How Many IGCSE History Papers Are There?

If you’re studying IGCSE History, you might be wondering how many exam papers you’ll have and what exactly they’ll test you on. While specifications offer this information, they’re often 30-60 pages long and full of jargon that you really don’t need.

There are two main exam boards currently offering IGCSE History: Cambridge (opens in a new tab) – which has two compulsory papers and a choice between coursework or an alternative to coursework – and Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab), which has two papers.

This article offers a simple breakdown for both exam boards on what each paper covers, the format, and whether or not it’s compulsory.

Key Takeaways

• Cambridge IGCSE requires you to sit three papers, whereas Pearson Edexcel requires you to sit two

• Both exam boards have two compulsory papers, but Cambridge also offers a coursework option

• Prepare for your IGCSE History exams using a variety of methods and resources, including our revision pages

IGCSE History Assessment Structure Explained

Both Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE History are linear qualifications, which means you’ll sit all your exams at the end of Year 11. Cambridge offers a coursework option, whereas Pearson Edexcel is all exam-based.

Both exam boards feature depth studies – shorter periods of world history where you get to explore specific events, regions, or periods – and questions based on sources.

Cambridge includes core content, which is similar to Pearson Edexcel’s breadth studies.

How Many Exam Papers Are There For IGCSE History?

Cambridge IGCSE History requires you to sit three papers, with a choice of the final one:

1) Paper 1: Structured Questions – compulsory
2) Paper 2: Document Questions – compulsory
3) Paper 3: Coursework – optional
4) Paper 4: Alternative to Coursework – optional

So all Cambridge IGCSE students sit Paper 1 and Paper 2, but there is then a choice between Paper 3 or Paper 4.

Edexcel IGCSE History requires you to sit two papers:

1) Paper 1: Depth Studies – compulsory
2) Paper 2: Investigation & Breadth Studies – compulsory

All Pearson Edexcel students sit Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Breakdown by Exam Board

Cambridge IGCSE History

The table below provides an overview of each paper for the 2024-2026 syllabus (opens in a new tab):

You’ll study one core content option and at least one depth study from the lists below:

• Core Content

  • Option A: The 19th century: the development of modern nation states, 1848–1914

  • Option B: The 20th century: international relations from 1919

• Depth Studies

  • The First World War, 1914–18

  • Germany, 1918–45

  • Russia, 1905–41

  • The United States, 1919–41

  • The Second World War in Europe and the Asia–Pacific, 1939–c.1945

Pearson Edexcel IGCSE History

The table below provides an overview of each paper for the current specification: (opens in a new tab)

You’ll study at least two depth studies, one investigation and one breadth study from the lists below:

• Depth Studies

  • The French Revolution, c1780–99

  • Development of a nation: unification of Italy, 1848–70

  • Germany: development of dictatorship, 1918–45

  • Colonial rule and the nationalist challenge in India, 1919–47

  • Dictatorship and conflict in the USSR, 1924–53

  • A world divided: superpower relations, 1943–72

  • A divided union: civil rights in the USA, 1945–74

  • South Africa: from union to the end of apartheid, 1948–94

• Investigations

  • The origins and course of the First World War, 1905–18

  • Russia and the Soviet Union, 1905–24

  • The USA, 1918–41

  • The Vietnam Conflict, 1945–75

  • East Germany, 1958–90.

• Breadth Studies

  • America: from new nation to divided union, 1783–1877

  • Changes in medicine, c1848–c1948

  • Japan in transformation, 1853–1945

  • China: conflict, crisis and change, 1900–89

  • The changing role of international organisations: the league and the UN, 1919–c2011

  • The changing nature of warfare and international conflict, 1919–2011

  • The Middle East: conflict, crisis and change, 1917–2012

  • Diversity, rights and equality in Britain, 1914–2010

For more information on the topics for both exam boards, see our page on IGCSE History Topics by Exam Board: Full List.

Tips for Preparing for IGCSE History Papers

• Use a variety of different revision methods

  • Right up to university level, I used podcasts to help me revise for History, including Mr Allsop History (opens in a new tab). He gave some great advice: instead of relying on one revision method, use a mixture of the following:

    • Timelines to show causes and their effects, e.g. the Treaty of Versailles

    • Tables to compare different historical figures or events, e.g. the aims of the Big Three at Versailles

    • Mind maps to show connections between topics pertaining to a specific theme, e.g. changes to the role of women in 1920s America

• Practise analysing sources

  • Since many of my students find source analysis especially difficult, I refer them to tips and common pitfalls on source questions in our guide on how to get an A* in IGCSE History

• Read examiner reports

  • Find out what mistakes to avoid and what other students did well by reading what examiners have said

  • Here’s a sample examiner report from Cambridge (opens in a new tab) and one from Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab)

• Use Save My Exams

  • Use our Cambridge revision notes to help you revise the key facts

  • Complete past papers, even if it’s just essay plans, and assess how you did against the mark schemes

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all IGCSE History papers compulsory?

It depends on your exam board.

For Cambridge, Papers 1 and 2 are both compulsory. Paper 3 and Paper 4 are optional because you only choose one of them.

For Pearson Edexcel, Paper 1 and Paper 2 – which together make up the whole of your IGCSE – are both compulsory.

Do the papers have equal weighting?

Cambridge does not have equal weighting: Paper 1 is worth 40% of your IGCSE, but the other papers are worth 30% each.

Pearson Edexcel does have equal weighting: Paper 1 and Paper 2 are both worth 50% of your IGCSE.

Can I resit individual IGCSE History papers?

IGCSE resits usually require you to resit all papers. Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab) makes it clear that in order to try for a higher grade, you need to retake all exams.

If you complete the Cambridge coursework component, you may be able to carry forward (opens in a new tab) your marks within a 13-month period. Check with your teacher to be sure.

References

• Cambridge IGCSE History (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE History: 2024 Examiner Report (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE History: 2024-2026 Syllabus (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE History: 2027-2028 Syllabus (opens in a new tab)

• Mr Allsop History (opens in a new tab)

• Pearson Edexcel IGCSE History (opens in a new tab)

• Pearson Edexcel IGCSE History: 2024 Examiner Report (opens in a new tab)

• Pearson Edexcel IGCSE History: Specification (opens in a new tab)