSE Chemistry (0620) specification (opens in a new tab)
CIE IGCSE Chemistry (0971) specification (opens in a new tab)
Cambridge IGCSE Sciences - Co-ordinated (Double) (0654) specification (opens in a new tab)
Cambridge IGCSE Sciences - Co-ordinated (Double) (0973) specification (opens in a new tab)

Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) specification (opens in a new tab)
Edexcel International GCSE Science (Double Award) (9–1) (4SD0) specification (opens in a new tab)
Oxford AQA IGCSE Chemistry (9202) specification (opens in a new tab)
Oxford AQA IGCSE Combined Science (9204) specification (opens in a new tab)

Is IGCSE Chemistry Hard
How to Revise for IGCSE Chemistry
IGCSE Chemistry Topics by Exam Board: Full List
IGCSE Science Topics by Exam Board: Full List
What is IGCSE Chemistry? Student Overview